|
|
Protect Yourself While Traveling
by Brooke Wagenheim
During this time of year, most people would not
hesitate for a moment to accept the chance to go on vacation somewhere.
Even if it is only a business trip, most Minnesotans would jump
at the idea right about now. Is there an exotic destination on your
mind or agenda? Whether you go on a jaunt to Europe, a jungle safari
or a tropical paradise retreat, chances are your body may come into
contact with a wide range of health related obstacles.
You should prepare for such a possibility ahead of time by organizing
a satchel of herbal remedies to take with you. When faced with a
myriad of sicknesses, the pains and discomforts of traveling (especially
to foreign countries), it ought to be as important as, say, watering
your houseplants and getting care for your pets. A small custom-assembled
kit of medicinal herbs can help to ease, prevent or eliminate the
problems that traveling and flying may create.
For a number of reasons, travel can lower your resistance to ubiquitous
and annoying viruses and other pathogens that can wreak havoc with
your business trip or vacation. The air in airplanes is virtually
free of moisture, being drawn in from the frigid high-altitude environment
outside the craft. Since it must then be heated, the amount
of air exchanged is very limited. Being in a cramped, pressurized
compartment, with electricity surrounding you, can cause symptoms
of dehydration, nausea, headaches, bloating and other stresses.
Then there’s the dense concentration of people breathing a
limited supply of air, exposing you to their “bugs.”
Often, the climate at your destination is different enough from
your home’s to further stress your resistance. Added
to this are other disturbances; routine schedules are disrupted.
Jet lag, sleep deprivation, tensions and frustrations are inherent
in travel these days. This is a good reason to rest up well
before a trip, and to plan and pack ahead of time (so as not to
be tired or panicky when the time comes to have it all together).
Also, drink plenty of water, and don’t forget your vitamin
C.
You can help build your resistance a few days before a trip with
immune-boosting echinacea and astragalus root. (Recent research
has hinted that they can only boost your system a few days at a
time.) Astragalus strengthens the natural defenses of the body,
including the cardiovascular and immune systems and glands of all
other systems. It also provides energy to fight fatigue and increases
metabolism. These are the best-researched immune-system stimulants
for increasing general nonspecific resistance, as they raise the
number and activity of a diversity of immune system cells, responsible
for eliminating invading organisms. (Specific resistance, by
contrast, usually means vaccination against a particular disease.) Another
plant that would be good to include is some form of adaptogen, like
ginseng. Adaptogens are thought to increase endurance and resistance
and to “normalize” body functions.
A specific liver protective agent can be useful for the unaccustomed
pollutants that may oppose you on a trip. Milk Thistle Seed extract
protects the liver from damage and aids in the regeneration of liver
cells damaged by toxins. Ginger is useful for many stomach complaints
and motion-sickness. Peppermint is an amazingly good digestive,
which reduces gastric secretion (acidity; Yin), and increases stomach
emptying speed by over 40 percent. These effects are ideal for simple
overindulgences whether you are traveling or not.
Concerning food and water-borne illness: sometimes varying degrees
of unpleasant symptoms can occur. Management of these symptoms,
which can be diarrhea, nausea and fever (or worse), have historically
been accomplished through the use of astringents, using plants high
in tannins. These are antibacterial, and form a protective
coating on the intestines. Potent astringents include Blackberry
root, Barberry, White Oak Bark, Goldenseal and Blackberry or Raspberry
leaves. Green or black teas are also high in astringency, but their
caffeine makes them a poor choice, since it stimulates gastric secretion
and intestinal muscles. Pectin absorbs bacterial toxins and
when in a pinch, peeled green apples can be a great source. Some
people find the opposite to be a problem, constipation. If
increasing fiber intake doesn’t do the trick, try Senna or
Cascara Sagrada. These are stimulant laxatives and should only be
used for temporary relief when needed.
Herbal Energy Boosters are great any time. For a caffeine-free,
stimulant-free energy boost, check your health food store for chlorophyll-rich
green drinks. These products are also available in tablet or capsule
form. Look for ingredients such as wheat grass juice, barley juice,
blue-green algae, spirulina, and chlorella. The amino acids in these
substances support the brain and lead to a natural feeling of alertness
and energy.
An herbal flu remedy is the herb Elderberry which contains natural
substances that can stop a virus from invading healthy body cells.
Take Elderberry at the first sign of flu. It is available in a variety
for forms, including dried for tea, liquid tinctures, and tablets.
Your satchel of herbs and essential oils can be carried with you
and can make your journey more pleasant. There are a number of ways
of applying them. You can diffuse them into the air by mixing drops
of them in a spray bottle with water and spraying; put a couple
of drops on a washcloth and inhale; apply them to pressure points
or directly; and in some cases, mix with water and ingest them.
General Properties of an herbal medicine kit:
Lavender—Often called the universal oil, because you can
use it for so many things. It is analgesic, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsive,
anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and is a sedative. It has a very balancing
effect on many aspects of the body. It may help acne, allergies,
arthritis, asthma, boils, bronchitis, and is excellent for burns
of any type. It has been used for cramps, dandruff, depression,
diaper rashes, earaches, eczema, fainting, flatulence, hair loss,
headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, insect bites and repellant,
infection, flu, insomnia, laryngitis, detoxification of the lymphatic
system, migraines, nausea, nervous tension, PMS, psoriasis, rashes,
prevention of scarring, sprains, stress, stretch marks, sunstroke,
throat infections, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, thrush, water retention,
and wounds. It can be applied on the pressure points or directly
on the area of concern.
Peppermint—This is another essential oil that has a wide
variety of uses. It is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,
anti-spasmodic, is invigorating and cooling. It helps to disperse
anger, and has been used for arthritis, candida, colic, depression,
fatigue, fevers, food poisoning, headaches, hives, indigestion,
liver problems, migraine headaches, morning sickness, motion sickness,
nausea and vomiting, nerve regeneration, an aid to the respiratory
functions, opening the sinus passages, and relieving toothaches.
It can also be used in the treatment of shock. Just a drop can be
applied to pressure points or directly on area of concern, mixed
with water and drunk or diffused into the air. It can also be applied
to a tissue, along with Lemon and/or Tea Tree Oil to clean questionable
areas like your hotel room bathroom surfaces.
Geranium—This oil can help to heal wounds and regenerate
tissue. It is anti-depressant, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic,
insect repellent, refreshing, relaxing, sedative and is tonic. It
helps to release anger and negative memories. It can be used for
bleeding, circulatory problems, depression, diabetes, diarrhea,
digestion, eczema, gallbladder problems, gastric ulcers, hormonal
imbalance, insomnia, jaundice, kidney stones, liver, menstrual problems,
neuralgia (pain along a nerve), regenerating tissue and nerves,
ringworm, shingles, sores and sore throats. It can be applied to
the pressure points, or directly to the area.
Bergamot—This oil is great for any skin condition, is a wonderful
insect repellent, and has a very balancing and uplifting quality
to it. Inhaling this oil can help return you to a relaxed, energized
state. Yet at the same time, if you have been overstimulated by
the day’s events, you could bathe with it at night to help
you have a restful sleep. It is analgesic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
anti-parasitic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, digestive, sedative,
and uplifting. It has a very balancing effect on the skin, and can
be used in any skin condition. It helps with anxiety, boils, bronchitis,
carbuncles, cold sores, colic, coughs, depression, digestion, eczema,
balancing emotions, endocrine system, fever, gallstones, infection,
insect bites, insect repellent, intestinal parasites, soothing the
lungs, oily complexion, psoriasis, scabies, sore throat, spot varicose
veins, stress, tension, thrush, acute tonsillitis, ulcers, wounds
and can stimulate appetite. It can be applied to the pressure areas
or directly on the area of concern.
Lemon—One of the main reasons I have included this oil is
that it is excellent for purifying water (along with Grapefruit
Seed Extract), and is refreshing to drink inwater. It is antiseptic,
anti-viral, astringent, invigorating, refreshing and tonic. It may
be used for anxiety, balancing blood pressure, dissolving cellulite,
digestive problems, fevers, gallstones, promoting leukocyte formation.
It helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, enhances memory, is soothing
to the respiratory system and sore throats, purifies water and air,
and promotes a sense of well-being. It can be applied to pressure
points or directly on the area of concern. Do not go out in the
sun with Citrus oils on. They have a slight bleaching effect on
the skin that is magnified by the sun. Lemon oil is very toning
to the skin, and evens out the complexion.
Vacation for Minnesotans usually means more time
outside in the sun. Always use a good sun block, but if you find
you have gotten sunburn, apply lavender neat all over the burned
area. You will be amazed at how quickly it takes the heat and redness
out and relieves the pain. After a day of sunbathing you can make
a wonderful oil to massage on your skin after a shower. This will
help to rehydrate the skin, and lessen damage
caused by the suns rays.
After Shower Massage Oil:
Lavender 10 drops
Bergamot 3 drops
Geranium 5 drops
Add to approximately 2 tablespoons of V-6 carrier oil, and massage
into damp skin.
With more time out in the sun, this often means
more time for bugs to bite. You can make your own natural bug repellent
ahead of time to take with you.
In a small dark glass bottle combine the following:
Natural Insect Repellent Blend
1 part Lavender
1 part Peppermint
2 parts Bergamot
To use on the body, add three drops of the blend
to two teaspoons of V-6 oil and massage on the body.
You can apply a couple of drops of the blend itself to cotton balls
and place around your bed roll if camping or in your tent. This
blend is not just for mosquitoes but all manner of bugs from sand
flies to bedbugs to fleas. If you forget to use it, you can also
apply a tiny bit to any bites you have. One drop of the blend will
cover several bites.
Look through the applications for each one of these oils and you
will find you have lots of choices for handling cuts, bruises, sprains
and strains, and a host of problems that might occur on your trip.
Namaste
Brooke Wagenheim
|
|
|
