Here is our family's list to pack when traveling! It's simple yet addresses all of our needs. The only thing I tend to overpack is shoes. ;)
Arnica Bumps ‘n Bruises for Kids
- Safe & effective relief of pain, swelling, bruising and soreness
- Use immediately after bumps and ouchies for best results
- Push-up ointment tube is made of paperboard which is 90% recycled
- Free of PABA, synthetic preservatives, fragrances, parabens, & dyes
Lauricidin (Available at Donohoe Chiropractic, Inc.)
Monolaurin has antibacterial, antiviral, and other antimicrobial effects. It may therefore be useful in the treatment or prevention of various infections.
Lauricidin comes in a jar full of monolaurin pellets that are taken via a provided scoop. Using the scoop, you can dose in very small amounts and slowly increase the dose as you determine how well you tolerate it. Adults will usually start with ¼ of a scoop or less two to three times daily and can slowly increase the dose up to 1 full scoop three times daily.
For stubborn infections, some health care providers will further increase the dose until benefits are noted. Don’t be afraid to start with a few pellets and work the dose up as you get some personal experience with it.
Children, 3-10 years of age, can start with 1-3 pellets (NOT SCOOPS) for a few days before gradually increasing the dose. After this initial trial, you can increase to 1-3 pellets twice daily and then three times daily over a couple of weeks.
Dos & Don’ts of Lauricidin Use
- Never chew Lauricidin tablets; swallow them whole
- Drink cold liquids when taking Lauricidin pellets, as hot liquids will melt them prematurely.
- Dose according to your response; some will need more and some will need less than the recommendations provided above.
- Always start slow in order to prevent a “die-off effect” caused by too many bacteria, viruses, or fungi dying too quickly.
Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria that line your digestive tract and support your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and fight infection. They are a staple for immune system function. When your GI tract isn’t functioning at peak performance, you may experience the following signs of occasional GI distress:
- Abdominal discomfort/bloating
- Indigestion/nausea
- Irregular bowel patterns
- Flatulence
- Feeling “out of sorts” (malaise)
- Fatigue/weakness
Prescript Assist- (for adults or children that can swallow capsules) No need for refrigeration. 29 Symbitoic strains, Contains Bacillus subtilis found in traditional foods. Contains Prebiotics, Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Vegan OR Metagenics Ultra-Flora Baby (Drops) or Chewable for older children. (Both available at Donohoe Chiropractic,Inc)
Coconut Oil Packets from Trader Joe’s
From Trader Joe’s Website: “Organic Virgin Coconut Oil; it’s the packaging that’s different. Here, we’ve packaged the oil in single-serve packets – think condiments. Why, you ask? Turns out, there are people who prefer to use their Coconut Oil in non-traditional ways, and those uses often necessitate portability. Glass jars aren’t known for their ease of transport – they can get heavy after a while. Some of those uses include flavoring coffee, adding moisture and flavor to a bowl of oatmeal, as hair conditioner, or moisturizer for your skin. These packets are also the ideal size for oil-pulling, a detoxification technique used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine that’s gained popularity in recent years. We’re selling Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Packets in a 7.1 fluid ounce box of 14 packets (.51 fluid ounces each) for $3.99. This is a great value on a product you’ll see elsewhere for a higher price.”
Activated Charcoal is well known as a antidote as it adsorbs most organic toxins, chemicals and poisons before they can harm the body. Some Emergency Rooms administer large doses of activated charcoal for certain types of poisoning.
- Activated charcoal is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60%
- It works by absorbing chemicals, thus reducing toxicity through the stomach, small and large intestines.
- It is odorless, tasteless and nontoxic. (I use it regularly to whiten my teeth.)
Homeopathics
Official warnings have been in place since 2009 requiring cough and cold medication to state they mustn’t be administered to children under the age of six. Despite being potentially harmful, as many as one in five parents give these medications to young children. Adverse reactions in kids can be as severe as coma, seizures and death. Thankfully there are a number of safe remedies which can help kids feel better:
- In the early stages of a flu and to prevent it taking hold, we use Oscillococcinum. Writing this post has reminded me to stock up as it’s such a great remedy.
- remedy to use at the start of a cold. It helps children who are restless, agitated and anxious about their symptoms. Also helpful for coughs, including “croup”.
- Coryzalia is our go-to for relief of mild cold symptoms such as congestion and runny noses.
- Ferrum phosphoricum is a single remedy which also aims to prevent colds getting worse. At the first sign of a sore, scratchy throat or the start of a fever or earache our homeopath suggests giving hourly doses of Ferrum phos 12C or 30C until symptoms dissipate.
- Aconite is a helpful COUGHS AND COLDS
Bonus item: Essential Oil Diffuser
Should you bring a diffuser on family vacation? My answer: sometimes. For road trips and winter trips to dry, high elevation, having a humidifier/diffuser can be very helpful for keeping everyone healthy. While you can pick from many small, portable diffusers, the one we use is the MIUCOLOR Essential Oil Diffuser. We love this one because it can be set on a timer, it works as a humidifier and it triples as a nightlight. We simply bring a few essential oils, like Lavender or an immunity booster, and keep it going all night in our hotel room.
Happy & Safe Travels!