Natural First Aid Holiday Essentials
Holidays are a time to relax, recharge and enjoy life, but sometimes travelling can put extra stress on the body. Changes in food, routine, climate, sleep and hydration can leave us feeling run down or more vulnerable to minor ailments.
I always encourage clients to travel with a few simple natural remedies that can offer gentle support whilst away. Having these essentials to hand can help you feel more confident and comfortable, whether you are going abroad, camping with the family or enjoying a weekend away in the UK.
Here are some of my favourite natural holiday essentials.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is something I often recommend people keep in their travel bag. It can be very useful for digestive upset, bloating, excess wind or food poisoning whilst travelling.
It’s especially helpful after eating unfamiliar foods, when digestion feels sluggish after flying. And is great for mopping up during food poisoning.
Activated charcoal works by binding to toxins and unwanted substances in the digestive tract, helping the body eliminate them naturally.
Capsules are usually the easiest option to travel with. There is no difference in quality so choose value for money. Unless you are using to make your own recipe for a remedy I would avoid the powdered form especially when travelling as you may end looking like you’ve been to a party in a coal bunker. Trust me I’ve tried it.
It is important to remember that activated charcoal should be taken away from medications and supplements, as it may interfere with their absorption.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile natural remedies to travel with. A small bottle can be incredibly useful for all sorts of minor holiday complaints.
It may help with
I particularly like tea tree oil because it takes up very little space and can be used in so many different ways for acute skin situations.
Always dilute essential oils before applying them directly to the skin.
Celtic Sea Salt for Natural Electrolytes
Travelling, flying, hot weather and alcohol can all contribute to dehydration and mineral imbalance. It’s one of the reasons why people feel exhausted, headachy or lightheaded during holidays.
Celtic sea salt contains trace minerals that may help support hydration and replenish electrolytes naturally.
One of the simplest ways to support the body whilst travelling is to add a pinch of Celtic sea salt to water with fresh lemon.
This can be especially rejuvenating after long flights, excessive sweating or time spent in the sun.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of my favourite remedies for soothing irritated or overheated skin.
Too much sun can easily happen whilst on holiday and aloe vera gel can feel cooling and calming after sun exposure.
It may also help with:
I recommend choosing a pure aloe vera gel with as few additives as possible.
Keeping it in the fridge can make it even more soothing to apply after a hot day.
Calendula cream
A very healing cream for minor rashes and cuts. Soothing and suitable for broken skin.
Magnesium spray
Soothes aches, reduces cramping and aids sleep .
Homeopathic Remedies for Travel
I never go away without this kit and I always recommend it to clients.
https://www.helios.co.uk/en/collections/helios-remedy-kits
The basic kit containing 18 remedies offers great value. And it has all your basic holiday needs covered. I have treated all sorts of ailments whilst away with this kit. Every thing from earaches, food poisoning, cuts, stings and bruises. Some of the most commonly used remedies include:
Arnica
A wonderful remedy for:
Nux Vomica
Often used for:
Cocculus
A useful remedy for:
Apis Mellifica
Often considered for:
Arsenicum Album
Often considered for
Food poisoning
Sickness and diarrhoea
Anxiety (a feeling of needing to be in control at all times)
Rescue Remedy
This is a firm favourite with many people and you can buy it as drops to be taken under the tongue or a spray.
Homeopathy can be used safely alongside other medications and having a few homeopathic remedies and products close to hand can often help manage some of the challenges that can arise whilst away. If you are in doubt, always seek medical advice.
I hope these ideas help you create your own natural holiday first aid kit so you can relax and enjoy your travels more fully.
Safe travels and enjoy your holiday.
