|
Home / Health / Supplements and Vitamins
Herbal Remedies To Prevent Travelers Diarrhea
By:Rebecca Prescott
Travelers visiting many tropical, sub-tropical and developing countries run an increased risk of suffering a gastrointestinal illness. These are usually caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. The microscopic bugs at the top of these rather gut wrenching (for all the wrong reasons...) charts are E Coli, the staphylococci, shigella and salmonella species, campylobacter jejuni, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A.
Infected food is the biggest culprit, with water coming in second. Ice cream, cocktails served in re-used coconut shells, raw seafood, ice, and food from street vendors are potential risks that can interrupt your adventure with less salacious memories to pass on to family and friends.
The nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea from such acute infections usually sorts itself out after a few days (unless of course you have contracted hepatitis A, or something like giardia). Certainly, if you are unlucky enough to be sick after a few days, you should see a doctor.
Fortunately, there are remedies you can take that will strengthen your immune and digestive system and hopefully give your body a better chance at dealing with its new environment. The herbs I describe below would make an excellent travelers mix. The best form to take them in would be as a tincture, which can be made up by going to a local herbal dispensary if you have one in your area, or alternatively, a local herbalist.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is a good anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. The polysaccharides in it support the immune system. Astragalus increases the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the levels of antibodies in the blood.
Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
This is an Ayurvedic herb that is best given in low doses, as higher doses can cause diarrhea and flatulence in more sensitive people. Its a bitter herb, so it stimulates the digestive system. It is also anti-malarial, supports the immune system, and protects the liver. Picrorrhiza encourages all aspects of the immune system, such as B and T cell activity, and the activity of phagocytes. This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver related problems and immune problems.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
Goldenseal is a gut antibiotic, which for example helps reduce adhesive e coli, and encourages some immune functions of the body. For example, berberine, which is one of its active constituents, has been shown to increase the activity of macrophages, which digest bacteria and viruses. Barberry also contains berberine, so more information on this very valuable constituent is below. Goldenseal, being a bitter herb, it is also good for the digestive system. If you are pregnant or suffer from hypertension, however, you should not take goldenseal.
Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)
Berberine, one of the active constituents in this herb is an anti protozoic, which helps protect travelers against giardia, leishmania, and treponema pallidum. Other notable effects of berberine are its activity against giardia, dysentery, and candida, as well as the cholera vibrio. The active constituents berberine and palmatine are also anti-bacterial. And berbamine, which like berberine is an alkaloid, is a strong anti-bacterial which seems to work by increasing white blood cells and platelets. The constituent palamtine is a uterine stimulant, however, and as such pregnant women shouldn't take this herb. Barberry is another gut antibiotic, but it is also anti-malarial (though no self-respecting herbalist would recommend anything other than doctor's treatment if you do contract malaria).
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia)
Echinacea is an immune stimulant. Its main active constituents are the polysaccharides and the alkamides (especially the isobutylamides), which are both immune stimulating, and the polyaceytlenes, which are antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Echinacea supports the activity of phagocytes, which are part of the immune system, and is also considered anti-viral and anti-microbial. One of the ways echinacea appears to work is by inhibiting the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase. This enzyme is used by micro-organisms to break down the connective tissue that prevents them from entering and spreading through the body. For these reasons, it is excellent as part of a travelers remedy mix.
These remedies are not designed as a prophylactic, like a vaccine. They work on the principle of giving your body an increased chance at staying healthy. But nothing replaces common sense. Wash your hands before eating. Don't drink ice or from water bottles where the seal has been broken. Drink cocktails in glasses, not cute but probably old coconut shells. Don't eat anything fresh that you can't peel. Don't eat ice cream or drink unpasteurized milk. Be wary of eating from street vendors. Some people do, and are fine. But they are a risk factor with gastrointestinal upsets. Its a good idea to pack some oral hydration salts as a precaution.
But above all, enjoy your holiday!
References: C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica of Western Herbs for the Southern Hemisphere
Class notes from Ses Salmond, certified Natural Therapist and Herbal Medicine teacher
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: remedies, remedy, diarrhea, travelers, travellers, herbs, supplements
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Rebecca Prescott is the author of the website www.vitaminstohealth.com which publishes information on herbs such as echinacea, and provides natural alternatives for many common health problems.
|
|
| Top Supplements and Vitamins Articles |
- 1). Vitamins and Interactions By : Bob Benson
Vitamins are good for you, so it stands to reason that getting all the vitamins you can everyday is the best course of action. As a general rule, it’s true that choosing foods rich in vitamins is a good idea. But there are times when more isn’t better, even when it comes to vitamins.
The first thing to keep in mind is that several vitamins have toxic levels.
|
- 2). Asparagus Juice For Cooking And Nutrition By : Kevin Pederson
Asparagus juice is usually taken in the quantity of a sherry-glassful three times a day before meals. Asparagus extract has been used not only to remove water from the body but as a purifier of the blood, to tone up the nervous system and as a gentle laxative.
|
- 3). The Health Benefits of Fish Oil Explained By : Shwn Paeltzer
Fish oil is a proven food product for fighting disease and maintaining general good health. Fish oil is obtained from various species of fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout, etc. Fish oil is safe for consumption by all age-groups; unlike dietary fish, which may be contaminated by metals such as mercury.
Fish oil is an important source of Omega 3 fatty acids; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
|
- 4). Discount Vitamin And Mineral Buying Precautions By : David Buster
Discount vitamin and mineral buying is easy. Just stop by any supermarket or drugstore and you'll find many possibilities likely claiming to be the cheapest, the best and so on. How do you really know which discount vitamin and mineral product is the right one to choose? It's a valid question and an important one, since vitamin manufacturers are not regulated.
|
- 5). Vitamins For Health By : Sintilia Miecevole
The word 'vitamin' has its root in 'vitamine' that means vital amine. Vitamins are powerful organic compounds found mainly in the food that we eat. Vitamins are essential for all human beings because they help cells and tissues to perform basic functions. Basically, vitamins are required for the growth of the body.
There are two types of vitamins- the water soluble vitamins and the fat soluble vitamins.
|
- 6). Nutritional Benefits From Protein Sports Supplements By : Keith Baxter
One of the best ways that a person can benefit from a healthy diet and exercise routine is the addition of sports nutrition in the form of extra protein. Protein is found naturally in many of the foods we eat. But a person who exercises often should get one gram of protein per pound of their body weight. This presents a problem in our fast breakfast (or no breakfast) and fast food lunch lifestyles.
|
- 7). Antioxidant Vitamins By : AlanLeStourgeon
The antioxidant vitamins found in fruits, vegetables, teas and supplements are proving to be powerful agents in the fight against disease causing free radicals.
The original concept was to take recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins to a level that would prevent acute deficiency diseases like the Sailor’s disease scurvy. These are the standards by which RDA’s were created.
|
- 8). Vitamin C - What You DON'T Know By : R. Edward Jones
The real facts about benefits of Vitamin C may surprise you. First of all what is Vitamin C? Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. Unlike the oil soluble vitamins such as A and E, Vitamin C cannot be stored by your body. Since Vitamin C is not stored by your body, we need to get it from our diet or from supplements.
But Can't Our Bodies Just Make Vitamin C?
Great question! Most animals have the ability to make their own Vitamin C.
|
- 9). Glyconutrients Are Only One Piece Of The Puzzle... By : David Filer
I recently read a lengthy article on Glyconutrients. The author of the article (who shall remain nameless), incorrectly and falsely made statements about glyconutrients and cures. If you or a loved one are suffering from an auto-immune disorder, please read this article before randomly buying a product off the internet.
Don't get me wrong. I am a huge proponent of glyconutrients.
|
- 10). How To Easily Obtain HGH By : blueboy
How is HGH purchased?
HGH supplements are accessible in an assortment of forms, including the HGH releaser, which is developed to assist your body extend the production of natural growth hormone.
But why should an adult want to include HGH dietary supplements in their everyday regimen? The reasons can be summed up in only a few words, anti aging and higher vitality levels.
|
| New Supplements and Vitamins Articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). Vitamins - Liquid vs Tablets By : Ryan Bowman
The two most popular forms of vitamins are liquid and tablet form. There are many pros and cons to each and it is important to do research in order determine what is the best choice for you.
|
- 5). Banish Your Cough With Coltsfoot By : Nazima Golamaully
Derived from the name Farfarus, which is an ancient name of the White Poplar, coltsfoot is an herb that grows abundantly throughout England, especially along the corners and sides of the railway banks as well as in waste places, poor stiff soils, and in wet grounds.
|
|
|
- 7). Choosing The Right Vitamin Supplement By : Tim Whiston
Millions of people take daily vitamin supplements to encourage good health. With all the different kinds of vitamins, minerals and herbs flooding the market these days, it's sometimes difficult to know what to choose.
The first thing you need to know is that vitamin supplements are not a replacement for eating healthy, vitamin rich whole foods. Food contains the nutrients your body needs in their very purest form, and interact with each other and your body in a way supplements cannot.
|
- 8). About Vitamin C - The Wonder Vitamin? By : Donovan Baldwin
Copyright 2006 Donovan Baldwin
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) may possibly be a "wonder vitamin" in some people's books. A lot of claims have been made for it in the past few years, not the least of which was Dr. Linus Pauling's claims for its ability to prevent and lessen the duration and intensity of the common cold when taken in large doses.
Unfortunately,.
|
- 9). Moringa Leaf Powder - The World's Greatest Unknown Supplement By : Michael Harvey
There is no doubt that the pure Moringa Tree leaf is the source of incredible health benefits. It's the ultimate, natural, organic, energy and endurance health supplement. There are plenty of studies that describe these benefits and the pure, powdered, moringa leaf is the most potent part of the plant.
India's ancient tradition of ayurveda medicine sites 300 diseases that are treated with the leaves of the Moringa tree.
|
- 10). What You Should Know Before Taking Supplements By : Jim Oneill
These days there is plenty of controversy and debate over whether it is beneficial to take various supplements. There are many kinds of supplements out there all with different intentions. There are food or meal supplements, weight loss supplements, strength enhancing supplements, and performance enhancing supplements, just to name a few.
While I do believe that certain supplements can provide some benefits for weight loss and increased fitness, taking the wrong ones or taking too high a dose can create some unwanted serious side effects.
|
|
|
