A Master Herbalist Guide for International Travel; Part 3

Part 3 of 3: Choosing the Right Herbal Allies for Your Journey; Plus my Personal Protocol

Welcome to part three of the Master Herbalist Guide to International Travel Series, a valuable resource for all travelers. If you have not yet delved into parts one and two, you're missing out on a wealth of great information. 

Go here to review part one:

A Master Herbalist Guide for International Travel; A Three-Part Series:  Part 1 of 3: Foundational Rules for an International Adventure

Go here to review part two:

A Master Herbalist Guide for International Travel; A Three-Part Series:  Part 2 of 3: Common Health Issues and their Herbal Allies associated with extensive travel

For your convenience, here is a quick review:

• In part one of this series, I shared my personal passion for international travel and my unique insights, discussing my top seven tips to enhance your global travel experience and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Please keep in mind that these suggestions are not just based on my experiences, but also on my belief in what actual travel and adventure should be about. 
• In part two, I discuss some of these common health issues associated with long-distance travel, as well as essential habits that should not be slacked on if you want to avoid these potential pitfalls. Furthermore, I share some simple and inexpensive tricks of the trade for healthy travel, empowering you to take control of your health while on the road. 

In today’s article, I will discuss my personal herbal travel protocol and outline a general pre-travel, travel, and post-travel program to help you create a personalized one tailored to your needs. So, let’s begin. 

The Master Herbalist’s Personal Protocol

With many years of experience as an herbalist and world traveler under my belt, I have developed and experimented with various programs to determine what works best for me to stay strong and healthy on my exciting journeys. 

Can things still happen? 

Yes, however, what I take significantly reduces the odds, and if something does happen, I have brought what I need to deal with it. 

One final note: I take copious amounts of herbs daily. No one is saying you have to do what I do. I am simply sharing my personal travel program. 

My base program is six items I never travel without.

• Minor Bupleurum: A Qi regulator, immune modulator, and perfect for adapting to temp fluctuations (When I travel, this is an issue I tend to deal with)
• Virugo Max: For a specific timeframe, use only. From a TCM perspective, it is used to purge heat and cool the blood. It is TCM’s support for viral issues.
• Formula King of Combination: A classic Qi tonic formula that helps build strength and energy, supports immunity, and nourishes the spleen (digestion).
• Red Sage (Salvia): Supports blood and microcirculation; this is cooling in nature.

I use the King of Combinations all the time because it supports my constitutional weaknesses. I start taking the other three items 3-5 days before my travel begins and discontinue them 3-5 days after returning home.

Next is an important food that helps prevent one of the most significant issues associated with airline travel. 

• Natto K: This powerful food is derived from fermented soybeans and is commonly eaten in Japan. Natto k has been shown to have several potential effects related to dissolving blood clots: Direct fibrinolytic activity, enhancing fibrinolysis, reduction of clotting factors, and relatively low bleeding risk.

The following was stated in a randomized controlled trial discussing the effects of a single dose of oral nattokinase. This study examined blood samples for thrombolysis and anti-coagulation activity at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after a single dose of 2000 FU.

• Factor VIII declined at 4-6 hours.
• Blood antithrombin was higher at 2 and 4 hours.
• Activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged significantly at 2 and 4 hours.

Therefore, it was concluded that a single dose of natto k appears to enhance fibrinolysis and anti-coagulation via several different pathways at the same time. 

The following was also stated in a review discussing Natto K as a promising alternative in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. 

• Recent research has demonstrated that NK has potent fibrinolytic activity, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective effects. 
• Available evidence suggests that NK is a unique natural compound that possesses several key cardiovascular beneficial effects for patients with CVD and is therefore an ideal drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of CVD. 
• Nattokinase is a promising alternative in the management of CVD.

If you are currently on blood-thinning, anti-coagulant, or blood pressure medications, please consult your health care provider before using Natto K. 

Finally, I have found that of all the herbs, either as a single herb or in a formula, Rhodiola works incredibly well to quell the effects of all aspects of jet lag (both Siberian and Tibetan). However, I give some caveats regarding its use. 

The effects of Siberian rhodiola are drying and excitatory. It is considered a stimulating adaptogen. One of the pitfalls of Siberian rhodiola is that if you want to use it long term, a one-week break every three months is necessary. It should also be noted that people who have anxiety issues may find its stimulating effects to be too much. So, taking it alongside a calming herbal formula (that contains kava, skullcap, and passionflower) or adding some American ginseng, which is cooling and moistening, will create just the right balance. This is important to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your herbal travel protocol. 

However, you can also use Tibetan rhodiola, which has a more balancing effect by nature. Tibetan rhodiola has also been shown to be effective long-term with no breaks. Whatever you may choose, I am a big fan of rhodiola’s jet lag-quelling effects.      

How to build your own Pre-travel, Travel & Post-travel program

Finally, let’s discuss how to build a general Pre-Travel, Travel, and Post-Travel program for you that will deal with the common issues addressed in part 2 of this series. 

Pre-Travel Protocol

The 'Pre-Travel Protocol' is a crucial part of your travel preparation. For the inexperienced traveler, I suggest you begin this around 30-45 days before your trip. If you are an experienced traveler, around 1-2 weeks is plenty of time. 

As mentioned above, rhodiola in some form should be a part of your travel protocol. This protocol is designed to prepare your body for the stress of travel, support your immune system, and help you adapt to the new environment. Again, these are just suggestions that cover all bases. You can pick one or do them all. 

However, keep in mind that as you get older, these pre-travel practices become more important. 

• Conditioning work: Adventurous travel requires a lot of walking, hiking, and physical activity. Therefore, depending on your age and current health status, incorporating some light strength training like squats, pushups, resistance band work, and other activities like walking, biking, or swimming could be a great idea. Have a simple goal of pushing yourself a little further each day. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, consider purchasing a weighted vest to wear during your daily walks. You can change the weight from 10 to 60 pounds based on your starting condition. It is excellent for conditioning. Two great herbal allies come to mind when considering how to improve conditioning: Gelatinized Maca root or Cordyceps fruiting body extract powder or capsules. 
• Prime your gut: real travelers pick destinations that have great food, and we consume them in greater quantities than we are used to. Slowly add to your diet prebiotics, probiotics, and various types of fiber. Not only will this prime your gut for healthy travel, it will also help keep you on a proper bowel movement schedule. Foods like garlic and onions (also great for immune health), inulin, baobab, turkey tail mushroom, and green banana are excellent prebiotic sources.
• Practice proper hydration: Regardless of your climate or activity level at home, international travel can impact your hydration levels due to changes in time and altitude. If you live in Florida, you may not be used to drinking as many fluids as those who live in Arizona. Therefore, take into consideration the climate and humidity level of your destination. Since everyone's hydration needs vary, start getting your body used to staying hydrated as much as possible. Believe me, if you begin this practice while traveling, it will feel like a never-ending task. 

Therefore, it is best to get your body used to proper hydration. While it is best to avoid getting to this point, if your mouth feels dry or you are craving fluids, DRINK water. You may also want to consider incorporating and experimenting with some coconut water to determine your personal needs. It is an easy way to consume your essential electrolytes. 

• Prime your Immune system: Mother nature provides many wonderful herbal allies to support a healthy immune system. Two of my favorites are Astragalus and a Medicinal Mushroom Blend. 

Astragalus, also known as the great tonifier, is a major Qi tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a major Qi Tonic known as the “Great Protector of Qi” due to its ability to fortify protective Qi, which circulates just beneath the skin and within the muscles. According to TCM, the innate immune system is linked to a concept called Wei Qi, which is the body’s defense energy. 

Astragalus is slightly warming with strong supportive qualities for the spleen and lungs (2 organs specific to fluid metabolism) and is known to support “fluid metabolism.” It is also a “Double-Directional Adaptogen,” and it may also support good posture and tonify organs in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. Astragalus is traditionally used to strengthen the legs and arms and is commonly used by those who work in a cold environment because it is known to strengthen and warm. 

According to the Western herbal perspective, one of its primary components is its potent polysaccharides.  Polysaccharides are large carbohydrate molecules containing many small sugar molecules (monosaccharides) bonded by a glycosidic linkage(a type of bond that joins a carbohydrate molecule to another group). It is believed that Polysaccharides isolated from astragalus produce immunomodulating effects via activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-related mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities.

In simple terms, this process represents the first line of defense against infection. The influences of Astragalus Polysaccharides on the immune system provide a tonifying and balancing response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are key in activating the immune response, and APS facilitates their growth and maturation.

Medicinal Mushroom Blend

Mushrooms contain a wide range of nourishing compounds. Polysaccharides are believed to be the primary family of compounds in mushrooms that may support a healthy aging process. They have been shown to have immunological, neurogenic, cardiovascular, and microbiome effects, as well as numerous other nourishing qualities. 

Until recently, it was believed that the primary polysaccharides found in fungi are beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms (beta 1-3 and beta 1-6) and are the powerhouse that makes mushrooms work. Other polysaccharides found in mushrooms are alpha-glucans, such as glycogen, dextran, pullulan, and starch, which, for a long time, were not thought to provide the same nourishing qualities as beta-glucans. 

Modern research has taught us that this belief only tells part of the story and may be based on flawed science. While beta-glucans are potent compounds, there are hundreds of beta-glucan shapes and sizes, and while some are biologically active, others are not. Furthermore, not all are immunologically active. Ultimately, they are just one variable of a wide range of compounds responsible for a mushroom's many nourishing qualities. From tradition to science, medicinal mushrooms have proven their value as potent tonics with great versatility.

In part two of this series, I discuss the stress and anxiety of the “unknowns” of travel. Well, I strongly suggest that your mushroom blend contain Reishi Mushroom, and here is why.  

A long-standing practice in herbal medicine, known as tonic herbalism, is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Medicinal mushrooms are highly regarded in this system due to their safe record and broad-spectrum effects. Tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues. They promote and support overall well-being by enhancing energy and regulating bodily functions. The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one’s health. Tonic herbs provide adaptive Qi, enabling us to cope with daily stressors more effectively. Ultimately, this will allow us to grow as individuals. 

While the reishi mushroom is an excellent tool for nourishing the three treasures, it is revered as one of the great Shen tonics, known for its ability to support clarity of thought, create healthy and balanced responses, ease the mind, and produce calming effects. Known as “The Great Protector,” Red Reishi primarily consists of complex carbohydrates, including water-soluble polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and amino acids. Thanks to modern techniques for performing tissue cultures, we know that reishi has around 16,000 genes that code for more than 200,000 compounds, and 400 are active constituents. Red Reishi could arguably be one of the greatest tonics on earth, highly revered for its ability to promote the growth of wisdom and insight. 

• Get your Sleep Right: While this pre-travel requirement should be something you focus on daily, when traveling internationally, it is 10 times more important. Therefore, try to be as consistent as possible with the time you go to bed and wake in the morning. This simple habit will get your body into a good circadian rhythm. The stronger your sleep habits are pre-travel, the better your body will deal with the time zone changes. 

Getting to know your body and understanding why you struggle to get quality sleep can take time. Therefore, trying a broad-spectrum herbal sleep formula can be very helpful in getting things on track. A formula that includes the following herbs for the following reasons, will cover all bases: 

• Hops- Sedative, Valerian- Anxiolytic /Anti-Spasmodic, 
• California Poppy- Analgesic, 
• Passion Flower- Strong Nervine- Great for those who can’t shut their mind off, 
• Skullcap- Those who respond to stress with spasms, convulsions, fly off the handle, 
• Vervain- Strong Anti-Spasmodic, 
• Gotu Kola- Cools red hot, inflamed tissue, Cerebral circulation, and 
• Kava- Anxiolytic /Anti-Spasmodic. If you have a good understanding of why you have sleep issues, you can pick any one of the herbs mentioned above and combine it with one that provides more general nervous system support, like milky wild oats (not the dry versions of oats or green oats). The dry version does not have the same effects as an NS restorative.  

Finally, flying for extended periods (especially when you don’t get up and walk around) can put you at risk of blood clots. If you are already at high risk, discussing the use of Natto K with your healthcare practitioner is advisable. 

Travel Protocol 

While continuing with Rhodiola, Mushrooms, or Astragalus, and hydration practices, long-term travel may come with unexpected challenges. T

herefore, the travel protocol itself is more about adding in some herbal or functional food travel hacks. 

Depending on factors such as age, health status, and your level of preparedness for adventurous travel, you may need some extra support. While not mandatory, it is a good idea to have a few things on hand in case of unexpected situations.

Travel Hack #1

Remember in part one of this series, I discussed trying interesting and exotic foods that may taste good going in, but don’t feel so good coming out? Well, since no one wants to spend their trip on the toilet, having some activated charcoal capsules and probiotics may be a good idea. Activated charcoal has a high porous structure that allows it to bind to chemicals and toxins, helping you manage your issue and get back on track.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when taking activated charcoal

• It will turn your poop black
• Separate your herbs, nutrients, and medications for at least 45 minutes, as this will affect how well they absorb. 

The following was stated in a review discussing the effectiveness of activated charcoal for treating a wide range of poisons.  

• Recent studies suggest that activated charcoal may be the single most effective treatment in many types of poisoning. 
• New explanations for the mechanisms of action include "back diffusion" and disruption of enterohepatic loops. 
• Clinical data endorse a new and aggressive role for activated charcoal in the management of poisoned and overdosed patients.

Travel Hack #2

If you are like me, once I get off the airplane, I hit the ground running and don’t stop until the end. I want to do as many amazing things as possible. I have been known from time to time to wear myself out. Yes, I go so hard that even with the herbal support, I may begin to get worn out. So, a simple trick I learned many years ago is to do a Vitamin D3/K2 reset. 

I personally will take 50,000 to 100,000 IU’s for 2 days. However, I've found that taking the first dose at night is the ticket. You will wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and like a new person. Please keep in mind that for those of you who are taking prescription blood thinners or anti-coagulants, be cautious about your vitamin K2 consumption. For those individuals, it will be a better option just to use vitamin D3 without the K2.

Travel Hack #3

As mentioned in travel hack two, if you are like me, the trip is packed to the gills. It is a good idea to either have one afternoon of leisure or, if your flight is more than 10 hours, don’t start the strenuous stuff until the next day. Spend your first day walking around and eating great food. It also gives you time to get acclimated to your new timezone and climate. 

Travel Hack #4

Finally, you may find this travel hack rather interesting for those who struggle with getting their bowel habits (especially constipation) back on track. Traveling with one of our various coffee creamer products that contains MCT oil powder and cacao will help get things moving again.  

Travel Hack #5

Choose to ignore my earlier advice about keeping properly hydrated. Adding fresh (if available at your destination) or traveling with a freeze-dried powdered version of coconut water is a simple way to get yourself back on track. However, don’t go wild with coconut water. Once you are back on track, simply add small amounts throughout the day based on your activity levels to keep you sailing smoothly. 

Travel Hack #6

You may want to consider investing in a proper neck cushion. Investing in a buckwheat neck cushion for around $40 to $50 is a really smart investment. Most people buy the soft and mushy ones, and that is a mistake. 

Yes, they are smooth and fuzzy; however, they provide no neck support. 

Buckwheat-filled neck cushions are stiffer and may take some getting used to, but your neck will thank you later. Better yet, a small cylinder neck pillow is even better because you can kill two birds with one stone. 

One of the biggest complaints about hotels is the old pillows that offer little to no neck and head support. You know what I am talking about- no one reading this article hasn't rolled up a hotel pillow to get it to the perfect height for neck support. Therefore, traveling with a small cylinder buckwheat pillow solves both problems. And the bonus is that if your buckwheat pillow loses its shape, you can simply buy new filling and replace it for a fraction of what an entire new pillow costs.     

Post-Travel thoughts and suggestions

The post-travel protocol is a straightforward process that helps you maintain good habits, ensuring a smooth transition back into your normal life.  

• First, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, continuing with your herbal allies for three to five days after you return home is a smart idea. 
• Keep in mind that you have been in a different time zone, climate, and perhaps a higher activity level. Therefore, give your body the support it needs to help reacclimate back to your everyday life. 
• Next, having hopefully learned how to prepare some fantastic local dishes and where to source the ingredients, you will continue those practices when you are home. However, there will still be, on some level, a return to either your daily eating habits or a change in the quality of your food. This practice may take some getting used to, and your gut may need to reacclimate. I strongly suggest that you bring some special treats home from your international destination and continue to consume small quantities as you transition back. 
• Finally, try to book a flight that arrives home a few hours before your standard bedtime. Again, as stated earlier, flying is not the most conducive environment for sleeping, and you are going to want to get up and walk around to support circulatory health. Therefore, if possible, booking a flight that allows you to arrive back home and establish a proper sleep pattern will make your transition that much easier.    

Add-on Bonus: Travel Alone or With a Partner?

Both options have some significant advantages and disadvantages. As I mentioned in Travel Article #1, I want to pursue the things that excite me and never let someone else hold me back. For individuals who think like me, traveling in a group (even if you are all friends or family) will likely end in a disaster. Some people love that kind of situation, and I say enjoy your adventure as you please. I absolutely see the advantages of having a travel partner for those who are 65 and older. There is the potential that more things can go wrong, and you don’t want to be alone if they happen. However, I like to travel alone. 

Some people believe that traveling alone has some disadvantages. For example, issues like cancellations, delays, or getting sick can all be very upsetting and stressful in a foreign country. Therefore, having travel companions around is an excellent advantage in resolving issues or acting as a medical advocate. However, for those traveling alone, having a travel agent set you up with a local contact and guides will provide you with all the necessary help and guidance to navigate the issues. For a reasonable fee, you can have a 24/7 concierge service to help you with all these issues. I assure you that it is a lot cheaper than a travel partner. If you have a go-with-the-flow personality type and don’t mind delays or getting stuck, you may find this a waste of money. However, I find it to be an incredibly valuable tool. Additionally, having WhatsApp and an international travel plan from your cell phone provider is a wise investment to help keep all lines of communication open. The message here is that whether you choose to travel alone or with a partner, ensure you have all your ducks in a row to provide the support you may need. 

In conclusion, I hope you have all enjoyed my three-part article series on international travel and learned some valuable tips and tricks for making all aspects of your trip better. Remember, an adventure can be a significant time and financial commitment, and there is nothing worse than having it ruined by something completely preventable. I hope and wish for you all to have many fun and exciting adventures in your lifetime. Remember, we only live once, and there should be a good deal of excitement and adventure involved. 

For more information about our Organic 7 Mushrooms Blend, go here: 

Organic 7 Mushrooms Blend

The Author’s Bio
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing, with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the field. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael shares his years of experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist Perspective." He is considered a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.