Chinese Herbs to Take on Vacation

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but travel has a way of producing minor problems: an upset stomach after an unfamiliar meal, a sore throat on the airplane, motion sickness, a stiff neck from a strange pillow, or simply eating far too much at dinner.

A small Chinese herbal travel kit can be very useful. The important word, however, is small. You do not need to bring an entire herbal pharmacy. Choose a few familiar remedies for simple, short-term problems—and know when herbs are not enough.Self-treatment is reasonable for familiar, mild, short-lived problems. It is a mistake for serious, chronic, recurring, or unexplained conditions

For Colds and Sore Throats

Yin Chiao, also spelled Yin Qiao, is one of the best-known Chinese formulas for the very beginning of a wind-heat cold. It is traditionally used when the first signs include a scratchy or sore throat, mild fever, thirst, headache, and perhaps a little coughing.

Make sure you take Yin Chiao before you leave for the airport or terminal, so that it is working when you enter a terminal crowded with people. Yin Chiao works best when taken at the first hint of illness. It is not the right formula for every cold. A cold dominated by chills, body aches, and clear nasal discharge may require a different formula such as Zong Gan Ling.

Gan Mao Ling is another convenient formula to bring along. It is commonly used during the early stages of a cold, particularly when there is a sore throat, feverishness, headache, or general achiness.

Neither formula should be used as an excuse to ignore a severe or worsening illness. High fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, extreme weakness, or symptoms that persist should be evaluated medically.

For Digestive Upset

Travel often means rich meals, strange schedules, and foods your stomach is not accustomed to.

Stomach Curing is used for food stagnation. It may be appropriate after overeating when there is uncomfortable fullness, bloating, belching, indigestion, or the feeling that dinner is simply sitting there and refusing to move.

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan is frequently carried for nausea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, loose stools, and digestive upset associated with dampness. It may be particularly useful when travel, humid weather, irregular meals, or unfamiliar foods have upset the digestive system.

Be aware that these formulas are appropriate for simple acute issues.  Many travelers have been known to suffer dysentery or food poisoning from drinking local water or eating foods washed with tap water. Severe pain, repeated vomiting, bloody or black stools, high fever, faintness, or signs of dehydration require medical attention.

For Motion Sickness and Nausea

Stomach Curing, besides being great for indigestion, its strong downward action makes it a wonder drug against nausea.

Ginger is both a food and an important Chinese herb. Ginger tea, ginger tablets, or ginger chews may help settle mild nausea or motion sickness for many travelers.

For Sinus and Nasal Congestion

A formula such as Dr. Shen's Sinus & Nose pills may be useful for temporary nasal or sinus congestion, especially when caused by allergies.

Sinus symptoms can have many causes, including allergies, a cold, dryness, infection, or an underlying chronic condition. If congestion is severe, painful, accompanied by fever, or keeps returning, it should be properly evaluated.

For Sprains, Bruises, and Sore Muscles

A small bottle of Chinese herbal liniment like Zheng Gu Shui or Yun Xiang Jing can be convenient after a minor sprain, bruise, or an overly ambitious day of sightseeing. Apply it only as directed.

Most traditional liniments should not be placed on broken skin, near the eyes, or on a serious injury. Significant swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, severe pain, or suspected fracture requires medical care—not just more liniment.

Jade Shield Before the Trip

Jade Shield is based on the traditional formula Yu Ping Feng San, is generally used to support people who tend to catch colds easily or feel run down. It is better thought of as a constitutional or preventive formula than as an emergency treatment for an active cold.

This is the kind of formula that may be started before traveling, after consulting a practitioner who knows your constitution and medical history. It is not appropriate for everyone, and it should not automatically be taken once a fever or acute infection has developed.

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Packing Herbs for Travel

Keep herbal pills and tablets in their original, clearly labeled containers rather than mixing them together in an unmarked pillbox. Pack important medicines and herbs in your carry-on luggage, bring enough for the entire trip, and include a little extra in case you are delayed. The CDC gives the same advice for medications taken abroad.

For international travel, check the rules of the country you are visiting. Some ingredients that are legal in the United States may be restricted elsewhere. When returning to the United States, travelers must declare foods, plants, seeds, herbs, animal products, and other agricultural materials. Many whole raw herbs are banned to protect against invasive species and will be confiscated by US customs. 

A sensible basic kit might contain Yin Chiao or Gan Mao Ling, one familiar digestive formula, ginger for mild nausea, a nasal formula when appropriate, and a topical liniment. Add your regular prescriptions, and the contact information for your healthcare practitioners.

With a little planning, Chinese herbs can make a useful addition to your travel kit. Just remember: bring remedies you understand, use them only for the right situation, and never allow self-treatment to delay necessary medical care.