If you’re anything like me, you have a cupboard filled with all your favorite supplements.  While it might be tempting to pack as many of these as possible in your suitcase, you probably don’t need to bring as many as you think.  It’s better to have extra space in your luggage for souvenirs rather than bringing a bunch of supplements you may never use. 

If you are going on a short trip, you might not need to bring anything at all. If you need something, you can probably find a health food store or apothecary on vacation. 

Below, you’ll see what I like to take along my trips.  

This is not medical advice. You should do your own research before starting new supplements or herbs because some can interact with medications or cause allergies. I have training in herbalism, but I am not your herbalist. Please ask your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Before Your Trip

Astragalus

Few studies show with absolute certainty that astragalus root can help prevent colds. Still, some are showing the potential to boost the immune system. Herbalists promote taking astragalus a few weeks before “cold season” begins to build up the immune system. No one wants to start their vacation with a cold, so taking some Astragalus before your trip starts could be a good idea. 

Nasal Spray

The first thing I do when I get to my hotel room after a long plane trip is irrigate my nasal passages. If viruses and bacteria get flushed out of your nasal lining, they don’t have a chance to replicate and bring on an illness. Studies show it to be incredibly effective and easy.  For extra effectiveness against pathogens, you can get saline sprays, sprays with grapefruit seed extract, xylitol, or bee propolis.  

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor, otherwise known as turkey tail mushrooms, are one of my favorite travel supplements because they have immune-boosting properties. Keeping your immune system in top shape is important because you’ll likely be stressing it out a little with less sleep and maybe eating foods you normally don’t. Turkey tail helps ensure your immune system is running as it should. You can get it in tincture form, but I prefer capsules. This brand is my favorite. 

Saccharomyces boulardii

Almost nothing can ruin a trip faster (usually out of nowhere) than a traveler’s diarrhea. It’s a common experience due to the stress of traveling, new foods, new water, and old-fashioned food poisoning. S. boulardii is a yeast type of probiotic that can be very helpful in cases of traveler’s diarrhea. This is one supplement I make sure I take regularly on a trip.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

I like to bring a few bags of red raspberry leaf tea, even if I bring my S. boulardii, in case of traveler’s diarrhea. It has an astringent effect and can help slow things down. 

Gin Gins

I always pack a few Gin-Gin ginger candies in case I have some indigestion or motion sickness. They are small enough that I can justify burning just a few. Ginger can be very soothing during times of stomach distress.  

Herbs with Antibacterial Properties

I’m an herbalist and a mom, so I always think about the “what-ifs.”  It might be overboard, bringing yet another supplement. Still, I usually like to pack one tincture that can be used for its antibacterial properties. You never know when an infected cut, food poisoning, or UTI might try to crop up. I like to bring Usnea or Goldenseal. Of course, it should be mentioned that goldenseal is one of those rare herbs, so I save it for when I really need it. Be mindful. 

Ener-C

I’d love to pack all my beef organ pills, Vitamin C, and methylated B vitamins, but that would be crazy sometimes! So, instead, if it’s going to be a longer trip, I will pack some Ener-C packets. Not to be confused with “emergen-C,” Ener-C offers much better ingredients, in my opinion. They pack flat and are easy to take with some water. 

Conventional Meds

If you have room and want to prepare for the worst, consider packing a few “conventional” medicines. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but they can come in handy if natural stuff isn’t working or if someone you’re traveling with isn’t into natural things. Sometimes, I will bring just a few Pepto chewables, a travel pack of Imodium, and a travel pack of Bendadryl. 

Pain Relief

I don’t really travel with pain relief herbs or supplements because I have to draw a line somewhere. Okay, so I did bring some willow bark with me on one trip, but mostly, I just hope for the best. If I need some pain relievers, I’ll leave it to fate and hope there is a good apothecary. If I’m in bad shape, I’ll probably always be able to find some aspirin or ibuprofen. 

And that’s my list of things I like to consider before every vacation! Is there anything important that you like to bring?

Resources:

Grieger, Lynn. Everyday Health, 2022, https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-astragalus/. Accessed 2024. 

“Over-Counter Nasal Sprays Could Keep Colds and Flu at Bay, Study Finds.” Homepage, 12 July 2024, wKelesidis, Theodoros, and Charalabos Pothoulakis.

“Efficacy and Safety of the Probiotic Saccharomyces Boulardii for the Prevention and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Disorders.” Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2012, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296087/. 

ww.southampton.ac.uk/news/2024/07/overcounter-nasal-sprays-could-keep-colds-and-flu-at-bay-study-finds.page. 

Kubala, Jillian. “4 Immune-Boosting Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/nutrition/turkey-tail-mushroom.