I’ve had some traveling experiences, and I thought I’d share the medicinal herbs and essential oils that I always travel with, no exceptions. You may think these are first-aid types of herbs, but they’re not. Find out what my no-negotiations choices are and why I choose these.

As I write this note to you, I am in California at a business conference learning how to run a real business and networking with others who are already doing so. I've met so many neat and wonderful people!

Traveling sounds fun in theory.

And sometimes it really is, even for me, a true homebody.

But if I’m being honest, whenever I travel, I feel SUPER anxious days before I ever zip the suitcase. Part of it is the usual what-to-pack stress. How many outfits? Which shoes? Do I really need that extra sweater? But underneath all that everyday indecision, there’s something deeper going on for me now.

Ever since I got COVID on a different business trip in 2022, I have never looked at travel the same way again.

That experience changed me.

I was away from home, away from my own bed, away from my kitchen, away from my herbs, away from everything familiar—and I got very, very sick and VERY, very fast. I remember feeling scared in a way that is hard to put into words.

There is something about being sick while traveling that makes everything feel ten times harder. You’re not home, first of all. And you may be alone like I was. You’re not safe in your usual rhythms. You don’t have what you need. You’re trying to think clearly when you don’t feel well, and it's a terrible feeling.

I honestly didn't know how (or IF) I was going to make it home. I literally wheezed and coughed and couldn’t breathe well. I could hardly walk I felt so weak.

When I finally did get back and saw Joe standing there to pick me up at the airport, I actually cried real tears. Tears of relief, gratitude, and sheer exhaustion. I was so thankful for him and that I made it home.

But what I learned from that trip has stayed with me ever since: being prepared is not optional.

Health preparedness is vital.

Thankfully, when I quickly realized I was sick, my husband called a local health store for me near my hotel, and I gave him a list of the herbs and remedies I needed as quickly as I could. By the grace of God, that store had a few of my choices and was able to deliver them, and I started my herbal protocol for my symptoms right away. I still think about how merciful that was. What a gift. What a provision.

Because what if I had not been in such a large city?

What if I had been somewhere smaller, or somewhere that didn’t have a good health store? What if I had no access to the plants and preparations that I trust? I do not even want to think about how differently that trip could have gone.

That experience deepened something in me I had already believed for a long time: we need to know how to care for ourselves and our families with the plants God has given us.

Not in a panicked way and not in a fearful way. But in a wise, steady, thoughtful and prepared way.

Herbs are not a trendy extra for me. They are not just a charming hobby for people who like old-fashioned things. They are practical tools. They are part of good stewardship. They are part of being ready when life goes sideways.

These days, I never travel without my herbs.

And yes, I still wrestle with the packing indecision. I still stand there wondering what to bring and whether I’m overdoing it. But when it comes to my herbal remedies, I don't debate it anymore.

Those come with me.

Because when you have lived through the fear of needing help, and not knowing if you will even make it through, you learn very quickly that preparedness is a form of peace.

Medicinal herbs are a gift I thank God for with my whole heart.

NOTE: You might be wondering, “Why not just go to a drugstore and get pain, cough, fever etc. relieving drugs?"

(And I should mention here that I was doing so poorly that two of my relatives begged me to go to a hospital.)

If you’re new to me, then you may not know my health history, but nearly 15 years ago I drew a hard line in the sand, and I have refused to take medications or over-the-counter drugs of any kind. They messed up my health terribly, and now at age 62 I’m healthier than I was in my late thirties. Those fake concoctions riddled with side effects are not going into my body.

I am not saying that this should be the way for us all. We all have different bodies, different ailments, and different thought processes. I do not judge. Ever. I'm just doing me.....

Call me stubborn, but I know how herbs have healed me and changed my life and health. I won’t deviate. You can read more about me and my journey on my website.

And for the record....here's the difference between medicinal herbs and random OTC medications in an illness situation like I experienced:

🌿 Medicinal herbs are real and natural. The chemical constituents bring almost immediate relief in many cases. As opposed to OTC meds that mask symptoms but don't jump start the healing process and do nothing else.

🌿 Herbal preparations done right contribute to supporting true healing in the body. If I had only "masked symptoms" I know I wouldn't have made it home. Instead, I gave my body the gift of several hours of helping herbs (and chicken soup from room service) and rest.

My immune system was incredibly supported
My respiratory system was incredibly supported
My thinking and brain was incredibly supported
The bit of rest I got was real, true restorative rest between bouts of coughing and wheezing
My fever was gone when I woke up in the morning, although it came back the next day as I arrived home, just in time

Curious About My Travel Herbs? Here They Are:

NOTE: These do NOT include my usual, daily “tonic” herbs I always take. These travel herbs are my very serious, “just in that bad case” list. And luckily, the herbs do multiple duties, which reduces the number I need to pack.

1) Serious Immune Support

I usually don’t take high level immune supporting herbs on the daily. I choose healthy lifestyle like rest, good foods, and my tonic herbs. But sometimes, we all need to give our immune system a big hand up, especially if the situation is serious. Here’s what I take in this cateogry:

Echinacea, Thyme, and Elderberry Tincture

These three herbs are powerhouses when it comes to kicking a bug out of the body. They all do different things, and together, they’re a real team.

Let’s talk dosing.

I don’t just take a couple of droppers full. Nope. If I’m coming down with something, I take double doses, as in three to four full droppers about 4 times a day. Get that stuff in you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve suggested this strategy to clients and family and they’ve called me the next day saying they’re no longer even ill.

No over-the-counter medication is going to do that for you.

2) Cough and Congestion Support

The most common illnesses people succumb to when traveling are respiratory situations, either upper, lower, or both. My respiratory system has been compromised by three decades of annual bouts of upper respiratory infection, serious bronchitis, and pneumonia. Until I found medicinal herbs, I was just always sickly. I’m pleased to say that I have not had any bronchitis in well over 20 years now. Herbs are incredible.

But when I travel, I make 100% sure to have these items on hand because I am familiar with how my body responds to corona viruses:

Wild Cherry Bark Syrup or Tincture

This is a powerfully antispasmodic helper for violent coughs—the kind I generally get. For me, this herbs works amazingly well, and also for my family.

There are other herbs for milder coughs, though, so you would want to become a Family Herbalist to learn about these. With between 200 and 400 formulations in our Family Herbalist courses, you can dial in exactly what your family needs to have, and I help you learn foundations, organize, and plan it all out.

A Packet of Dried Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Peppermint, Ginger

This blend doubles as both an herbal tea that can be sipped and enjoyed for relief in the respiratory (and digestive) system AND as herbs for conducting an herbal steam if you have a kitchen area handy. It doesn’t take up much space, and it weighs practically nothing. And what a powerhouse blend!

A Roller Bottle for Congestion and Headache

I love having aromatherapy options. They work fast, and many can do double duty for various needs, like this one which supports a reduction in congestion and headache. Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and others can do amazing things for the “ick.”

3) Emotional and Stress Supporting Herbs

I carry these with me ALL the time, as in, they are always in my purse at hand. But for unexpected illness, attending to mental and emotional wellness is crucial. The stress response is horrible for our body when under attack from pathogens. Everything is made worse! Tackling the emotions, finding some peace, being able to rest….these are the things that help you survive and thrive.

There are SO many of these, to be honest…. Here are some links you might enjoy:

Essential Oils to Help You Get in a Good Mood FAST

Herbs for the Winter Blues and ALL the Times

Essential Oils and Sleep

Essential Oils for Energy and Focus

NOTE: You may notice that many of my remedies for stress and anxiety and brain health have to do with essential oils. That’s because the chemical constituents in them are most quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and also hit the limbic system of the brain via inhalation. There is no faster method for improving stress and anxiety than aromatherapy, in my opinion.

With that said, I love some herbs to support healthy sleep and stress response during the day. These include valerian, wood betony, hops, passion flower, skullcap, and others. Please visit (and subscribe to) my YouTube channel because I have many herbal remedies for sleep and stress there.

Here’s one that’s older but has been popular over the years:

I could literally go on and on about this topic.

But the bottom line is that your Herbal Travel Kit should 100% be unique to your body and your family’s bodies and needs. I invite you to join us in one of our Family Herbalism programs. This is the BEST way to begin your herbal learning journey with a solid foundation, understanding of the body and common ailments, AND includes my live support. Click here to learn more!

I hope you enjoyed this quick article! You’re welcome to leave a comment here, or just reach out to me by replying to my weekly newsletter!

Hugs, Health, and Herbs,

Heidi

P.S. If you’re not on my newsletter, it’s the BEST way to hear from the real me (no AI, EVER) every week in your inbox. You can join us and also get my FREE Herbal Remedy Guide and Cheat Sheet too!

Herbs I ALWAYS Travel with for Emergencies 🌿

Curious About My Travel Herbs? Here They Are:

1) Serious Immune Support

2) Cough and Congestion Support

3) Emotional and Stress Supporting Herbs