Following the popularity of Dave’s original recommendations, he has come up with a whole new shelf-full of medical remedies that are easily available while away. Just reach for the menu or head for the supermarket.
Nasal Congestion – simple as mustard
Readily available in supermarkets worldwide, 2 to 3 tablespoons of mustard power in a bowl of hot water will clear nasal stuffiness. Inhale and enjoy.
Fruit & veg – the body’s favourite medicine
For a quick constipation fix, try eating prunes, figs, mangos or pears, all of which can have a calming effect on an irregular digestive system.
On the other hand…
Eating potassium rich foods such as bananas, lentils and blueberries will help stabilise diarrhea and halt the depletion of important body fluids.
Bad breath?
When you’re out and about, a great alternative to sugary chewing gum or breath mints is raw carrots and celery sticks. These vegetables will quickly eliminate bad breath on the go.
Olive Oil – just don’t put Nivea on the salad
For an inexpensive alternative to branded skin moisturiser, try dabbing olive oil onto the skin. Take it back home and you can cook with it too, although we wouldn’t suggest doing the same with branded skin moisturisers.
Black Pepper – stem the cut
A small irritating cut can be an annoyance if it won’t stop bleeding, especially when on the move. Clean the cut with cold water and sprinkle black pepper onto the wound. Apply some pressure and the bleeding will soon stop.
Feeling bloated?
Slice ginger into a cup of hot water, add a piece of lemon and a slice of lime and sip. The mixture should get rid of that bloated feeling within minutes.
Forgotten the toothpaste?
A slice of lemon or lime dipped in salt and gently rubbed over the teeth has the same effect as toothpaste – just don’t add Tequila on this occasion!
Well spotted
When the skin breaks out from excesses of sun, sangria, foreign food and sun cream apply a small amount of toothpaste to the spot to help it dry and reduce redness and inflammation.
Indigestion – baking soda
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of cold water and sip gently. The mixture should calm the stomach and give relief in minutes.
Please note that our “medicines on the menu” are all gentle natural remedies, which have been suggested by a qualified pharmacist based on his own experiences and the recommendations of his customers. However, always seek medical advice if symptoms persist or there is any cause for concern. Silver Travel Advisor cannot accept any liability for any of the suggestions made here.
• Read Part 1 – Medicines on the Holiday Menu as featured in the New York Times
