3 Things I Never Travel Without

Writen by Naomi Whittel | Published on: January 21, 2018

On The Road But Not Without…

I’m on the road all the time. Before I discovered some of the most powerful yet simple switches to make in my lifestyle, I have to admit traveling was hard. First, the airports were a major trigger for my sweet tooth and it took all my willpower to not lock eyes with the candy bars at the kiosks. Then, I’d have to battle with feeling groggy and exhausted from all the time changes, as it’s not abnormal for me to fly internationally often. Of course, there’s the wear and tear on my immune system from sleep changes, germs during the flight and of course the actual work stress once I’m where I’m supposed to be.

These days, those uncomfortable travels are a thing of a past! I’m so grateful for the little things I’ve picked up from world-renowned experts who have taught me how to use natural remedies to maintain my resilience during stressful travels. Which is so great because not only do I have to travel for work but I also don’t want to despise having to do it. I want to be happy, healthy and vibrant and I’m sure you want the same thing right? If I had to choose my top three things I never travel without, they would be the following:

Epsom Salts

As soon as I arrive at my hotel room I excitedly head to the bathroom to take in the tub. Ahhhh… just the thought of soaking my tired muscles from a long flight in a relaxing, warm and aromatic Epsom salt bath with fragrant essential oils relaxes me. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which impacts over 300 chemical reactions in the body including muscle and nerve function. Exactly what you need after getting off your flight. I take a bath at night and use 1 to 2 cups but sometimes I’ll use up to 4 cups. Pack some salts in a baggie and sneak it in your luggage – you won’t regret it! Afterward, slip into bed early and get to bed before midnight to get your best night’s rest! Here’s my simple recipe, I hope you enjoy it:

DIY Balancing Epsom Salt Soak

Yields: 1 – 2 soaks

4 cups 100% pure Epsom salts
1/2 cup baking soda
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops clary sage essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Store in an airtight jar (like a mason jar or a plastic baggie for traveling).

To use:

Pour 1 – 2 cups of Balancing Epsom Salt Soak into a warm bath.
Adjust temperature to as hot as you can tolerate.
The warmer the water, the better the results.
Soak for 20 – 30 minutes.

Green Tea

Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains higher levels of antioxidants than black tea due to a shorter fermentation process. These antioxidants are one of my biggest lifesaving tools I use not only while traveling but at home too. I love green tea! It doesn’t make me feel jittery like coffee either. When compared with a cup of coffee, a cup of Green Tea has roughly about 1/8 the caffeine of a cup of coffee, about 20 mg/cup. Aside from the mild caffeine, I think what makes green tea feel so good to me especially while traveling is due to its Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) content. EGCG is an anti-oxidant polyphenol found mostly in green tea. It’s been linked to disease prevention running the gamut from Alzheimer’s to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer too. But the best part about EGCG for people who have to travel is how magnificently it impacts the immune system. Studies show that polyphenols in green tea help modulate (balance) the immune system by increasing our fighter immune cells (T cells) in the face of invading viruses or bacteria and then also restore the immune system back to balance afterward. This is important especially for people like me who tend towards over-responsive immune systems. After all of my research with tea experts and researchers studying longevity, I quickly realized green tea was a significant player in our health and wellness. In order to maximize the polyphenol potential of tea, I combined my favorite Powerphenol ingredients in my blend of bergamot infused Earl Grey and green tea in my signature AutophaTea!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerhouse of a nutrient. Not only does its antioxidant capacity preserve our immunity but it also acts as a gentle laxative, helping us to ensure we rid our bowels regardless if we’re in Thailand or Tallahassee! When we travel it’s common to experience bouts of constipation and what’s more uncomfortable than that? Beyond discomfort, constipation is simply toxic. After all traveling is the most humbling experience forcing us to relinquish control of our environment. Who knows what we’re exposed to while in flux? One thing I really knowing is that Vitamin C supplements can dramatically combat the oxidative damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. If I catch a cold, Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the duration and intensity of viruses. And if by some horrible chance I have food poisoning or I’m exposed to bacteria, Vitamin C can help expedite the clearance of it out of my system. It’s imperative we move our bowels and not reabsorb anything our system needs to release! I always toss some vitamin C in my travel bag and choose 250 mg of buffered ascorbic acid. I take two capsules, one during the day and one with my evening meal.

Safe, healthy and pleasurable travels!