What's in this ND's Travel Bag
Summer is finally here and that means time for summer vacation and trips to fun destinations. I am someone who prefers to travel light so I put a lot of thought into what I pack. I also want to bring things that my body truly needs so that I can fully enjoy and relaxed during my trip. Besides clothes, a few Kind bars and an iPhone full of podcasts, there are a few other things that are part of my travel essentials.
Lavender Essential Oil
This could possibly be the only thing I need to bring for a successful vacation. I first started carrying lavender with me for its calming effect and to help me sleep. To promote restful sleep, you can add a
few drops in your bath and on your pillow. Lavender is also great because it is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. To make your own hand and air sanitizer, mix a few drops of pure lavender essential oil in water in a small spray bottle. In addition, traveling can make us more susceptible to cold sores. When you experience that tingling sensation on your lip which is the tell tale sign that a cold sore is approaching, apply a single drop to your lip. You will prevent the cold sore from even happening.
Triphala
When I'm on vacation, the only thing that I want to be backed up is my iCloud. That is why I always bring triphala powder with me as it helps with constipation. Triphala is a very important herbal medicine from Ayurvedic medicine that combines three different fruits corresponding to the three different doshas. For those that tend to over indulge on vacation, it is a very effective blood purifier, digestive tonic and liver detoxifier. Another reason why it makes a great travel companion is that it is a powerful antimicrobial for the digestive and urinary tracts. So it can help prevent Montezuma's revenge. I usually take 1 tsp mixed in warm water before bed.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a vital mineral required for over three hundred enzymatic reactions in the body. So it has many functions to support healthy happy travel. Like triphala, it helps to prevent constipation, which many people experience while traveling. It does this by bringing more water into the colon and allowing for normal peristaltic action. Depending on what kind of vacationgoer you are, you might be walking more or participating in more recreational activities than you do normally. This extra muscular use can leave us sore and exhausted. Magnesium helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve activity. Another benefit of it's relaxation on muscles and nerve tension is that it can help us sleep better. When we are well rested, we can enjoy our vacation more. I usually take effervescent magnesium citrate before bed for blissful sleep.
