by Joan Haynes, NMD
Buy a basic first-aid travel kit and add your own natural medicines
- There are a wide variety of basic travel kits available for basic first aid. Here is a list of sites that supply them. Choose your kit based on how long your trip is and the availability of the nearest medical care.
- American Red Cross
- Adventure Medical Kits
- Chinook Medical Gear
- Travel Medicine, Inc.
- Wilderness Medicine Outfitters
Additional natural remedies to add: (products mentioned by name available at BNHC)
For gastrointestinal illness:
Arsenicum 30C A homeopathic remedy that treats vomiting or diarrhea. At the first sign of getting ill, let 3 pellets dissolve under your tongue. Use every hour or two when awake until symptoms resolve.
Charcoal caps Charcoal absorbs toxins in your digestive tract. If you feel you ate or drank something that upset your system, take 2 caps (for a child) or 4 caps (for an adult). You can take 2 more capsules in another 1-2 hours. The charcoal will turn your stool black.
Botanifuge (Professional Formulas) These capsules contain several different herbs that kill off parasites and pathogenic bacteria. They can also be used as a preventative measure (1-2 caps per day) as well as to treat an acute infection (1-2 caps 3-4x/day).
Probiotics Take 1cap with each meal to ensure healthy gut bacteria. BNHC has a variety to choose from.
For physical injuries – bruises and minor trauma:
Arnica 30C homeopathic remedy that treats acute injuries by helping to reduce pain, swelling and bruising. Take 3 pellets under the tongue as soon after the injury as possible. This can be repeated every hour until symptoms subside.
Homeopathic antiinflammatory topical A homeopathic topical gel that works similarly to arnica. Apply to affected areas every 2-3 hours as needed for pain and swelling. Great for sore muscles.
For sunburn:
Aloe gel Soothing and healing to the skin following a burn. Do not apply to blistering or broken skin.
For sleep/ jet lag:
Melatonin Take 1-3 mg at bedtime in your new time zone.
Magnesium – 150 mg caps, take 1 – 2 after dinner to help sleeps. Can also combat constipation.
For more about how to decrease jet lag, see Dr. Maxwell’s article.
https://boisenaturalhealth.com/how-to-decrease-jet-lag/
For colds/flu or general immune support:
Biovegetarian (Priority One) (a multi-ingredient general immune support) 2 caps per day as preventative, 2 caps 3-4 x/day for acute illness.
For constipation
Most people experience constipation while traveling. Instead of waiting till you are uncomfortable, consider taking 1 cap of a combination herbal laxative before bed each night. You could also take 150 – 300 mg of Magnesium
For anxiety
Rescue Remedy 5 – 10 drops under your tongue. Great for fear of flying, crowds, too much family. Can also put dropperful in a water bottle and sip on as frequently as you want. Safe for children.
Lavela (Integrative Therapeutics) Great for flying and driving anxiety as well as family stress!) – this is a concentrated oral lavender capsule that works for stronger, longer anxiety relief. Can get burp a little lavender, but it’s not unpleasant. 1 cap twice daily.
Lemon Balm tea – bring your own tea bags with you when you need to calm your nerves. Sweeten with a dash of honey if you wish. Great for adults and children, tastes good.
Homeopathy
Consider purchasing a homeopathic first aid kit and book for other illnesses and injuries such as sunburn, insect bites, earaches etc.
Happy and Safe Travels!