Always pack the essentials.
An herbal medicine kit is an important and essential part of any trip. Personally, I LOVE to travel. If I have the time off and funds available you can find me on the nearest plane or on the highway heading out of town. The only downside to traveling for me is having access to my herbs when I need them. Anything can happen out there, and as someone who doesn’t do well with western medicine, I like to be prepared. That’s why I always carry an herbal medicine kit.
I’ve had my share of mishaps so I am well versed in what I need when I’m away from my apothecary. All I have to do when I leave town these days is grab my pre-packed medicine kit, add a few essentials and throw it in my suitcase. Most people give me a hard time when they see I’ve packed my herbs, but no one is laughing when they realize they suddenly need them.
So what’s in an herbal medicine kit? And what should you put in yours?
Chamomile, Peppermint & Ginger Tea Bags – Chamomile is good for pretty much everything. It’s soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory & astringent. Peppermint and Chamomile mixed together are great for any stomach issues or maybe if you just ate too much pie for desert. (Been there!) Ginger packs more of a spicy punch, but if you’re in the mood it’s great for stomach issues including nausea, inflammation and helps to increase circulation. This last one is useful for warming you up if you are cold.
Tummy Tonic – This little gem helps with cramping, bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or overly full stomach. None of which are particularly fun if you are on vacation and away from the safety and comfort of your home.
Nerve Aid or Stress Tonic – Because not all vacations run smoothly. Stuff happens. This will help you or whomever you’re traveling with stay calm when it does.
Pro-biotics/Digestive Enzymes – Personally I travel with these because finding organic and non-processed food is not always easy or even an option in some places. They help me digest and process things my body may not be used to.
Lavender Essential Oil – If you are not traveling with this already, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. Like Chamomile, this oil has a myriad of beneficial uses. Sunburn, bites, scrapes, rashes, and sore muscles. Lavender is also calming. So, it’s great whether you use it for a stress or even as a sleep aid. This one can go on your skin neat (without carrier oils), so it’s super easy to use.
Tea Tree Essential Oil – This is great for infections or as an antiseptic. It works for fungus, sunburns, bites, itching, ticks, toothaches, sore throats & even lice. Don’t leave home without it. This one is for topical use ONLY.
Magnesium/Calm Packets: Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer so these are perfect if you’re doing a trip that involves physical activity like hiking, surfing, or even excessive walking. When people travel they often forget to hydrate properly which can cause painful muscle cramping. Drinking more water is the best cure, but if the cramps are bad, this will offer some relief.
Elderberry & Cold Prevention (packets or tinctures) – Because getting sick while you’re away is the WORST. And eating raw garlic doesn’t always make you the popular kid when you’re sightseeing or with the general public.
These are the main staples of my medicine kit. If you have specific issues that regularly occur, make sure you take something along for them just in case.
As for storage, I keep my medicine travel kit in a plastic pencil box. It’s easy to pack (no strange corners or shapes) and it’s fairly well protected because of the hard case. I keep it in my kitchen with my spices and herbs so it is ready to go at all times.
Now that you know the basics you can have fun creating your own herbal medicine kit. May you have many fantastic adventures…
*As always please check with your doctor before starting any new herbal regimen. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.