It is hot and humid. The trees are in full bloom, and fruits and vegetables are in full harvest. The days are long and bright, and the nights are alive with fireflies and activity. It is summer.

In addition to the joys and highlights of this time of year, there are also some potential irritants and health concerns that become more prominent in the summer. With the increased vegetation of summer, comes more insects (and insect bites). With the increase in warmth comes a greater possibility for dehydration. With the increased sunshine comes a higher potential for sunburn. There are many commonly known treatments for these maladies of summer, but there are also some lesser known natural remedies that complementary medicine has to offer.

Just as people like to eat outdoors more in the summer, insects also like to picnic outside….it’s just that people are sometimes part of the insect’s feast.  There are many different types of insect bites, and they range in seriousness from small discomforts to life threatening reactions.  Some people are severely allergic to certain insect bites, and can have anaphylactic symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and possible respiratory or cardiovascular failure.  Anyone experiencing these symptoms following an insect bite should be taken immediately to an emergency room. 

Most insect bites, however, are relatively benign.  To address the pain and itching from the bite, vitamin C (up to 1000mg every few hours) and Bromelain (250-500 mg between meals) help to reduce histamine responses (reduce the itching and inflammation).  Licorice root, turmeric, and quercetin are herbs that taken internally can also help with the inflammation associated with severe insect bites. Applying grated raw potato or tea leaves to the insect bite can relieve swelling and reduce itching.  The tannin in the tea leaves helps to neutralize the insect venom.  Another household item that is great for insect bites (especially bee stings) is meat tenderizer.  A primary ingredient in meat tenderizer is bromelain.  Bromelain is an enzyme and it can be taken orally (see above). When it’s applied topically, it breaks down the venom proteins found in insect bites, which renders the poison harmless.

Homeopathic remedies such as Aconite, Apis mellifica, Belladonna, and Hypericum can be helpful for insect bites.  In addition, there are many topical homeopathic preparations that can provide some symptomatic relief.

The best remedy for insect bites is prevention.  Insect repelling herbs include citronella, lavender, pennyroyal, and eucalyptus.  You can mix essential oil preparations of these herbs (15 drops each)  with 1 oz almond or olive oil, and apply to your skin or clothes.  You can also rub the raw leave of any of these herbs on your skin, and the volatile oils that come off provide an effective repellent to insects.

Another common health concern in the summer is dehydration.  Dehydration is common in the summer not only due to the season’s increased temperature, but also because of the pervasive use of air-conditioning.  Most people are aware of the need for extra water when they are sweating a lot in the heat, but most folks don’t realize that they are getting almost equally dehydrated by air-conditioning.   Drinking enough water is the main thing you can do to ward off the increased threat of dehydration in the summer. How much water is enough? To better determine how much water you specifically need each day, divide your weight in half. Your answer is the approximate number of fluid ounces you should drink daily.  Paying attention to your thirst, however, is the ultimate gauge as to how much water you should drink.

If your dehydration is mainly related to increased perspiration due to the summer sun, it is also important to watch out for a possible mineral depletion.  Through perspiration, the body loses not only water, but also minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.  These minerals are called electrolytes, and they are essential for nerve and muscle function.  An excessive depletion of electrolytes can cause symptoms such as rapid and irregular heartbeat, and a loss of muscle function.  There are electrolyte replacement drinks (“sports drinks”) that can help to restore normal mineral balance.  If you wanted to make your own, Mark Mayell, author of “The Natural Health First-Aid Guide,” recommends combining one quart of water with two tablespoons of honey and one-half teaspoon of sea salt.

Another potential danger of the summer sun is sunburn. Besides the irritation and pain of turning a lobster-shade of red, people who suffer frequent sunburns throughout their life, increase their risk of skin cancer.  So, if you’re going to be out in the sun a lot,  wearing a hat and using sunscreen is recommended. If you do get a sunburn, aloe vera gel applied topically and a high oral dose of vitamin E can help cool the skin and speed recovery.  Lavender oil also is very soothing to sunburned skin, and in addition, it helps to prevent blistering.

Enjoy the summer!!!

Practitioner Profile
 Jeff Millison, M.Ac., L.Ac.