12 Must-have Herbal Items in Your Travel First Aid Kit

A list of 12 must-have herbal items or alternative medicine in your travel first aid kit.

If you're someone who loves travel, or your job requires you to take a long distance travel, or just wanted to take a long overdue vacation, then don’t forget to bring along with you these 12 herbal items. Each of these herbal items have specific health benefits that may come in handy, in case you encountered a travel-related illness.

on our way to Boracay

Aloe Vera Gel

Your backpack is set and you’re ready to go on hiking. But you seems hesitant to hit the trail since exposing your skin to the scorching sun will result in you getting sunburned. Forget about getting sunburned. An Aloe vera gel inside your backpack will definitely make your day. Just rub some cream or lotion containing Aloe vera gel and it helps relieve that burning sensation and promotes healing. Studies also showed that used topically, Aloe vera gel is also effective in treating cuts, itching, shingles, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is another herbal item so easy to throw in your bag. This essential oil has so many medicinal uses that is so helpful for travelers. Aromatherapy is an essential tool to promote emotional balance while on the trail. Massaging Lavender oil on your temple relieves headaches, rubbing it on sore areas eases sore muscles, sprains, backache and rheumatism. Its calming effect removes nervous exhaustion and induces sleep. Lavender oil is also used for treating cough, colds, flu, asthma, sinus bronchitis, and tonsillitis. Lavender essential oil is marketed in different types including lotions, gels, aromatherapy oil, and soaps.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is another must-have herbal item to have inside your bag while taking a long distance trip. Due to its germicidal properties, clove oil is a prime ingredient added in several dental products such as tooth pastes and mouth washes. An excellent pain reliever, diluted clove oil is effective in relieving toothache, mouth ulcers and sore gums.

Also, the spice’ aromatic scent helps in promoting fresh breath and eases sore throats. Diluted clove oil is also effective in treating wounds, cuts, bruises, athlete’s foot, prickly heats, acne and scabies. Due to its cooling effect, it is also an excellent stress reliever – relieves fatigue and mental exhaustion as well as induces sleep.

Neem Powder

Neem powder is a natural astringent and skin cleanser. If used topically, it is very effective against skin disorders such as athlete’s foot, acne, rashes, eczema, skin itches, ringworms, skin allergies, dandruff, and other types of fungal and bacterial infections. Caution: Ask for professional advice before using neem powder, since can trigger side effects.

Licorice Tea

Locorice Tea is another herbal item one must have in his travel first aid kit while traveling through heavily smog and pollution. Licorice Tea is naturally sweet and taste delicious and is very effective in relieving sore throat. Though the tea’s medicinal benefits needs more studies to be scientifically-verified, its health benefits include: relieving headaches, suppresses excessive thirsting, easing up stomach ulcers, fights diarrhea, as well as treating boils.

Tea Tree Oil

A few drops of Tea tree oil diluted in water goes a long way. This strong smelling essential oil is fast gaining popularity in the field of skin care needs. It is used for cleaning scratches, cuts and bruises. A Tea tree oil/water solution is a good wash. Adding a few drops of Tea tree oil to soaps and lotions can take care of nail fungus, acne, skin irritation, itchy scalp or insect bite.

Arnica Gel

Arnica is sold in the drug stores in several forms; in gel, oil, ointment or in pellets is primarily used in treating wounds. Applied as gel, it is effective in easing swelling and aches and removing bruises. As ointment it treats acne, burns, bruises and wounds. When applied topically, is effective in treating minor sprains, sore foot and pains caused by arthritis. It is also used to relieve headaches.

Ginger

Stomach problems is at times associated with traveling. Another herbal alternative that must be inside a traveler’s back is – ginger. This herb is commonly used for treating various “stomach troubles”. including upset stomach, motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, gas, and morning sickness. Ginger tea or pastilles is effective in combating any of these ailments. Also, fresh ginger ease acute bacterial dysentery while dried ginger relives chest pain and back pain.

All Heal

As the name implies, Heal-All, or Self- has reputation for keeping people healthy. With its anti-inflammation and antibiotic properties, it is very effective in controlling infections caused by cut or wounds. As ointment it reduces swelling from varicose veins, eye inflammation and insect bites. Taken as tea, it is used for sore throats and food poisoning.

Cramp Bark

This herbal item is very handy for women. Cramp Bark primary medicinal use is to relieve cramps that include painful menstrual cramps. A good substitute for over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, this herbal alternative is also effective in relieving constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and arthritis. Take it in a tincture.

Goldenseal

Marketed today in powdered or tincture form, goldenseal boosts the body’s immune system. An effective antibiotic, it is used to stop infections in open cuts. Used in tincture, it ease upset stomach and aid digestion. It is also an effective mouthwash for sore throat, mouth and gums.

Echinacea

This wonder herb is a must herbal item for travelers to have in their first aid kit. Echinacea has dozens of health benefits but is primarily used to support a healthy immune system. It is effective in relieving common colds, fever, flu and sore throat. Likewise, it is used to treat skin conditions such as boils, burns, insect bites, bee sting, eczema and psoriasis.