Traveling Down that Road Feeling Fine

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My friend Lynne recently spent 10 days in Mexico. The trip sounded idyllic — swimming, exploring ancient ruins and lying on the beach. But the long flight and pre-trip stress left her exhausted and fighting a cold, and the spicy food upset her stomach. “I need a vacation to recover from my vacation,” she told me.

The adventure of travel — including time zone changes, unfamiliar environments and exotic foods — often causes physical and emotional stress. But with a bit of planning and a travel kit of natural remedies, you can make certain your next journey is a healthy one.

Planning for a Healthy Trip

Although traveling can give you a great break from your daily routine, this doesn’t mean you want to take a vacation from your health. Before setting off on a long trip, and especially if you’re going to be traveling out of the country, be sure to check in with your doctor (see “Before You Go” on Page 22).

One of the first rules of stress-free travel is to pack light. But there’s always room in your luggage for a first-aid kit. A well-stocked travel kit can keep you healthy on the road, as well as save you from the frustration of trying to find your favorite natural remedies in an unfamiliar locale. Pack arnica gel for bruises and sore muscles; comfrey salve for minor skin abrasions; aloe vera gel for burns; and tea tree essential oil for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. I also always carry a small bottle of lavender essential oil, which helps calm stress.

Other herbal remedies I consider indispensable are echinacea extract as an all-purpose immune-booster; elderberry extract for warding off colds and flu; valerian or passionflower extract for insomnia; kava for anxiety; eleuthero for jet lag; and goldenseal capsules for treating traveler’s diarrhea. Capsules of powdered ginger are excellent for preventing and relieving motion sickness and nausea. A small package of mentholated throat lozenges eases sore throats, coughs and congestion. Nonherbal essentials for your first-aid kit include a pair of tweezers, a digital thermometer, an assortment of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze bandages, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, an elastic bandage, moleskin (for blister prevention) and waterless hand sanitizer. Don’t forget an herbal insect repellent. Choose one that contains citronella, which has been proven to repel biting insects effectively.

Take the Tension out of Travel

Whether you travel by car, train, boat or plane, taking care of yourself during the actual journey makes a big difference in how you’ll feel when you reach your destination.

One of the most important things you can do is to exercise, which wards off stiffness and fatigue and keeps your circulation moving. This is especially important for people who tend to have problems with deep vein thrombosis (potentially dangerous blood clots that form in the legs during periods of inactivity), or who have had any history of clotting problems. If you’re traveling by car, stop every hour or two to get out of the car to stretch and take a short, brisk walk. If you’re on an extended driving trip, plan time every day for a walk, hike or other activity. When flying, your exercise options are obviously more limited, but at least get up and walk around the cabin every hour or two, if flight conditions permit. Also, stretch your legs and wiggle your feet often, and don’t place anything under the seat in front of you to allow for maximum leg room.

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