There is always a turning point on vacation where the insects and the local cuisine highlight that you are a foreigner to the place your are visiting. Either you are being constantly attacked by flying vampires by the scent of new blood, or maybe the food is too fresh or the complete opposite, that your white blood cells can no longer hold down the battle. Either way, it can be a long and rough road to recovery and don't worry, we have all been there.
But stress no longer, I have some tips that can make the journey a tad more pleasant!
Tea Tree Oil
Not only was I constantly spraying myself with 50% Deet every morning and every night, almost choking myself to death from the fumes (I sprayed in a well ventilated area), those little buggers had either found a spot I had missed or enjoyed the cocktail of type 'O' blood and mosquito spray.
My little ankles were on fire, have you ever itched a mosquito bite with long nails? It's a type of feeling you could get used to and I don't recommend it!
Forgetting my antihistamines at home, I was in desperate need of some relief and then it came to me... What relieves all painful spots? Tea Tree cleanser! I frantically doused those cotton pads in green, minty liquid and slapped them on my hives. The tingle felt like all the evil was being drawn out from those bumps and within a matter of minutes, my legs were itch-free!
I continued to use it until I felt like there was no more irritation and it was a massive help!
Honey
On the subject of mosquitoes, this one came as a real shock to the people I was staying with as we drunkenly spilled out our most exciting travelling stories over canchanchara's and other rum induced beverages.
This was before my tea tree oil hunch and again, I was in need of a quick solution to my hived thighs so I decided to whack some honey on it.
Anish, who was also staying at the casa shouted "No, are you crazy? That will make them bite you more!" I responded gently with a smile on my face "My friend, it is not the sweetness that makes them bite, but it is your blood type it. Not only does honey calm the skin, it is also a natural antiseptic, don't worry it will work." his wife Purvi, saluting me with her half-full glass said with great confidence "I believe her!" and moments later, I was soothed.
Bread & Crackers
These are by far the most underrated things to consume whilst you are overcoming or overwhelmed by food poisoning and I really don't know the science behind it, but I live by it with all my heart.
It's not overpowering, it's not flavoursome and it makes you feel full and seems to settle the stomach. Always make sure you have got some of these nearby, because you will never hurl a bath with these plain Janes.
White Rum
I know what your thinking, she's an alcoholic... But please, hear me out.
Rum, specifically white, can settle those rumbling aftershocks when you have gone through the main event and have you feeling fresh and new again! Take 1 or 2 shots with your first proper meal (not bread or crackers) and you will notice your stomach will start settling.
I am yet to try rum on insect bites which I have been told does work as alcohol is again, another antiseptic and will hopefully burnout all those lurgies.
Lemon or Lime
Following on from the above chupito of white rum, if you would like to chase this down with lemonade or very sour lime juice to increase those digestive refluxes, please be sure to balance this out accordingly as you don't want to give yourself the dreaded heartburn!
Otherwise, you can always d-funk those bites by squeezing these acidic fruits onto the bump. Lemon and Limes have been known from the begging of time to help with most common illnesses and skin issues. With a powerful dose of natural antiseptics, be sure to keep a few of these bad boys around to kill two birds with one stone.
You can thank me later!
Disclaimer: If the problem still remains, please always consult a nearby doctor so they can prescribe you with the correct antibiotics to medicate the issue. These remedies are from my own personal experience, where they have worked for my benefit whilst abroad and without medication. Always seek medical attention if the symptoms seem unusual.
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