Herbal Medicine Travel First Aid Kit

Holiday season is approaching when many people will be heading off on adventures; to visit family and friends or to get some much needed rest and relaxation.

What to include in a natural first aid kit really depends on your specific needs and where you are headed but I thought that I would share with you the first aid kit that I always travel with.  I like to be active when I go away and to try all the local delicacies.  I also like to travel light so that also includes my first aid kit.

Miso Soup

I always have Miso soup at the airport to help protect against the exposure to radiation whilst flying. In 1972 it was discovered that miso contains dipicolinic acid, which chelates heavy metals from the body.

Miso soup is very easy to find at most UK airports as Itsu and Pret serve it.  

Miso is also good for the immune system, is high in antioxidants and B vitamins.

Echinacea or Olive Leaf Extract

I take a small 100ml bottle of Echinacea or Olive Leaf Extract tincture on flights.  I add a couple of drops to my water and drink throughout the flight to help boost my immunity so I don’t catch any colds.

Green Powders 

It can be hard to ensure we get enough nutrient dense foods everyday whilst away. 

I always travel with a powdered super greens mix. At least then I can start the day with a nutritious drink.

Ginger

I always travel with ginger tea bags but candied ginger is also a good option.  Ginger helps to soothe travel nausea; it is very beneficial for digestion, boosts immunity and is an excellent anti-inflammatory. 

It is usually easy to find fresh ginger in the local shops/markets.

Chamomile 

In Germany chamomile is considered the premier gut herb. It is excellent for soothing gastrointestinal disturbances and is extremely anti-inflammatory.

The used cold tea bags can be applied to insect bites to soothe them.  A cold compress of chamomile also soothes sun burnt skin.

Tiger Balm

I learnt that hard way never to forget my tiger balm.  

I always apply tiger balm to mosquito bites to relive the itching.  On one trip to the Amazon I forgot my tiger balm.  A mosquito bite to the back of my head left me with two bot fly larvae. Not a pleasant experience and I later learned that if I had had my tiger balm with me and had applied it to the bite then it would have killed the bot fly eggs.  

Tiger balm is also excellent to apply to aching muscles and to use for lower back pain.

Goldenseal Tincture

Goldenseal always helps me recover from food poisoning fast.  Take a dropper full of goldenseal and it will kill the bacteria.

Lavender Essential Oil

I use lavender essential oil for cuts and scrapes. I apply it slightly diluted directly to the cut.  Lavender is anti-bacterial so will prevent infection.  It is a pain reliever and also helps to speed up healing.   

Lavender essential oil applied to the temples helps to get rid of headaches.

Milk thistle

Holidays are usually a time of over indulgence in rich foods and alcohol.  Milk Thistle gives the liver the support it needs.

Arnica Cream

For bruises, swelling, sprains.  Just don’t apply it to broken skin.

Rescue Remedy

This is very handy to calm nerves or if feeling stressed or overwhelmed.  Just add a couple of drops to your water and sip throughout the day.

Rehydration Sachets 

Ok so these aren’t natural but can be vital if it is very hot and/or you have been very active and have lost a lot of fluids though sweating.

Mosquito Repellant

Neem is very good at keeping the mosquitos away. You can buy natural neem repellents in health food shops.

You can also make this repellent yourself:

INGREDIENTS

•           ½ cup witch hazel

•           ½ cup apple cider vinegar

•           40 drops essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree)

•           One 8 ounce spray bottle

DIRECTIONS

• Mix witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils 
• Pour in to the spray bottle
• Spray over all portions of the body but avoid repellent in eyes and mouth.