Holiday Helpers

Make sure your well-earned rest is as trouble-free as possible by being prepared for each and every pitfall

Summer means holidays, which more often than not involve a trip abroad. And this means getting on planes, eating foreign food, different time zones, biting insects and lots of sun. However pleasant this change in your daily routine is it can also bring some health ups and downs. But they don't have to ruin your holiday? The secret is to be prepared and to pack some herbal remedies in your suitcase in case of any mishap. Most holiday disasters happen to those who are badly prepared so don’t fall into the ‘ it won’t happen to me trap’.  Read on for what to pack in your herbal health travel kit.

For travel sickness
Pack: Ginger capsules

This happens when the signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the balance apparatus in the inner ear become confused. When travelling by car keep a window open to let fresh air circulate and make sure children sit high enough so that they can see out of the window - it helps to look outside of the car at distant objects rather than focussing on things inside the car. On boats go outside on the deck if possible and keep your eyes focussed ahead. On planes, drink as much fluid as you can and walk up the aisle at regular intervals.

Ginger capsules are a tried-and-tested remedy for travel sickness. Alternatively you could chew crystallised ginger or take an infusion in a flask.

For jet lag
Pack: valerian, passiflora

During the flight drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, stretch and move around as much as possible. Also sleep as much as you can. If you find it hard to drop some valerian or passiflora will help to make it easier.

For traveller’s tummy
Pack: slippery elm, camomile teabags

 If you go down with an upset tummy the secret is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Avoid all drinks containing caffeine as they can irritate the gut. The herbal remedy slippery elm and a cup of camomile tea can be very soothing and help to bring relief.

For insect bites
Pack: calendula or lavender oil, aloe vera

Whether you are holidaying at home or abroad there’s no getting away from it – there will be insects and chances are you will get bitten.  Protection is your best defence so slather on some natural insect repellent. And if you do get bitten rubbing in some calendula or lavender oil or some aloe vera cream can help to soothe the itch.

For headaches
Pack: valerian

Spending too long in the sun or the stress of getting to and from your holiday destination can often result in a dull ache at the back of your head. Overdoing the retsina or sangria can have a similar effect. The calming herb valerian can help to soothe and ease the pain. Drinking plenty of fluid and lying in a darkened room may also help alleviate stress headaches.

REMEMBER ALSO TO PACK:

•  Plasters, bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes and safety pins.