Homeoprophylaxis for Overseas Travellers:
Homeopathy has a lot to offer in protecting against a great number of diseases. So if you feel strongly against immunisations, consider the homeopathic alternatives. When you travel abroad, your GP will be able to tell you which immunisations you need.
Disclaimer: Any information obtained here is not to be construed as medical OR legal advice. The decision to vaccinate and how you implement that decision is yours and yours alone. The evidence for the efficacy of homeopathic immunisation is 'anecdotal'. That means it is based on individuals' reports past and present. For more on evidence, please go to the immunisation section.
Diseases and the homeopathic alternative:
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you a good feel for effective homeopathic alternatives.
1. Cholera:
Is a disease of the gastro-intestinal tract, occurs in epidemics. It is spread by faecally contaminated food and water, and by flies. Incubation period is 2-5 days. Symptoms are: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and severe watery diarrhoea.
Homeopathic prophylaxis:
Cholera 30 (nosode): One prior to travelling and once a week during an outbreak.
OR:
Cuprum 30: Once a week during an outbreak.
2. Hepatitis:
Infectious hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver associated with virus infection. Three strains have been identified: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (not dealt with here). Hep A is usually transmitted via food and drink contaminated with infected faecal matter; it is most common in areas where sanitation is poor. Incubation period is 3-6 weeks. It is nearly always a self-limiting disease with a complete recovery.
Hepatitis B (also known as serum hepatitis) is contracted via inadequately sterilised syringes and needles, poor surgical techniques or sexual contact. Incubation period is 3-6 months.
Symptoms of hepatitis: develop over a few days and are marked by a loss of appetite and nausea. General feeling of malaise and headache. After a few days urine becomes dark and faeces pale. Jaundice develops (conjunctiva of eyes and skin yellow).
Homeopathic prophylaxis:
Hepatitis A 30: Once a week in high risk areas.
Hepatitis B: Three doses 12 hours apart following a high-risk incident such as dubious injection or operation.
Herbal Prophylaxis:
Chelidonium: Particularly useful when travelling in high risk areas or if you know your liver function is poor. Take 5 drops of the tincture in as little water 3 times a day during travel.
3. Malaria:
Four species of the malarial parasite infect man, and mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, which flourish in tropical and subtropical countries, carry them all.
The most effective way to avoid malaria is to prevent you from being bitten by mosquitoes; wear protective clothing, use insect repellents and sleep under a mosquito net.
The main symptoms of malaria are: headache, fever and rigour (shivering fit). Jaundice and general malaise may develop. A blood test should be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Homeopathic prophylaxis:
Malaria 30 (nosode): Once a week in high risk areas. Continue for 4 weeks after leaving a high-risk area.
And
Artemisia Vulgaris 6C: Take once a day for the other 6 days of the week in high-risk areas. Continue for 2 weeks after leaving a high-risk area.
Since the year 2000 there have been trials going on to test the efficacy of a homeopathic Neem tincture for the treatment and prevention of malaria. For more information click this link:
www.globalresourcealliance.org/TEXT/Neempaper.pdf
(promising initial results, ultimately inconclusive).
http://www.dzvhae.com/portal/loader.php?navigation=43448&org=36300&seite=43508
http://d-n-h.org/Malaria Research - HWB.pdf
4. Tetanus:
Tetanus is caused by bacteria, which usually enter the body through wounds, esp. deep penetrating wounds, e.g. from a nail. Cleaning wounds thoroughly, esp. if infected with soil is of the utmost importance in preventing the disease.
Main symptoms are: Severe muscular spasms that usually start in the jaw muscles, causing difficulties in opening the mouth - lockjaw.
Homeopathic prophylaxis:
Clostridium tetani 30 (nosode): Take once a week during high-risk activities, i.e. trekking, mountaineering, exploring. Or one dose twice a week following a deep, penetrating wound
Or:
Ledum 30: One dose three times in one week following any suspect wound or animal bite.
5. Typhoid:
Typhoid (enteric fever) is a disease of poor hygiene, being transmitted via the ingestion of contaminated food or water. It is most common in the tropics and subtropics. The disease organism affects the small intestine and whilst the symptoms are variable they generally begin with a fever and later severe diarrhoea develops.
Homeopathic prophylaxis:
Salmonella typhi 30 (nosode): Once a week when travelling in high-risk areas.
6. Yellow Fever:
Yellow fever is a viral disease endemic to tropical and subtropical Africa and America and with epidemics occurring elsewhere on occasion. It is transmitted by the bites of certain mosquitoes. The incubation period is 3-6 days.
Homeopathic prophylaxis:
Yellow fever 30 (nosode): Once a week whilst travelling in endemic regions or one dose three times a week during an epidemic.
