An Herbalist’s Fall and Winter Travel Pack
5 Herbal Products I Don’t Leave Home Without
Ever since the pandemic, I’ve decided to take extra care while traveling. I’ve become more aware of the potential spread of illness since 2020 and so of course, my preparation for any trip includes immune and respiratory support medicine, but recently, I’ve been inviting myself to think beyond that. Now, I consider the physical and emotional experiences I may have while traveling and I think about what herbal medicines can support me through those experiences. Specific circumstances may have me switching up my travel pack from time to time, but I’ve found that these 5 products are my essentials, especially during these colder, dryer months.
1. Lung Care Respiratory Oxymel
When I head out for a vacation, the last thing on my itinerary is getting sick! So I make sure I’m well-equipped on at least one medicinal herbal product that can help keep any infections at bay. My favorite product to work with right now is one of Uri Amoy’s own! It’s our lung care respiratory oxymel. This travel-sized, immune-supporting gem effortlessly clears TSA security and has up to a 30-day supply! It is compact– carrying only 2 ounces, and slips into any purse or pocket. But by far, my favorite thing about this product is how it tastes. When I offer it to friends and loved ones, the first thing they usually say is, “Now that is how cough syrup is supposed to taste!” This easy to carry, yummy, and effective formula has helped keep me illness-free, even during the peak of cold and flu season, so I can keep enjoying myself!
2. Ampaluya Oxymel from Dirt and Free Herbal Arts
For me, this is an essential whether I’m traveling or at home! Nestled in delicious coconut vinegar (did y’all know there was such a thing?) are a nourishing combination of burdock, dandelion, and ginger handcrafted by Peregrine Bermas from Dirt and Free Herbal Arts. This brilliant, creative, and loving person is an artist, an herbalist, a freedom fighter, and a dear friend from so-called Chicago, Illinois. I ordered Peregrine’s summer box and was captured by this oxymel. I’d never had any oxymel made with coconut vinegar and tasting Peregrine’s has tempted me to work with coconut vinegar more often than not! I find coconut vinegar to be slightly more sweet and much less acidic than most other raw vinegars– perfect for anyone who could never quite do those apple cider vinegar shots. I take their Ampaluya Oxymel just about daily to keep my digestive system feeling at its best. My belly, and my taste buds, have been thanking me!
3. Holy Fields Skin Salve
I’m obsessed with this. Obsessed! Point blank, period. My skin is typically dry year round, but in the winter, the dry air leaves my skin feeling dehydrated and in need of emolliating care. This year, I developed a new skin care routine that’s been keeping my skin moisturized and supple, even through these cold fall and winter months. The routine is simple. I start by washing my face with Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser. Once my skin is clean, I apply Uri Amoy Healing Studio’s Plump it Up hydrating toner, an SPF, and moisturize with Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream with Aloe. Dirt and Free Herbal Art’s Holy Fields Skin Salve is the final touch that brings it all together. I’ve found that this light and soothing salve helps me lock in all the moisture from my moisturizing cream without leaving me feeling greasy. One application keeps me supple and soft all day long!
4. Rest time Bliss herbal cordial
I’m currently based out of Oakland California, but my mom, dad, godparents, and tons of cousins and aunties live on the east coast. In my early twenties, those west coast to east coast flights and time zone switches wouldn’t phase me! But these days, I find myself sometimes struggling to adapt to earlier or later sunsets and get into a restful sleep routine. This is when I unpack another Uri Amoy Healing Studios favorite– our restfulness herbal cordial. This formula is tenderly supported by three herbs: valerian root, passionflower, skullcap. Together, these herbs release the mind and body from any stress and tension built up from the day and invite the body into a state of rest. I love using it about 30 minutes before I head to bed to ease me into a deep and restful sleep.
5. True Peace Herbal Tea
The past few years that I’ve traveled home for the holidays have each come with their own set of changes. Celebrating Christmas or New Years looks very different for me now than it once did. Last year, to help me deal with the changes happening in my family and personal life, I started to lean on a tea formula that soon became Uri Amoy Healing Studios’ True Peace Herbal Tea. This soothing blend helped to soothe my nervous system and support my heart while my world was quickly changing. I’d make a cup of tea every morning and evening, and it held me. It helped me to ease any attachments to my past and cleared the way for me to experience peace in my present.
