Family Naturopathic Travel Kit
By Dr. Kate Sage, Naturopathic Family Physician
Summer time is for adventures! Loading up the car for a road trip or slogging your kids on an airplane for an out of state or international travel can lead to many treasured memories. It can also however, lead to some less than happy experiences if someone gets injured or sick. As you are planning and packing, it is definitely worth your time to think about some of the possible scenarios that could come up for you and family so you can get through the not-so-fun part and get back to the joy of travel. Here is a list of things to consider packing for your family trip - some more naturopathic, others not-so-much, but all worth having on hand if you need it.
Prescription medications - Don’t forget these! And don’t pack them in the suitcase that you are planning on checking!
Over-the-counter medications - If you are traveling to a place with easy to access drugstores, you may not need to have these in your suitcase, but you may consider having a dose or two on you, just in case:
Infant or Children’s Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil)- For terrible headaches, serious teething pain, or who knows what. Often times, getting your child out of pain so they can sleep is worth it in the long run.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl or Genexa Kids’ Allergy) - For severe bug bites or the new I-didn’t-know-they-were-allergic-to-pineapple (or whatever food) allergy, this medication could literally save their lives. The medication bottle does say not to give to children under the age of 2, but if it is needed, please give it. You can look up the correct dosage on the internet using your child’s weight.
Supplements - remember to pack those that you or your children take regularly. A trip may be a good time to take a supplement break but for some, it could be a terrible idea. Here is a list of others to consider:
Vitamin C - Great to start taking a couple of days before your trip and daily while on vacation to keep any illness at bay. Also works great for constipation. Dosage depends on size, too much in any size will cause loose stools.
Zinc - Lozenges are easy to pack and are a perfect thing to take when you first start getting a tingle of getting sick. Remember, do not take zinc daily as it can cause other mineral deficiencies.
Digestive Enzymes - Perfect for travel as we often eat foods that are richer than our digestive systems are used to. If there is a gluten or dairy sensitivity, you can also get digestive enzymes specifically to help digest these items if you are not completely sure the food you ordered is gf/df.
Melatonin - Take the first night if you traveled East to help get your or your child’s Circadian Rhythm on track with your destination. Usually 2-3mg 30 minutes before your ideal bedtime. This is safe for children when used on a limited basis.
Activated Charcoal Capsules - If you do end up with an upset stomach, take 2 capsules every two hours. Can help with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain . This remedy helps bind toxins and is especially useful for traveler’s diarrhea. Be sure to take it away from your prescription medication as possible as it may affect absorption.
Ginger chews - Easy to have on hand for motion sickness or upset stomachs.
You may also consider electrolyte packets, probiotics or magnesium.
Topical Creams/ointments and First Aid- Just a reminder not to forget these!
Sunscreen - at least 30 spf. I recommend a zinc oxide formula.
Bug Spray
Aloe vera gel
All Purpose Salve or Calendula Cream - for itchy spots/bites, dry skin, minor cuts and burns
Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment
Band-Aids - Not only for wounds but also for blisters!
As always, be sure to check with your family physician if you plan on taking a new supplement yourself or giving one to your child.
Learn more natural travel hacks and ways to support your health during the summer at Soul Space’s upcoming 4 Seasons of Health workshop “Summer Health, Fall Ready” on June 25th. For more information, or to save your spot, visit https://www.soulspacetucson.com/four-seasons-of-health.