Colds, flus, minor injuries, aches and other, shall we say tropical issues, seem to come up at the most inopportune of moments. Nobody wants to get sick or sit on the sidelines while away on precious, limited vacation time, but it happens.
If youre jet-settin off for the holidays this year, reserve a corner of your backpack or suitcase for a few natural remedies from home. Hopefully these 6 little tricks will help you sidestep some of the common, not-so-serious issues**.
1. Calendula Cream is for minor skin irritations, itching & burns. This mild cream is actually a common homeopathic remedy easily found at both drug and health food stores. Buy in a squeezy tube and apply topically.
2. Peppermint Oil is a wonderful aromatherapy remedy great for headaches. Purchase this in small bottles with a roll-on top. Apply to forehead temples, neck and shoulders – anywhere you may feel tension.
3. Emergen-C Packets are for electrolyte rehydration. This is especially helpful if you get hit with Montezumas Revenge. The single-serve packets (available in an array of flavours) are handy – just mix with water and drink up.
Bonus: pack some probiotics for some extra help overcoming tummy upsets, indigestion or constipation.
4. Tiger Balm is for muscle aches & pains. Especially if youre backpacking. Small jars with screw-top lids are available – scoop out a little and massage onto tight shoulders and back muscles. Best results if you quickly cozy up in a warm layer of clothing afterward.
5. Oil of Oregano is a natural antibiotic great for colds & sore throats – readily killing any bothersome bugs. Make sure your bottle is topped with a dropper – take a couple dribbles under your tongue and wash down with water or juice (the taste is pretty intense so best to avoid your taste buds!).
6. Lavender Oil is for cough and cold. Again, a little dropper or roll-on bottle works great. Apply a little on your chest before hitting the hay and breathe in its healing aromas as you sleep.
Whether or not youre vacationing, these knick-knacks might be handy to have on hand. Holidays are a classic time for illness to set in – friends, families a-mixing and sometimes spreading sickness; not to mention the adrenaline of prepping for the holidays dies down and youre left worn out and vulnerable.
***NB: Make sure you see your doctor and appropriate health-care providers for any serious maladies. Also do your research and obtain any necessary prescriptions or vaccinations ahead of time too! Oil of Oregano aint going to help with Yellow Fever or Malaria
