Herbal medicine can take many forms, including tinctures, salves, powders, capsules and tea. It can be helpful to have a few key herbal teas with you whenever you travel (along with some other natural remedies - look out for a future post on my full holistic medicine kit for travel!). Herbal tea can be powerful medicine when you need it, and doesn’t take much space to pack. Here are my top 5 herbal tea suggestions to include your suitcase next time you travel:
Ginger
A wonderful digestive stimulant, ginger root tea is great for alleviating nausea, an upset stomach and motion sickness. It’s also helpful for warding off menstrual cramps and migraines. Sometimes I pack a couple of just ginger root tea bags, and a few combination digestive support tea bags with ginger plus herbs like peppermint, coriander, fennel and chamomile for synergistic herbal digestive support.
Tulsi
This Ayurvedic plant, also known as Holy Basil, is less of an acute remedy, and more for general stress and immune support while traveling. Tulsi has adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, making it a great overall supportive herb for travel. Additionally, breathing in the steam from the teacup helps to relieve sinus congestion.
Dandelion
Dandelion root provides liver and digestive support, which can be extra important while traveling and deviating from your usual diet. As a bitter it can also help to alleviate constipation (although if you are someone who tends towards constipation while traveling, you might consider packing the stronger herbal laxative, Senna tea, to take on an as needed basis, not for long term use). Dandelion leaf is a powerful diuretic, which can be super helpful for alleviating swelling that can occur on long flights. Bring a combination tea with both the leaf and root for combined benefits.
Slippery Elm
Or really, any demulcent tea and/or demulcent combination! Demulcent herbs soothe irritated mucus membranes, such as those in your mouth, throat and digestive tract. Other examples of demulcent herbs include marshmallow root and licorice root. A great combination of demulcent herbs can be found in the Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat blend. I usually take a few tea bags of Throat Coat tea with me to take at the first sign of any throat irritation. It can also be helpful to have on hand if you suffer from occasional GERD/heartburn.
Chamomile
A warm cup of chamomile tea brings a moment of calm and centering to your day, although my absolute favorite tea for calming your nerves from the overstimulation that comes from travel is lemon balm. However, when packing for travel, I like multipurpose herbs and I often choose the gentler nervine chamomile over lemon balm for my suitcase, as it is also helpful for calming gastritis (gas, bloating, diarrhea that can come from eating something that did not agree with you) and the tea bag can also be used for tired eyes and topically for calming irritations such as big bites and zits.