Remedies for on the Road
I am by no means a doctor, nurse, EMT or even stepped foot on medical school grounds or have any training in medicine. This page is dedicated to old school home remedies that you can easily find on the road. On my trip to South America, I got really sick in Peru and then worse in Bolivia. There are a few rememdies listed here I wish I would have know about that could have possibly saved the aftermath.
Remedies from the Kitchen
Beauty Remedies
I use these recipes at home and on the road. They are inexpensive and the ingredients are easy to find at the find.
Sugar Face Scrub
- 2 parts raw / turbinado sugar
- 1 part coconut or virgin olive oil
- few drops essential oil – lavender, eucalyptus, etc. (Optional)
Natural Remedies for Food Poisoning
When traveling, it is not a matter of if, but when, you will encounter an episode of food poisoning. It can happen as easily in the US as it can happen in Bolivia, which is where it hit me the hardest. Here is a list of natural remedies that you are likely to find at least one if not all depending on the region.
Food-grade activated charcoal is used to treat poisoning and overdoses. You can buy it in capsules, but I travel with powder form.Activated Charcoal
Alkaline in nature, helps soothe gastro-intestinal lining and kills bacteria; also helps with acid indigestion.Apple Cider Vinegar
Helps restore energy; good source of potassium; and easy on the stomach to digest.Banana
Anti-bacterial; enhances digestion.Basil
Helps settle stomach and reduce nausea.Chamomile Tea or Licorice root
(ok, not so natural, but it’s easily found and works.) contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda – an alkaline) which helps relieve nausea. Just go for flat, un-carbonated – 30 min. You can drink baking soda and water for the same effect, but tastes terrible. Coca Cola has been recommended for drinking at first signs of sickness to clear out your system. If it takes a layer off your teeth, then it might just help rid your stomach of bugs.Coca Cola or Ginger Ale
To reduce inflammation.Cumin
Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal; helps alleviate diarrhea and abdominal pain.Garlic
To reduce inflammation and pain; enhances digestion; helps soothe nausea and heartburn.Ginger
Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial; also enhances digestion. Repeat 2-3x daily.Lemon
Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial. Helps soothe an upset stomach and controls excessive acid in the stomach.Honey
Helps settle stomach and cramps.Peppermint Tea
Contains probiotics, which helps restore good bacteria.Yogurt
Dehydration can quickly make your sickness worse. here is a quick solution for an electrolyte drink. Although it is missing key ingredients such as magnesium and potassium, it will help you retain water and stay hydrated.Electrolyte Drink
All probiotics are not created equal. In yogurt, they are very mild. If you have to take a course of antibiotics, I highly recommend supplementing your system’s natural bacteria with pharmaceutical grade probiotics afterward.Note on probiotics
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I do not have a medical background. I am an individual choosing for myself to heal my body by natural means because I don’t like running to a pharmacy first thing. These suggestions are just that… suggestions. If symptoms persist after trying these remedies, take care of yourself and see a doctor.
Natural Remedies for Mosquitos
Lemon eucalyptus or eucalyptus oil
Add few drops to Aloe vera and spread on
lime with clove
Half a lime with whole cloves
Citronella
Alternative Wound Management