Portable Naturopathic Healing - Ibiza's Dry Throat Ailment: Natural Remedies to Pack for Your Bag
It's almost summer, and that means it's time for travel season! However, along with the excitement comes the possibility of some unpleasant incidents while on the go. To be well-prepared from a natural health perspective, make sure to bring along the following items in your luggage: one garlic clove, one or two cinnamon sticks, two bags of peppermint tea, two bags of chamomile tea, and some frozen ginger if you're prone to nausea. Also, consider packing a little salt, pepper, and sugar (you can get these in the airplane for coffee or fill them into empty Tic Tac containers). And don't forget a pocket knife. During the first breakfast buffet, grab a packaged portion of honey and a portion of lemon juice, which is usually available with the tea.
Cold
The most common issue after air-conditioned flights or train rides (or even a change in weather) is a cold. Garlic is a lifesaver here: Cut it into fine slices and press them into a cup. Pour non-boiling water over it, mix with honey, and add a pinch of pepper. Finally, add a shot of lemon juice. It might not sound appealing, but trust me, the mixture is better than you think. It helps to moisten the mucous membranes. So, sip it slowly and swallow.
Sore Throat
For a sore throat at the onset: Dissolve one-third of a teaspoon of salt in some hot, boiled water. Then fill it up with cooler water (you can also use boiled water). The salt solution should have a comfortable temperature. Gargle with it. This solution can also be used to rinse the nose.
Toothache
For temporary relief from toothaches: Place one to two cinnamon sticks on the painful tooth and bite carefully. If the pain prevents you from doing this, place the cinnamon stick next to the tooth and let it dissolve gradually. When it's almost gone, spit it out, but don't swallow it. Note: This is only a temporary solution and should not replace a visit to the dentist.
Stomach-Intestinal Problems
For stomach-intestinal issues caused by an infection and cramps, chamomile can be your best friend. Brew a cup of tea, let the chamomile steep for up to five minutes. The taste is intense. Chamomile flowers are incredibly versatile. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, help with cramps, and aid in digestion. You can also use the liquid extract from the pharmacy, just avoid it if you're allergic to daisies. Peppermint tea is also good for cramps in the muscles of the digestive tract. It relieves pain, cools a little, and has a mild anesthetic effect, but it's less anti-infectious than chamomile.
Fun fact: Rice is a great snack after a stomach-intestinal infection or a diet change. It's always well-tolerated.
In the case of diarrhea, you can make an electrolyte solution as a first step: Add half a teaspoon of salt and five teaspoons of sugar to half a liter of boiled water and stir until completely dissolved. It tastes much better when mixed with orange juice. Drink up to three liters of it. This solution only replaces any lost electrolytes. It's not a cure for the cause, so please consult a doctor.
The recipe for "Moroccan carrot soup" against diarrhea comes from pediatrics. To prepare, boil 500 grams of peeled carrots in a liter of water for one and a half hours, then puree. Add the carrot puree back into the pot, fill it up with water to a liter, and salt. For a tastier version, you can add a spoonful of butter and a spoonful of sugar after pureeing without thinning the puree with water. A milder alternative: Cook rice with carrots as a light snack.
Nausea
Peppermint tea helps with nausea and tastes great cold. Ginger is also helpful for nausea, especially in the form of capsules designed for travel sickness. If you don't have these capsules handy, you can chew dried ginger or - a slightly milder option - drink ginger tea or eat candied ginger.
Constipation
Don't be surprised if you experience constipation on vacation. Your usual routine is missing, so digestion slows down. To help yourself, start by drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. Additionally, consume a tablespoon of olive oil every day, preferably before a meal with some lemon juice or on some bread with salt. Incorporate fermented foods into your diet. These can be found in almost every culture, such as sauerkraut or kimchi. Yogurt, kefir, or sour milk in a ratio of two to one with water diluted, seasoned with a bit of salt, and drink a glass of it regularly. If you can't tolerate milk protein or want a vegan alternative, there are options available that still contain beneficial lactic acid bacteria.
An effective way to hydrate the intestine is through the Asian dish "rice congee." To prepare it, combine washed rice with six to eight times the amount of water in a larger pot, occasionally stirring before allowing it to simmer for several hours with a covered lid. Once cooled overnight in the refrigerator, season the now porridge-like rice with honey and cinnamon or, for a heartier version, salt, soy sauce, or ginger. Consider adding compote or vegetables as well. This light breakfast provides the intestine with fluids without overtaxing it.
To prevent bladder infections while traveling, hydration is key. Pack an extra pair of wool or silk undies, a cashmere wrap, and thick socks. A warm foot bath could also be beneficial. For those sensitive to temperature changes, consider packing a travel heating pad. Turkish folk medicine suggests consuming water with lemon juice to alter the pH value in the bladder. If the bladder is already painful, drink plenty of fluids, purchase a kidney-bladder tea from the pharmacy, and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.
Skin damaged by the sun requires moisture, fats, and tender care. These elements are present in dairy products like kefir, thick milk, buttermilk, and yogurt, but apply them carefully. Avoid dairy for deeper sunburns with blisters or exposed wounds, severe skin damage, or a milk protein allergy. To treat sunburns, apply a clean cloth (paper napkins work in a pinch) saturated in dairy, ensuring it remains cool to the touch. Replace or remove seasoned cloths once they start getting warm.
