Summer is in full swing, a time to enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer, take in that powerful vitamin D, and for many of us, travel. I love the quote “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. I truly believe that the human spirit needs to experience new things regularly, and one great way to do this is to explore wonderous new places. From meeting kind-hearted people to learning about history and culture, travel has so much to offer. Some of my fondest memories are summer vacationing with family and friends. Vacationing also has many health benefits, from stress relief to boosting happiness... vacationing has even been shown to reduce the risk of a heart attack! Sometimes even planning for a vacation can boost delight in our lives and give us something to anticipate.
Earlier this summer my daughter and her four children drove from Oklahoma to Utah. During the three-day drive, her youngest caught a fever and stomach bug. My daughter didn't bring any herbal remedies with her, and so she stopped along the way for a few simple remedies to fight infection. I wrote this blog post on her recommendation, to help others who might find themselves in a similar situation learn about some of the readily available remedies you can get at most grocery stores along your route. With a little knowledge, you can feel prepared for any situation, wherever you encounter along the route.
Ginger
Ginger originated in southeast Asia and is one of the healthiest spices around. Ginger has been shown to aid digestion, improve circulation, reduce nausea, and help combat the flu and common cold. If you are traveling without your herbal remedies on-hand and begin to have digestive issues, congestion, cough, or nausea, think of ginger! Ginger is available in many forms, and can work wonders. Whether candied ginger for nausea, a ginger bath with fresh grated or powdered ginger for fever reduction, alleviating headaches, relieving muscle soreness or combating a respiratory infection... Ginger is an incredibly convenient and useful herb for many applications.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal herbs. It boosts the immune system and reduces the severity and length of cold and flu systems. Garlic breaks up mucous in lungs and sinuses and emulsifies it so that the body can move it out more easily. Did you know that garlic also has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps blood to flow more easily through your body, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of blood clots? Keep garlic in mind when traveling, as it can be found almost anywhere!
Apple Cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very high in quality vitamins and minerals, and kills bacterial and fungal infections. Many ensure that they always have apple cider vinegar in their kitchen, not only for cooking but to be used for certain health remedies. It can be mixed with water and sipped to aid in an upset stomach or applied to the skin for sunburn relief. It is relatively easy to add to your water and carry with you for on-the-go relief. Aim for buying an organic apple cider vinegar, such as Bragg’s or Spectrum. Distilled apple cider flavored vinegar doesn't hold the same health benefits. Apple cider vinegar should be kept on your mental list of possible grocery items for vacationing wellness.
Emergen-C
Emergen-C is a vitamin and mineral packet that can be found in most common grocery stores. It is good to take if you have had just a bit too much sun, are dehydrated, or feel that you are coming down with a cold or other sickness. Since it is an immune system booster, many people like to take it in advance if they are planning on flying, as you come into close contact with so many people and inevitable germs when on a plane. Emergen-C is a great source of vitamin C, which is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. The mineral ascorbates found in Emergen-C can be helpful to combat hangovers, dehydration and sunstroke. Emergen-C comes in a very small package that can easily slide into a purse or pocket, making it a perfect option for travel! When you are ready for it, simply mix it with water, drink it up, and let the vitamins and minerals go to work!
It is our sincere hope that you will have safe, illness-free travel, but in case you need it, now you've got a little information in your pocket to prepare for your next trip with confidence.
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