Summer is almost here, and with that comes more travel!
Healthy traveling starts before the plane leaves the runway. Having a healthy body and a good flight can mean the difference between a great trip and bad one.
Before the flight:
• Garlic *(Allium sativum). 2-3 fresh cloves a day in food for the 3 days prior to travel.
• Echinacea* (Echinacea purpurea): Tincture or capsules 3 days before flight and during first week of travel
• Ginseng* (Eleuthrococcus senticosus): 3 caps/day for 1 week prior to travel, continuing till 1 week after returning
• Ashwaganda* (Withania somnifera): 3 caps/day for 1 week prior to travel, continuing till 1 week after returning
During the flight:
• Essential oils of lavendar or thyme worn at the pulse points to provide protection
• FLUIDS FLUIDS FLUIDS!!!! Don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendant to fill up your water bottle for the flight. Get an aisle seat so you can easily use the restroom.
• Use a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moist and supple. Apply salve of calendula, lavendar, thyme, or rosemary just below nostrils for added antimicrobial protection.
• Wash your hands frequently, drink lots of water, and get showered and changed as soon as possible after reaching your destination.
• Eat well during the travel, keep sugar consumption to a bare minimum (sugar inactivates the immune system).
• Rescue remedy for anxiety during travel (flight, taxis, etc…)
One book I find useful for general travel health info is Travel Health by Nick Jones. It’s basically an encyclopedia of anything you might come up against health-wise while traveling. It does not have naturopathic treatments, but it does have symptoms detailed. Next week I’ll explore ways to deal with the most common travel-related illnesses and complications. Until then, remember to breathe, laugh, and enjoy life!
*ALWAYS check with your doctor before starting these or any other herbal or nutritional supplements.
