The Travails of Travel
Hitting the road (or the water or skies) can mean big adventure — and big health issues, too. For some people, just the act of flying or riding in a moving car or boat can bring on nausea. For others, new foods (and new bacteria and other pathogens) can spell disaster. Or it could be the altitude that does them in.
Travelers' Tummies
Some people develop traveler's diarrhea when they venture away from home. The condition generally lasts just a few days — if yours goes on for more than a week (or if you become dehydrated), talk to a doctor. Many cases are caused by microbial infection (also known as food poisoning), which often includes vomiting along with diarrhea.
When you're traveling, look for dishes prepared with these culinary herbs: oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, C. aromaticum). Research has shown that they all possess antimicrobial action that can kill many foodborne pathogens.
Vomiting can also be caused by motion sickness (a.k.a. seasickness), which happens when your inner sense of balance gets thrown out of whack. Most cases will resolve themselves, but if you're experiencing other symptoms (such as vomiting blood or severe pain), see a doctor.
Conventional anti-diarrheal medications include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol), both sold over the counter. Loperamide can cause constipation and cramping. Bismuth sub-salicylate can interact with other drugs (including OTC pain relievers and cold medicines) and can exacerbate ulcers.
Motion sickness is treated pro-phylactically with antihistamines — OTC drugs like meclizine (Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or prescriptions like scopolamine (Transderm Scop) — which can cause sedation and headaches. Nausea and vomiting are treated with OTC antiemetic (anti-nausea) drugs like bismuth subsalicylate. Here are some herbal alternatives:
• American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) |
American ginseng is known for its anti-nausea abilities. Research has shown that it can prevent nausea and vomiting before they start (without the side effects of conventional motion sickness meds). |
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
This is a classic herbal remedy for nausea (including motion sickness), diarrhea, and other gastric complaints. In the lab, it's been shown to relieve cramping and kill foodborne Salmonella bacteria. Ginger is also available almost anywhere-it's used as both a medicine and a spice throughout the world. |
• Juniper (Juniperus communis) |
This traditional Native American digestive remedy contains several chemicals with anti-diarrheal and antimicrobial properties. |
• Psyllium (Plantago ovata, P. psyllium) |
Psyllium, which is best known as a constipation remedy, is also an effective anti-diarrheal. In the lab, it's been proven as effective as the drug loperamide, without the side effects. |
Altitude Sickness
Different people experience altitude sickness at different elevations, many starting at around 6,000 feet above sea level. In most cases, altitude sickness gets better on its own, as you get acclimated to the elevation (or climb back down again). But extreme cases can result in serious problems, even coma and death.
If you travel to an altitude that's significantly higher than what you're used to, you might develop altitude sickness, a condition that can involve headaches, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and stomach upset. At higher altitudes, lower air pressure and less oxygen can create hypoxia, or a shortage of oxygen reaching your tissues, triggering problems in your brain, blood vessels, and lungs.
Conventional doctors sometimes prescribe the drug acetazolamide (Acetazolamide) to prevent and treat altitude sickness, but its side effects include nausea and vomiting. Herbs offer a simpler solution:
• Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) |
Used for centuries in Chinese medicine as an adaptogenan herb that can help the body deal with stress-Asian ginseng can lessen the effects of altitude (specifically, the shortage of oxygen and extreme temperatures). |
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) |
Ginkgo boosts circulation throughout the body, especially to the brain, and can increase tolerance for low-oxygen environments. Research shows it can significantly reduce altitude sickness symptoms, including headache, fatigue, and respiratory difficulties. |
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) |
This medicinal mushroom is another Asian adaptogen and altitude aid. Research suggests that reishi extracts improve the body's consumption and use of oxygen and prevent the damage caused by hypoxia. |
