Healthy Travel Tips
No one wants to get sick while traveling for business or for pleasure, so follow these tips to stay healthy. Bon voyage!
Strengthen your defenses. Prepare for your trip by taking vitamin C, along with astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) or echinacea (Echinacea spp), to build up your immune system and help fend off germs common in recycled airplane air.
Prevent tummy trouble. Take along lactobacilli (friendly bacteria) capsules to help balance intestinal flora and reduce the chances of getting traveler’s diarrhea.
Pack a first-aid kit. Include these natural products: arnica (Arnica montana) gel for sprains and soreness; tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) for scratches and bites; aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel for sunburns; neem oil (Antelaea azadirachta) for repelling mosquitoes; bromelain (an enzyme extracted from pineapple) for swelling and bruises; peppermint (Mentha piperita), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and other teas for mild stomach upsets; and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) for sleeplessness.
Ward off motion sickness. If you often suffer from motion sickness, take ginger (Zingiber officinale) in capsules or as a powder before departure and keep some form—ginger ale, gingersnaps, or ginger candies—on hand for the journey.
Find peace. Don’t forget earplugs. Noisy airplanes, streets, and hotel neighbors can take their toll on your nerves and your ability to get sound sleep.
Select healthy snacks. Drink plenty of water and avoid high-salt, fat-filled fast food and travel snacks.
Cover up. Don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Hang loose. Get out of your seat and stretch often—whether you’re driving or flying.
Source: www.drweil.com.
—Bryce Edmonds
