After spending two weeks exploring the mountains of Peru and the depths of the Amazon, I can confidently say that my emergency medicine kit was put to good use! Whether it was the high altitude, unfamiliar foods, long travel days, or the unexpected bumps, bruises, and bugbites that come with adventure, I was grateful to have packed a few key remedies to keep myself (and my travel companions) feeling our best. Since so many of my patients ask what I bring with me to stay healthy while traveling, I thought I’d share what came in especially useful on this trip.
Zheng Gu Shui – A Lifesaver for Aches and Pains
One of the most-used items in my kit was Zheng Gu Shui, a powerful Chinese herbal liniment that helps with pain relief and healing. My brother was dealing with a sore back after the long flights, and this was the first thing I handed him. It’s called “Heal the Bone” for a reason—this liniment is widely used in hospitals across Asia to support recovery from fractures, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing in areas with bone, like the spine, knees, or ankles. It also helps break up scar tissue, which can improve circulation and reduce pain over time. I always recommend it to my patients for both acute injuries and long-standing pain, and it is a must-have on my travels. Small travel-sized bottles are available but, be sure to secure the top tightly and keep in in a zip lock, just in case it leaks!
Chlorella – My Go-To for Altitude Adjustment
Altitude sickness can ruin even the best-planned adventure, so I made sure to prepare ahead of time. I brought Chlorella, a freshwater algae packed with chlorophyll, which helps oxygenate the blood and support the body’s ability to adjust to high elevations. I started taking it a few days before arriving in Cusco, and had my 78-year-old mom take it as well. The results? We both felt great and had no issues with the altitude, even when we tackled the steep climb up Waynapicchu, a mountain that rises above Machu Picchu. Yes—my mom climbed it too! It was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful we were able to fully enjoy it without feeling the effects of altitude sickness.
Pogostemon Formula (Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San) – The Ultimate Fix for Traveler’s Diarrhea
Of everything I packed, Pogostemon Formula (Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San) was hands down the most essential. Four out of the five people in our travel group needed it at some point! This traditional Chinese herbal formula is a lifesaver for food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and stomach upset. Between the changes in diet, exposure to different bacteria, and long travel days, digestive issues can be hard to avoid—but this formula works quickly every time. If you’re traveling anywhere with unfamiliar food or water, I can’t recommend this enough!
Acupuncture for Digestive Support – Intestine Gate to the Rescue!
I always bring acupuncture needles with me when I travel, and I ended up using them in the airport, prior to the long plane ride home. My brother’s fiancée was struggling with urgent diarrhea, which is not ideal when you’re stuck on a flight. I used the point Intestine Gate (ST 37), and it helped calm her digestive system and prevent any emergencies during the trip home.
For my patients who travel frequently or struggle with digestive issues, press tacks can be a great alternative. They are small, easy to apply, and can stimulate acupuncture points continuously. If you're interested in learning how to use them, either Tracy or I would be happy to show you the best points to target in the clinic.
Bio-Kult Probiotic – A Simple Way to Keep Digestion on Track
One of my travel companions started taking Bio-Kult Probiotic daily from day one to prevent constipation, which she often struggles with while traveling. It worked! Probiotics help keep digestion regular by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can easily get disrupted during travel due to diet changes, dehydration, and long flights. If you’re prone to constipation when you travel, this is a great preventative tool to consider. Visit our Fullscipt
Airborne – My Simple Immune Boosting Routine
Traveling exposes us to so many germs—especially on airplanes—so I made sure to support my immune system. I took Airborne the morning of and the evening after each flight to give my body an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Long flights, lack of sleep, and exposure to new environments can weaken the immune system, but this simple habit helped me stay healthy throughout the trip. Whether you choose Airborne, vitamin C, or another immune booster, I highly recommend having something on hand to keep your defenses strong while traveling.
White Flower Oil – My Secret Weapon for Bug Bites (and More!)
The Amazon was an incredible experience—but the mosquitoes were relentless! I made the mistake of wearing leggings, and I paid for it with tons of bites. White Flower Oil was absolutely indispensable. I applied it about once an hour, and a little bit went a long way. It has a very strong menthol smell, but the cooling sensation helped stop the itching immediately. It even saved me on the long plane ride home when I needed to keep from scratching.
Bonus: White Flower Oil also doubles as a remedy for sore muscles, making it a great multi-use item to have while traveling. I didn’t need it for that this time, but it’s good to know it’s an option!
Conclusion: Be Prepared & Travel With Ease
Having the right tools on hand can make all the difference when traveling, whether it’s easing altitude adjustment, preventing digestive issues, or soothing aches and pains. I used everything in my kit on this trip, not just for myself but for my travel companions as well! If you’re planning a trip and want to be prepared, I’d be happy to help you put together a customized travel wellness kit. Just ask next time you’re in the clinic—Tracy and I can also show you how to use press tacks for acupuncture support on the go.
Safe travels!
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