SEASICKNESS AND “CRUISE SHIP” GASTROENTERITIS REMEDIES
SEASICKNESS:
Prevention:
Seasickness or motion sickness will certainly be affected by the terrain (or chemistry) of the
particular person’s system. Eating lightly will help a lot. If you are on a cruise and living it up,
with alcohol, rich foods, and desserts, of course your susceptibility will increase dramatically. If
you fast or eat lightly, drinking clear liquids and water, you will probably recover faster and
reoccurrences will be fewer.
If you fairly sure you will be sick, then prophylaxis is indicated. YOU COULD TAKE Tabacum
30C before the voyage. One homeopathic doctor gives Cocculus 30C 2 days before the voyage.
(Or, iF Petroleum or another remedy has been the cure previously for that person, use this
instead)
The choice of remedy to use depends upon the different symptoms which are exhibited.
If you have time to evaluate the details of the case, they are included below. If you want you can
try to give remedies in the order of most common first, second, etc.
If you see a very big improvement, and the symptoms return, don’t be shy to repeat the dosing
(even often) as needed. (even though they are 1M)
First Choice:
Petroleum: seasickness with occipital (back of head) headache is petroleum every time. (This
may distinguish it from Tabacum) Also, the sensation of nausea is better with eating, and
associated with a sinking feeling in the abdomen and a feeling of general coldness and or
coldness in the abdomen. Also Petroleum patients can be prone to giddiness when riding in
cars, trains and sailing.
Second Choice
Tabacum: Deathly incessant nausea, pallor (pale), vertigo with cold sweat, coldness, worse by
least motion and better on deck in fresh cold air. Sometimes coming in paroxysms (spells) and
sometimes covered in cold sweat. Nausea is worse with the smell of tobacco smoke, Terrible
faint sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach.
Third Choice
Cocculus: Vertigo is worse by looking at things in motion, agg the condition. Nausea and
Vertigo. Dizziness, also all is made much worse by motion. Very sensitive to motion. Motion of
an object moving past, agg the tremendous vertigo.
Last Choice
Nux Vomica: A deathly paleness and ineffectual attempts to vomit. Retching as if to vomit while
hawking mucous from fauces (throat).
REMEDIES:
PETROLEUM 30C 1M
TABACUM
30C 1M
COCCULUS
1M
NUX VOMICA
1M
VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS:
Most of the affected passengers appear to be have contracted a Norwalk-like virus, a contagious
food-borne virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
•
From a chat room:
Call it the Cruise Ship Coverup. The dirty secret behind the outbreak of stomach illness on 21
cruises this year is that the cause is other cruise ships in the narrow Caribbean shipping lanes.
The big ships routinely dump raw sewage into the ocean. Ships following behind then draw in the
polluted sea water for their desalinization plants, which take out the salt, but not all the bacteria.
Passengers are soon suffering from diarrhea and vomiting - even if they are careful and drink
only bottled water - because they are showering in sewage and brushing their teeth with it. “But
no one wants the public to know because it’s just too disgusting,” one nautical expert told us.
Viral Gastroenteritis
What is viral gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral
gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It
is often called the “stomach flu,” although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.
What causes viral gastroenteritis?
Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, adenoviruses,
caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Norwalk-like viruses. Viral gastroenteritis
is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli) or parasites (such as Giardia),
or by medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms may be similar. Your
doctor can determine if the diarrhea is caused by a virus or by something else.
What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?
The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. The affected person
may also have headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (“stomach ache”). In general, the
symptoms begin 1 to 2 days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis and may
last for 1 to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the illness.
Is viral gastroenteritis a serious illness?
For most people, it is not. People who get viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely
without any long-term problems. Gastroenteritis is a serious illness, however, for persons who are
unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhea. Infants,
young children, and persons who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or
elderly, are at risk for dehydration from loss of fluids. Immune compromised persons are at risk
for dehydration because they may get a more serious illness, with greater vomiting or diarrhea.
They may need to be hospitalized for treatment to correct or prevent dehydration.
Is the illness contagious? How are these viruses spread?
Yes, viral gastroenteritis is contagious. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through
close contact with infected persons (for example, by sharing food, water, or eating utensils).
Individuals may also become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages.
How does food get contaminated by gastroenteritis viruses?
Food may be contaminated by food preparers or handlers who have viral gastroenteritis,
especially if they do not wash their hands regularly after using the bathroom. Shellfish may be
contaminated by sewage, and persons who eat raw or undercooked shellfish harvested from
contaminated waters may get diarrhea. Drinking water can also be contaminated by sewage and
be a source of spread of these viruses.
Where and when does viral gastroenteritis occur?
Viral gastroenteritis affects people in all parts of the world. Each virus has its own seasonal
activity. For example, in the United States, rotavirus and astrovirus infections occur during the
cooler months of the year (October to April), whereas adenovirus infections occur throughout the
year. Viral gastroenteritis outbreaks can occur in institutional settings, such as schools, child care
facilities, and nursing homes, and can occur in other group settings, such as banquet halls, cruise
ships, dormitories, and campgrounds.
Who gets viral gastroenteritis?
Anyone can get it. Viral gastroenteritis occurs in people of all ages and backgrounds. However,
some viruses tend to cause diarrheal disease primarily among people in specific age groups.
Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children under 5
years old. Adenoviruses and astroviruses cause diarrhea mostly in young children, but older
children and adults can also be affected. Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are more likely to
cause diarrhea in older children and adults.
How is viral gastroenteritis diagnosed?
Generally, viral gastroenteritis is diagnosed by a physician on the basis of the symptoms and
medical examination of the patient. Rotavirus infection can be diagnosed by laboratory testing of
a stool specimen. Tests to detect other viruses that cause gastroenteritis are not in routine use.
How is viral gastroenteritis treated?
The most important of treating viral gastroenteritis in children and adults is to prevent severe loss
of fluids (dehydration). This treatment should begin at home. Your physician may give you
specific instructions about what kinds of fluid to give. CDC recommends that families with infants
and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home at all times and use
the solution when diarrhea first occurs in the child. ORS is available at pharmacies without a
prescription. Follow the written directions on the ORS package, and use clean or boiled water.
Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) and other treatments, should
be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician.
Can viral gastroenteritis be prevented?
Yes. Persons can reduce their chance of getting infected by frequent handwashing, prompt
disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners, and prompt
washing of soiled articles of clothing. If food or water is thought to be contaminated, it should be
avoided.
Is there a vaccine for viral gastroenteritis?
There is no vaccine or medicine currently available that prevents viral gastroenteritis. A vaccine is
being developed, however, that protects against severe diarrhea from rotavirus infection in infants
and young children.
For further information, please contact the Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, National
Center for Infectious Diseases, at 404-639-3577 (telephone) or 404-639-4960 (facsimile).
SOME TOP GASTROENTERITIS REMEDIES
ARSENICUM ALBUM
VERATRUM ALBUM
GAMBOGIA
PODOPHYLLUM
MERCURIUS SOL
SULPHUR
ARSENICUM : Arsenicum patients have a predisposition for gastroenteritis and food poisoning.
Diarrhea and vomiting may often occur simultaneously (also with Veratrum album ). The food
poisoning occurs usually from spoiled or questionable meat or moldy cheese. During these acute
conditions the patient may have an aversion to all food. Many times in acute conditions there is
nausea from the sight, smell or even the thought of food
Generals: anxiety, restlessness, thirsty for small sips frequently. Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
Stomach: Cannot bear the sight or smell of food. Great thirst, drinks much but little at a time.
Craves ice cold water, which distresses the stomach and is vomited immediately. Intense
Burning pain in stomach and pit of stomach.
Rectum: Rough pricking in rectum Burning and pressure in rectum and anus. Burning in
rectum after stool, & weakness and trembling in all limbs. Painful, spasmodic protrusion of
rectum. Stools; rice water, foul, small, involuntary, acrid, burning, black, mucus, & much
prostration. . Anus red and sore; burning, itching about anus. Diarrhoea of a cadaverous smell,
scenting whole atmosphere of room. Ineffectual urging to stool. Involuntary stools and urine.
Diarrhoea & coldness of limbs and face; vomiting; prostration. . Diarrhoea agg. after midnight,
also in morning after rising. Diarrhoea: slimy, green mucus; of pieces of mucus, & tenesmus and
cutting pain in anus; stools small, & tenesmus, first dark green faeces, afterwards dark green
mucus; black mucus & persistent vomiting; black, acrid and putrid; yellow & tenesmus and
burning pain; like dirty water; of blood and water. Dark, offensive haemorrhages from bowels .
Diarrhoea copious, smell of rotten eggs. Painless diarrhoea. Diarrhoea more frequent than
constipation.
VERATRUM ALBUM:
A perfect picture of collapse, & extreme coldness, blueness and weakness, is offered by this
drug. Cold perspiration on forehead with nearly all complaints. Vomiting, purging and cramps in
limbs. The profuse, violent retching and vomiting is most characteristic. Surgical shock. Excessive
dryness of all mucous surfaces. Affects the mind; NERVES; abdomen; heart; blood, blood
vessels; respiration; vertex; and digestive system. COPIOUS EVACUATIONS; vomiting, purging,
salivation, sweat, urine, & PROFOUND PROSTRATION; COLDNESS; blueness; and
COLLAPSE. EFFECTS ARE VIOLENT AND SUDDEN. It is a great FAINTING remedy; faints
from emotions; least exertion; slight injury, from haemorrhage; after stools; after vomiting. Cold;
as ice; breath; tongue. Tonic spasms or cramps; in chest; bowels; hands; fingers; toes; soles of
feet; during diarrhoea
GAMBOGIA:
Stomach
Emptiness in stomach and abdomen. Of heat in stomach and abdomen, also at times a feeling
as if a cool and refreshing wind were blowing on face when overheated. Gnawing in stomach.
Acute darting, stitching, in stomach. Constant sore pain in stomach. Darting in stomach, causing
one to start. Sticking, in region of and below cardiac orifice. Colicky, in umbilicus during stool
[watery mucus]. Great irritability of stomach. Tenderness in pit. Nausea proceeding from
stomach; when walking in open air. Frightful vomiting and purging, & fainting. Frequent violent
empty eructations. Nausea, inclination to vomit & accumulation of saliva in mouth; gulping up of
sour water.
Abdomen: Feeling of fermentation in abdomen. Peculiar itching sensation in umbilicus. Of
fullness in abdomen, before stool. Ileocaecal region painful and sensitive to pressure. Pain and
distension of abdomen from flatulence, after stool. Burning in liver. Frequent severe pinching in
entire abdomen without urging; or & diarrhoea and burning in anus, with amel. of pain. Pain
causes him to draw up limbs. Pinching, gurgling in bowels, then sudden yellow or green, THIN
STOOLS COMING OUT in prolonged gushes; & burning at anus; and much amel Gurgling in
abdomen, as of fluid running from a bottle.
Rectum:
Darting stitches in anus before stool. Burning and heat in anus during stool. Dysentery, with
retained stool, & pain in sacral region. Diarrhoea, & sudden and forcible ejection of bilious stools.
Tenesmus after stool, & burning at anus. Profuse, watery diarrhoea in hot weather, particularly in
old people. Frequent emission of flatulence, esp. evening and night. Yellow and green diarrhoeic
stool, mixed with mucus, preceded by excessive cutting around umbilicus. Hard, insufficient stool,
& strong urging, pressing and protrusion of rectum. Stools: watery, slimy, undigested, odourless;
copious, watery, yellow, or like curdled milk, of offensive, sickening smell, expelled forcibly; Hard,
insufficient stool, & strong urging, pressing and protrusion of rectum. Diarrhoea # constipation.
Stools of dark green mucus, offensive, corrosive. Diarrhoea amel. pressing abdomen [cutting
pains]. Infantile diarrhoea. Stool preceded by sudden urging and hot pinching throughout
abdomen. Much flatus during stool. Great relief after stool, thinks she is well, but is soon seized
with urging again and stool.
PODOPHYLLUM:
Abdomen:The Podophyllurn disease is gastroenteritis with colicky pain and bilious vomiting.
Gastroenteritis & colicky pain and bilious vomiting. Stool is watery & jelly-like mucus, painless,
profuse. Gushing and offensive. Alternating conditions; diarrhoea # constipation; headache #
diarrhoea; General agg. 2 to 4 a.m.,profuse, putrid stools gush out painlessly, preceded by
gurgling through bowels. Vomiting of hot, frothy mucus. Heartburn; gagging or empty retching.
Eructations smelling like rotten eggs. Constant gagging, Heartburn and heat in stomach. Nausea
and vomiting, & fullness in head. Vomiting of thick, dark green bile, mixed with dark, coagulated
blood. Nausea, stomach contracts so hard and rapidly that the wrenching pain causes the
patient to utter sharp screams. Liver and whole abdominal viscera sore. In bowels at daybreak,
amel. external warmth and bending forward while lying on side; agg. lying on back In abdomen
and back agg. during stool and continue after. Sharp pain and numbness in rectus muscles.
Colic continues after stool. Can lie comfortably only on stomach. Gurgling, rumbling and rolling
in abdomen. Anus feels very sore, sensitive and swollen. Severe burning, deep in rectum, after
stool. Green, water, fetid, profuse, gushing. Constipation # with diarrhoea. Diarrhoea # other
symptoms, constipation. Diarrhoea amel. lying on abdomen; Stools yellow, undigested or green,
at times mixed with mucus.
Early morning diarrhoea, driving patient out of bed, continues
through day, but agg. at noon; stools changeable in color. Green, sour stool in morning, &
flatulence; during dentition. Stool changes constantly in appearance, now green, now yellow, now
whitish, slimy, etc. Diarrhoea thin, like soapsuds. Gastroenteritis with colicky pain and thirst,
sometimes with painless diarrhoea, and bilious vomiting.
MERCURIUS SOL:
Stomach: Feels constricted. Pit of stomach burns. Pressure in pit & deathly faintness.
Heartburn. Nausea when coughing. Acrid, bitter, putrid or rancid eructations, agg. at night.
Nausea: & vertigo, headache, obscured vision and flushes of heat; & sweet taste in throat;
nausea in oesophagus or in stomach. Vomiting of bile and food. Constant risings of air. Inclination
to vomit while coughing. Nausea and vomiting during stool.
Abdomen: Violent colic, & cutting and stinging pains, as if caused by knives, principally at night
or in cool of evening; colic from cold. Griping in abdomen, & constant desire for stool, but little is
evacuated. Colic; burning cutting and tenesmus before, during and after stool; chilliness between
stools. Flatulent distension, & pain. Liver enlarged; sore to touch. abdomen, agg. at night from
warmth of bed.
Rectum: As if bowels were cut in pieces, agg. during stool. Great pressure at stool, as if bowels
would be forced out. Severe, in anus, during stool. Rawness, burning and itching of anus and
adjacent parts, after stool. In rectum extending to back, after stool. Greenish, bloody and slimy
stools, agg. at night; & pain and tenesmus. Never-get-done feeling. Discharge & chilliness,
nausea, cutting colic, and tenesmus. Whitish-grey stools. Stools: painful, scanty; bloody; ashen
white. Mucous stools preceded by chilliness, and followed by tenesmus; colitis Weakness after
stool. Stools: like stirred eggs; watery and colourless; watery, with greenish scum floating on
surface of water; pea green; green slimy; acrid and excoriating; purulent; undigested; sour
smelling; Purulent diarrhoea & chill between and hot flushes during stool. Ineffectual urging to
stool & protruding haemorrhoids, which are painfully sore
SULPHUR: Vomiting: first watery, then of food; of food, esp. in morning and in evening; in
morning, & trembling of hands and feet; sour or bitter, & cold sweat on face. Rectum: Redness
around anus, & itching. Morning diarrhoea, painless, drives him out of bed, & prolapsus recti; as
if bowels were too weak to retain their contents. Diarrhoea; changing; pappy; foul; painless;
watery; greyish, frothy, agg. milk. Diarrhoea # constipation. Stools tough, gluey, fetid and slimy.
Itching in perineum, & soft stool. Emission of flatus: esp. in evening and night; odor of bad eggs
Sudden expulsion of stool. Discharge of viscid, slimy fluid, & sore feeling of anus. Discharge of
liquid from anus, followed by faeces at night during sleep. And where you have got a Sulphur
diarrhoea again you have got an excoriating discharge, you are likely to get redness and rawness
all about the buttocks, intense irritation, scratching. You see you have constant characteristics all
throughout the Sulphur conditions no matter what they are.