Remedies for on the Road

Alison's Wanderland
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.

Activated Charcoal

(add ½ tsp.+ to a glass of water.)

Food-grade activated charcoal is used to treat poisoning and overdoses. You can buy it in capsules, but I travel with powder form.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Unfiltered (still has the bits at the bottom) is best.

(2 tbsp. + equal parts water.)

Alkaline in nature, helps soothe gastro-intestinal lining and kills bacteria; also helps with acid indigestion.

Banana

(alone or in shake)

Helps restore energy; good source of potassium; and easy on the stomach to digest.

Basil

(use oil or juice leaves; add to water.)

Anti-bacterial; enhances digestion.

Chamomile Tea or Licorice root

Helps settle stomach and reduce nausea.

Coca Cola or Ginger Ale

(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.

Cumin

(1tbsp. crushed seeds; add to water or broth.)

To reduce inflammation.

Garlic

(Swallow whole clove or juice + water or oil)

Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal; helps alleviate diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Ginger

(Few drops of juice with 1 tbsp. honey; peel and eat raw; brew in hot water for tea.)

To reduce inflammation and pain; enhances digestion; helps soothe nausea and heartburn.

Lemon

(add juice to hot or cold water; add honey if needed).

Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial; also enhances digestion. Repeat 2-3x daily.

Honey

(1tbsp. + water or add to tea.)

Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial. Helps soothe an upset stomach and controls excessive acid in the stomach.

Peppermint Tea

(steep leaves in hot water; add honey if desired.)

Helps settle stomach and cramps.

Yogurt

1tsp. fenegreek + 1 tbsp. yogurt (plain); ok to swallow whole. Relieves vomiting.
Basil leaves, sea salt, black pepper + 3tbsp. yogurt (plain). 3x daily.

Contains probiotics, which helps restore good bacteria.

Electrolyte Drink

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.

water (8oz.)
sugar or honey (1 tbsp.
salt (1/4 tsp.)

Note on probiotics

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.

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.