I’m definitely an overpacker when travelling. I like to be prepared for anything – especially now with two energetic boys – which includes bringing certain fundamental supplements and a kit of first aid remedies.
The remedies that I pack will differ depending on where we’re going and the possible health issues we may encounter: for example, sunburn treatments on a trip to the beach. Anything else that I may have forgotten and we suddenly need while on vacation, I will buy locally (I actually make a note before leaving of where the nearest health food store is from where we’re staying, in case I need something!).
Here’s a list of what I packed for our recent family vacation to Maui:
1. Multivitamin and mineral
We normally take more daily supplements: fish oils and vitamin D (for the whole family), vitamin B complex (for my husband and I), and iron and calcium-magnesium (for myself). While away, though, we keep it pretty simple – because no one really wants (or remembers!) to take a handful of supplements while on vacation. So, my husband and I will take a daily multivitamin and mineral just to cover our bases. I give the kids a break from theirs and make sure that they still get balanced meals wherever we are.
2. Probiotics
No matter how clean you eat while on vacation, it won’t be as healthy making your own food at home. Portions are often double the size of what we’re used to eating, the amount of starch is usually larger while veggie portions are smaller. Plus, we’re more likely to indulge in sweets, simple carbs, alcohol, and fatty meals. Taking a probiotic daily (and this we also packed for the kids!) will help off-set any digestive issues with the sudden change in diet, such as gas, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea/constipation.
*Naturopathic Tip* Be sure to get a travel-friendly probiotic, meaning that it’s shelf-stable and maintains its potency outside of the fridge (most probiotics need to be refrigerated).
3. Magnesium
Because magnesium is amazing for so many health conditions, I don’t like to go without it. Most people tend to be deficient from not getting enough leafy greens, legumes, and fish in our diet (all great sources of magnesium). Magnesium is an important electrolyte (handy for potential dehydration and fatigue), a natural muscle relaxant (yay for more relaxation while on vacation!), and sleep aid (helpful for jet lag).
4. Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are great for acute health situations, can be used in conjunction with other medication or supplements, and work well even in low doses (making it ideal for children). For acute physical conditions, remedy strengths in 6CH or 30CH are preferred.
Apis mellifica: for mosquito bites and bee stings with sensations of heat, swelling, burning, and stinging
Arnica montana: for bruises, sprains, trauma, and shock
*Naturopathic Mom Tip* I always carry with me Hyland’s 4 Kids ”Bumps ’n Bruises” because, if your kids are as active as mine, then you’re guaranteed a bump or scrape daily. It’s a combination of different homeopathic remedies (including Arnica montana) for bruising, swelling, sprains, strains, and nerve pain.
Arsenicum album: a good remedy for food poisoning
Cantharis: for sunburns
Colubrina: for constipation and other stomach ailments due to overexcess and overindulgence
5. Topicals
Applying a medicinal cream or gel can bring immediate relief – and may be the only way to get some therapy on your child, if (s)he won’t take anything orally. There are some key ones that I always have on hand for year-round use (not just on vacation).
Aloe vera gel: incredibly soothing for sunburns, and irritated skin in general
Apis cream or gel: for insect bites and stings
*Naturopathic Tip* The Orange Natural’s Bites + Stings cream is a great combination of remedies in a non-greasy ointment that covers your bases for encounters with mosquitoes, black flies, spiders, or wasps. It can reduce the inflammation and discomfort from insect bites and stings. We’ve used this cream on our kids for mosquito bites (and one awful wasp sting) and it works like a charm!
Arnica cream: for bumps and bruises, and sore and strained muscles
Calendula cream: for rashes, eczema, scrapes, and cuts
*Naturopathic Note* Be sure to apply Calendula only on superficial scrapes and cuts. It works incredibly well – so well that if applied to a deeper wound, it can heal the skin on top before the underlying tissue is appropriately cleaned and healed (which could lead to further infection).
