The Traveling Care Kit - Herbs and More

I am officially married and although my website, newsletter header, or anything else for that matter doesn’t yet mirror it, my name will be changing to Kara Fischenich. So, if you see this name instead of Kara Swenson in the future, no need to be alarmed. It is still me… Kara, Thistle Patch, “The Herbalist” 😉💜

This said, I am not in my office this week. Instead, Aaron and I are away for a week to relax, make some memories, and explore some new lands.

I thought it’d be perfect to share about the remedies I was sure to pack along.

* Keep in mind, this packing list is for a road trip. Much of our time will likely be spent in nature - both the forests and on the water - and exploring various attractions/city sights.

Different modes of travel as well as different destinations will often mean variation in which remedies get packed but these are some of my personal staple items for summer adventures!

• Digestive Support:

  • Bitters Blend (featuring Motherwort and Chamomile)

    • Traveling comes with eating different foods than we are used to. Digestive Bitters support the digestive system in a myriad of ways, including helping to prepare the digestive system for a meal, aiding digestion post meal, and can even soothe digestion when there is gas/bloating. (Bitters are also supportive when adapting to new timezones and can even support sleep among a lot of other benefits!)

  • Blue Vervain

    • This one is for me. As I shared in my last letter, I’ve started working with Blue Vervain on a regular basis to support my system on a more foundational level. One of the added benefits of this plant is that it is quite bitter and also supports digestion and can calm the nervous system.

Yarrow harvested for medicine.

• First Aid “Kit”

  • Plantain Salve

    • A go-to for (almost) all things first aid: cuts, scrapes, stings, burns (once cooled), etc. A no brainer to have with me at nearly all times.

  • Yarrow Salve & Tincture/Spray

    • Another must have first aid remedy, particularly for deep cuts, hard hits/bruises, and burns (the Yarrow spray is incredible for burns even before they have a chance to cool).

  • Echinacea Tincture

    • Echinacea is a plant that I highly respect and don’t “just use whenever”. The primary reason I packed this was for possible tick bites.

  • Tick Pick

    • Not an herb but a must-have in the First Aid kit. These “picks” are designed to be able to remove ticks properly and fully without squeezing them. Tick checks happen daily and other preventative measures are always taken.

  • Bentonite Clay

    • Not something I reach for often but I packed it this trip since it crossed my mind. Works great as a drawing agent.

• Other

  • Soothe & Sway (a blend that I’ve formulated and plan to offer later this year!)

    • As the name implies, it supports us in times of anxiousness or overwhelm. It helps us to drop a bit more into our bodies and find a sense of calm. One never knows when a few drops could come in handy, especially when traveling!

These are the basics I assemble together for a summer adventure.

Of course, so many other remedies could be included in your own travel kit depending on what you and your travel companions may encounter or have a tendency toward experiencing.

For example, maybe you or a loved one experiences fear of flying (or other modes of travel). Add in some extra support to help ease the fear and anxiety.

Or, maybe you or a loved one are going someplace where food/water borne illnesses are common. There are remedies that can support in prevention and in the healing of these.

There are lots of ways to individualize your traveling care kit. Putting some thought into what your own kit might include is well worth it - even if it is for running the kiddos to sports practices, going on friend meet-ups, taking a weekend camping trip, or traveling overseas. If the kit isn’t needed, great, but if it is, I am never more glad that I took the time to pack it. I can nearly guarantee you would feel the same.

So, I am curious - What would (or does!) your traveling care kit include?

I would love to know!

Be well 💜

~ Kara

P.S. I have Plantain Salve, Yarrow Salve, and Yarrow Tincture Spray available if you would like to add these to your own travel care kit!