Herbalism for travellers: essential plants to take with you
Travelling can be a rewarding adventure, but it’s essential to be prepared for the little
aches and discomforts that can arise along the way. Medicinal plants offer natural and effective
solutions for a variety of common ailments. Here’s a guide to the essential plants you need in your travel first-aid kit to ensure your well-being wherever you go. Why include medicinal plants in your first-aid kit? Medicinal plants have healing properties that can help treat a variety of minor health problems naturally and safely. They are particularly useful when traveling to
, where access to medical care may be limited. By taking herbal remedies with you to
, you can be prepared for headaches, stomach aches, insect bites
, minor injuries and other common discomforts.
1. Arnica (Arnica montana)
Properties: Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and pain. Healing: Promotes healing of bruises and contusions. Use: Arnica gel or cream Directions for use: Apply a small amount of gel or cream to the affected area several times
a day to reduce bruising and relieve muscle aches.
Advice from Jean, herbalist: “Arnica is indispensable for hikers and active travelers.
It effectively relieves aches and pains.”
2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Properties: Digestive: relieves stomachache, nausea and bloating. Antispasmodic: Calms abdominal cramps. How to use: Peppermint essential oil Directions for use: Dilute 1 to 2 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil and
massage gently into the abdomen to relieve digestive pain. Inhale a few drops
on a handkerchief to alleviate nausea.
Jean’s tip: “Peppermint essential oil is a versatile remedy for
digestive problems and headaches.”
3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Properties: Soothing: Reduces stress and promotes sleep. Anti-inflammatory: Soothes skin irritations. Directions for use: Add one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling
water, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink a cup before bedtime to
promote relaxation and sleep. Use the cooled infusion as a soothing compress for
skin irritations. Jean’s tip: “Chamomile is perfect for relaxing after a long day’s travel and for treating minor skin irritations.”
4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Properties: Anti-nausea: Effective against nausea and motion sickness. Anti-inflammatory: Relieves pain and inflammation. Directions for use: Take ginger candies or capsules before travelling to prevent
nausea. You can also prepare an infusion by adding a slice of fresh
ginger to a cup of hot water. Jean’s tip: “Ginger is an invaluable ally for travellers prone to motion sickness
.”
5. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Properties: Healing: Promotes healing of cuts and scrapes. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces skin inflammation. How to use: Apply to cuts, scrapes and skin irritations to
promote healing and soothe the skin. Jean’s tip: “Calendula is indispensable for treating minor wounds and soothing
insect bites.”
6. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Properties: Immunostimulant: Strengthens the immune system. Antiviral: Helps prevent and fight infections. Directions for use: Take a few drops of Echinacea tincture in water at the onset of
cold or flu symptoms to boost the immune system. Jean’s tip: “Echinacea is ideal for preventing infections and boosting the
immune system when traveling to places where exposure to new germs is frequent.”
Conclusion
Carrying herbal remedies in your travel first-aid kit is an effective way of preparing yourself for a variety of minor aches and discomforts. Plants such as arnica, peppermint, chamomile, ginger, calendula and echinacea offer safe, natural solutions for staying healthy and enjoying your travels to the full. To discover more tips and find quality products, visit France Herboristerie. Prepare your first-aid kit with these essential plants and travel with peace of mind.