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!
Refrences: 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
About the author:
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.
Written by:
Rebecca Prescott
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