A few remedies from the treasure chest of homeopathy's first aid can help you avoid some pitfalls and maximize the adventure this summer.

#1 for Heat - Belladonna- Whenever heat sets you ablaze with flushed face or throbbing pain, a dose of this fast acting homeopathic remedy can stream line your body's efforts to stabilize itself, minimize the trauma and speed the recovery. In any of the classic homeopathic texts, this single remedy's application description read like a case of heat exposure - sudden throbbing headache, hot red cheeks and face, dilated pupils, dizziness, confusion, weakness, nausea, quickened pulse and eventually, collapse. It should be taken at the first sign of distress to help stimulate the body's defense mechanisms, especially if the skin is not sweating. Of course, all the basic first aid measures should be taken as well, even if symptoms are relieved.

While everyone might need Belladonna when in the grips of heat, other remedies apply to the headaches and other symptoms heat can induce.

Bryonia - As this remedy's symptoms take more time to be fully expressed, it offers much relief to headaches and achey symptoms that emerge slowly, or even hours or a day, after heat exposure. The headaches it relieves often begin with bursting frontal pain and intensify as they spread over the head. A dark quiet room and applied pressure provide some relief while motion, light, noise and company can be very aggravating.

Ferrum phos - As the anti-inflammatory cell salt, this remedy relieves heat related headaches (when temples and vertex throb or ache), plus weakness, fatigue, acute anemia and similar symptoms suggesting that the body is
over-taxed.

Lachesis - This very heat intense remedy can aid in recovery from excessive heat when hot flashes, hot sweats and hot heavy headaches persist.

Pulsatilla - People who tend to wilt in the heat but love fresh air often find a healthy balance in this remedy. It has a great affinity for gentle, affectionate, yielding individuals who become clingy and moody when health or sense of security are under stress. Too much heat can induce its pressing, nervous headahes and general fatigue as can PMS, hot flashes and fevers.

While the right remedy can greatly speed recovery, heat exposure can be a serious threat to your health and deserves time, re-hydration and, if symptoms persistent, professional attention.