Naturopathic Travel Kit

Summer is here! For many of us, this means vacations are just around the corner.

When traveling, I find that it is great to be prepared for any bumps along the way to ensure that vacation is the most relaxing experience possible. As we embark on new adventures in our travels, it is so common for minor ailments to arise along the way that can take away from a true feeling of relaxation, ie- sunburns, insects bites, minor cuts and musculoskeletal injuries, food poisoning, etc.... We have all had the experience of being on a trip and encountering some injury or illness that seemingly dampens our full enjoyment of vacation. Over the years, I have come up with what I call my "Naturopathic travel kit" that includes remedies for most acute ailments that arise. This kit includes my 8 favorite staples I bring along on any trip.

I pass this along to you so your vacations this summer are full of relaxation, joy and pure bliss!

1. activated charcoal capsules: Honestly, I don't leave home without these. This is the best remedy I have found for helping with food poisoning and digestive upset due to exposure to new and different foods. Activated charcoal adsorbs (binds) to toxins and helps to flush them out of the GI tract, drastically reducing the amount you absorb. As soon as you suspect food poisoning, I suggest taking 2-4 capsules of activated charcoal with 8 oz water, 3 times per day for 2-3 days. You can find activated charcoal at most drug stores, grocery stores and health food stores.

2. homeopathic arsenicum (30 C potency): This is also a really helpful remedy for food poisoning. Especially if you experience nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, this homeopathic is so helpful for a faster recovery. **(see note below for dosage suggestions and where to find homeopathic remedies).

3. probiotics: This is a great supplement to take while traveling to prevent digestive upset and susceptibility to food poisoning, Probiotics are the "good" bacteria that normally populate our digestive tract and help to optimize immune and digestive health. Probiotics help with preventing infection from pathogenic bacteria and viruses. I love our 8 Hearts brand of probiotics called Replenish. These are available through my office at www.8hearts.org. I suggest taking 2 capsules each day.

4. homeopathic arnica (30 C potency): This is a wonderful remedy for acute muscle strains/soreness and ligament sprains due to overuse. Especially if you are planning a trip where you will be increasing your physical activity-ie-hiking trip, etc-don't leave home without the arnica! **

5. homeopathic apis (30 C potency): This is ideal for acute insect bites, stings and allergic reactions, especially when there are symptoms of hives, swelling, burning and heat. This is wonderful especially on camping trips, or when traveling to tropical destinations where insects and critters are abundant. **

6. CCC cream : This is my favorite topical cream made by Eclectic Institute which is helpful for so many acute traumas/injuries that can occur while traveling. The C-C-C stands for Calendula, Coneflower (Echinacea) and Comfrey. The combination of these herbs makes this a wonderful remedy for sun burns, insect bites, minor bruises and superficial wounds-scrapes and cuts. This cream is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and helpful with wound healing and tissue repair. Many health food stores carry this product, or you can find it online: http://www.amazon.com/Eclectic-Institute-Calendula-Comfrey-Coneflowe/dp/B00128SMB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307906029&sr=8-1

7. sunscreen : This one may seem obvious, but this is a staple in my travel kit which can easily be overlooked. I recommend spending 10-15 minute in the sun each day before applying sunscreen for optimal vitamin D absorption, then applying a good quality sunscreen for sun-damage prevention. I suggest a paraben-free brand like Alba Botanica. You can find their products at most health food stores, or check out their website for more info: http://www.albabotanica.com/?id=72

8. homeopathic cocculus (30 C potency): This remedy is great for helping with symptoms of motion sickness. I find this to so helpful for feelings of nausea and dizziness that can arise from travel via plane, boat, train, etc. **

** Homeopathic remedy info: A general rule of thumb for use of homeopathic remedies for acute ailments: dissolve 3-5 pellets under the tongue away from food, 3 times per day while symptoms persist, up to 1 week. Homeopathic remedies can be found at most health food stores. The brand I like that is sold over the counter is Boiron and is packaged in small blue tubes.

I wish you all a summer of relaxing vacations and optimal, vibrant health!