Natural Remedies to Cure Common Travel Complaints

While traveling often requires a healthy dose of human contact, shared surfaces and circulating germs, no one wants to fall prey to illness and discomfort while on a family vacation. While you may not have your regular medicine cabinet nearby, there might be some natural remedies within reach.

Antioxidants

If anyone in your group is feeling a bit off, that could be the result of a weak immune system. A natural defense that can help your family before, during and after the trip: antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body’s cells from oxidation damage and help with circulation, promoting healthy tissue. This is all to say, just like with Vitamin C (in oranges) and Vitamin E (in aloe vera), antioxidant-enriched food can help you take on the day, no matter where you are.

Load up at the airport with green juices filled with antioxidants like fresh berries, or slowly introduce more into your family’s diet through green juices and vitamin-enriched drinks and supplements. Raspberries, kale, dark chocolate and blueberries are all high in antioxidants, along with this list. Order a few for breakfast while vacationing, or pack snacks to take with you while sightseeing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

One remedy that’s a little tougher to swallow: apple cider vinegar. ACV has been known for centuries as a cure-all for ailments, including infection prevention, improving digestion, relieving arthritis pain and helping to remove toxins from the body.

At home before the family vacation, you can mix a tablespoon in your water in the morning to dilute the taste, or mix it in juices and smoothies. Take some on the go in a small travel-sized container so you and the kids can keep up with the healthy routine while traveling. Don’t be surprised if you have to be sneaky with this one, it’s definitely an acquired taste.

Chamomile 

Woman holding cup of tea with lemon © Yuliia Chyzhevska | Dreamstime.com

Another (usually) easy find while on vacation, chamomile is a great ingredient that can ease flu-like symptoms, aches, pains and inflammation. For serious pain and illness, chamomile can only do so much and you may actually need medication or to see a doctor, but, in a pinch, order a few organic chamomile teas to help ease discomfort, or travel with some oil in a small container.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of those natural remedies that also happens to be trending, meaning you can find it easily. The healing, soothing and cleansing properties of aloe help improve ailments both inside and outside the body. If you get a sunburn, or blemish, aloe vera can help. If you feel your gastrointestinal tract is a bit off, some aloe vera water can ease pain and improve digestion and liver and kidney function. The anti-inflammatory components of aloe help balance acidity and calm nervous stomachs. Read more about its benefits here and find versatile products online that can do a few jobs at once.

Cranberry

Cranberry juice can be found in most bars and restaurants while traveling, even if it’s from concentrate. The benefits of cranberry are almost instant when it comes to killing bacteria in your digestive system and urinary tract. Drink a few glasses for two or three days and you can prevent kidney stones, kill germs and stop bladder infections. The kids may not like it, but you can always cut the tart taste with water.