Imagine a long-awaited holiday ruined by a summer affliction like hay fever or sunburn. Packing the right natural cures in your luggage will help you safeguard against holiday nasties.
- Sunburn
- Hay fever
- Fear of flying
- Travel sickness
- DVT
- Insect bites
- Hangovers
- Stomach upsets
- Summer colds
Sunburn
Prolonged time in the sun can make you sore and red, as well as raising the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. With the sun's harmful rays penetrating through the ozone, it's essential to arm yourself with the right protective suncream for your skin type to ensure maximum protection. And even if you have olive skin, sunscreen is still essential.
A great addition to any hand luggage is aloe vera. As well as soothing the skin, it is said to prevent stretch marks, scars, dry and chapped skin, sunburn and mildly irritated skin. Unlike some moisturising substances, aloe vera gel is said to penetrate deep into the skin to help rehydrate and protect it. Aloe vera gel is available from Holland & Barrett stores (£2.99/100ml).
Eau Thermale Avene Suncare is one of the tried-and-tested ranges that can protect sensitive skin from the burning and ageing effects of the sun. It's available from larger Boots stores and leading pharmacies.
Hay fever
Three million people, and 25 per cent of all young people aged between 12 and 21 years old, are affected every year in the UK by hayfever or allergic rhinitis. Sneezing, runny noses and red eyes can interfere with exams, lead to absence from work and niggle throughout your holiday.
Statistics show that more than half the adult UK population suffers from an allergy with researchers suggesting that everyone could have an allergic condition by the year 2030! Butterbur (a herbal remedy) can offer relief from the symptoms of hay fever. It contains extract of the perennial shrub, butterbur, whose leaves and roots have been used medicinally since ancient Greek times. FSC standardised Butterbur is available from all good health food shops (£10.99/60 capsules).
Fear of flying
For the one in six adults who have a flying phobia, a three-hour flight can seem never-ending and worrying about the flight alone can ruin a holiday. Herbal relief may be an option. Valerian, a herb which dampens down the brain chemical that causes anxiety and is often used to treat depression, may help. A product called Sedonium contains 300 mg of the standardised LI-156 extract of dried valerian root, and has been shown in research to reduce feelings of stress and improve sleep quality, leaving you relaxed and refreshed. It's only available from pharmacists (£5.99/30 tablets).
Travel sickness
Travel sickness can spoil your holiday fun by leaving you feeling nauseous and weak after your trip. Some conventional motion sickness remedies can cause drowsiness, but ginger is widely recommended as a natural alternative.
Historically used to treat stomach complaints, recent clinical trials have revealed that the active constituents of the ginger root (gingerols and shogaols) may have anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects. Helping to rebalance the gastric juices, ginger soothes the stomach and can be used to maintain a healthy digestion. It is usually taken as a capsule or a tea.
You can buy ginger extract from most health food stores. http://www.hollandandbarrett.com Holland & Barrett do their own brand, Good 'n Natural Ginger Root (£5.99/100 capsules, £10.49/200 capsules).
DVT
Most long haul passengers are aware of the dangers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and how to avoid it but a recent study of short haul travellers between Stansted airport and Italy uncovered the frightening fact that blood clots can develop in the first two to three hours of a flight.
A separate survey carried out by the Aviation Health Institute found that out of 85 DVT-related deaths in the last three years, one in five occurred after a short haul flight. People considered to be at high risk include those who've previously suffered from thrombosis, blood clotting problems, circulatory problems in the legs or significant weight problems. Worried about DVT? Speak to you GP before your journey.
There are some natural options:
Pycnogenol is renowned for its ability to support blood vessels, reinforcing capillary walls and ensuring normal blood flow. It's a natural flavonoid, which helps to prevent abnormal blood clotting and blood leakage through weak vessel walls. (£9.99/60 capsules from Holland & Barrett).
Ginkgo Biloba can improve blood flow to peripheral blood vessels and has been used for centuries in the treatment of poor circulation, varicose veins and thrombosis. It's widely available from pharmacies and health food stores.
Clinical trials on the Tibetan herbal remedy, Padma 28, have shown its ability to help maintain a healthy circulatory system. It contains 20 medicinal herbs that work together to help maintain healthy circulation and can be taken as a preventative measure for those at high risk of developing circulatory disease. Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, Padma 28 is available from Holland & Barrett, health food stores and pharmacies (£24.95/120 tablets).
Insect bites
Creating your own mosquito repellent is a safe and effective alternative to commercial repellents. The most frequently used natural mosquito repellent is citronella essential oil, which is extracted from the plant cymbopagon nardus and has a pleasant citrus-like aroma. Widely available from health food shops.
Hangovers
Over-indulgence in exotic cocktails can leave us dehydrated and nursing a sore head.
Of course the best advice is probably to cut down on the booze and keep yourself well hydrated with plenty of water, but when the inevitable holiday partying takes place, you could turn to an alternative hangover cure to help you.
Milk Thistle can dampen the effects of holiday hangovers, as it supports the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione, an amino acid-like compound that is essential in aiding the body's ability to destroy toxins and environmental pollutants. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps to prevent damage from free radicals. If your liver is likely to be exposed to more toxins during your holiday, two tablets can be taken daily. Cynara Milk Thistle costs £7.99, available from Boots.
Stomach upsets
For a dodgey stomach, a silica supplement may help maintain digestive comfort and regular bowel movement. A spoonful of Silicol Gel forms a soothing coat over the lining of the stomach and intestines and can help remove toxins and irritants from the gut. Silicol Gel is available in a handy suitcase-sized packet (£6.99/200ml, £15.99/500ml) from independent health food stores. For further information visit www.silicol.com.
Summer colds
While most people are on red alert for colds in winter, summer colds still do the rounds and nobody wants to be blowing their nose on the beach! Recent research has confirmed garlic's beneficial role in preventing colds and flu, as well as secondary infections. Through modern scientific study, garlic has been found to possess antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral qualities. Lichtwer Pharma's Kwai Garlic Once-a-Day concentrated garlic tablets are available (£4.95/30 tablets) from Boots or by calling 0845 6011223.