Summer is here and for many of us that means packing up and heading off for some much needed rest and relaxation. Whether you are travelling to a far-flung destination or enjoying a holiday at home, it is always best to be prepared with a few remedies in your suitcase so that your holiday is not spoilt by an unexpected upset. A Vogel herbal advisor Nicola Murphy gives us her top summer health travel essentials.
If you are planning a holiday that requires a long haul flight and a change in time zones, you may unfortunately end up suffering from jet lag or disturbed sleep. Dormeasan is a herbal remedy made from valerian hops that helps re-establish your normal sleeping patterns following a long haul flight. Taken 30 minutes before bed, it can help you fall asleep more easily, encourage a deeper sleep and help you wake feeling refreshed and well rested, ready to start enjoying your holiday from day one.
Long journeys travelling by car, train, boat or plane can mean we are left sitting in the same position for a number of hours, resulting in stiff, tired and aching legs. To relieve these painful cramps, I would recommend packing a tube of Venagel in your bag. It is a cool and soothing gel for the legs that uses the extract of fresh horse chestnut to help tone the veins in the legs so that the blood flows more efficiently back up to the heart instead of sitting in the lower limbs causing aches, pains and uncomfortable cramps. It can also be an effective remedy for those taking long haul flights this summer and worried about deep vein thrombosis.
Lots of us worry about picking up tummy bugs on holidays, especially if visiting a far-flung destination with exotic foods. Molkosan Vitality is a digestive tonic with antifungal and antibacterial properties that helps create the correct balance of intestinal flora in your body, protecting you from foreign bugs and germs. I would recommend taking a course two to four weeks before you leave for a tummy-ache free vacation.
If mossies and midges attempt to ruin your summer break, then don’t forget to pack Neem Insect Repellent. It is a powerful natural insect repellant that masks the smell of your body so that biting insects stay away. Free from DEET and citronella, it’s safe to use on all the family. I would recommend applying this natural repellant every three hours for a bite free summer.
These products are available from Mayo health food stores and selected pharmacies, see www.avogel.ie for details.
