What to Pack: The Medicine Cabinet Edition

My family and friends know that whether I am on a jaunt down the street to Target or an eight-hour flight to Austria, I always have my medicine bag with me and can be counted on at a moment’s notice to assist them with their upset stomachs, mosquito bites, or headaches. I am good like that. When I travel, I am almost obsessive about making sure I have the medications I might need while I am away from home. For many years, a cute little zipper pouch from Bath and Body Works has been my traveling medicine cabinet, and it has been all over the world and back. The following items are my staples, but sometimes I throw in a few additional products depending on destination and time of year.

IMPORTANT!

Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag in the event (ugh) that your luggage vanishes. Prescription medications should be transported in their original drug-store containers.

What to include:

1.) A stomach soother like Pepto Bismol will slow the growth of bacteria while helping with symptoms such as diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and an upset stomach. I would also pack an anti-diarrheal such as Immodium AD; even though it is a one-trick pony, it is powerful and starts working quickly.

2.) An antihistamine like Benedryl will ease allergy issues, but taking one before flying or at bedtime will also help you fall asleep.

3.) Aloe Vera will soothe sunburn, calm bug bites and blisters, and even help eliminate blemishes. Look for a travel size, or buy the big bottle and pack your own.

4.) A pain reliever like Ibuprofen helps pain, soreness, and inflammation.

5.) A nasal decongestant like Sudafed popped before flying can prevent discomfort due to congestion and help with the pain and pressure in the ears and sinuses. This is my R.N. mother’s favorite travel trick. If you’re on a red-eye, go for the nighttime version.

6.) Saline nasal spray helps keep mucus membranes moist in dry airplane cabin air, making them less hospitable to germs.

7.) Badger Balm Sore Joint Ointment is a personal favorite of mine when traveling because it is excellent for naturally easing aches and pains in the joints and muscles. A little goes a long way, and when rubbed in with long strokes, the relief is almost immediate. It also has a pleasant scent!

8.) Bandage strips are good for cuts and the painful spots on your feet when your shoes are rubbing after a long day of sightseeing.

*Note that I am not a health care professional – please see your medical provider about any questions or concerns you have about your health while traveling.

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