Fending off an illness or mystery pain is a definite killjoy during mid-term time. With this fail-safe list, you can combat pesky germs, tummy bugs, dehydration, bloating and cold sores. Over indulge as much as you like my fun-loving friend– just be prepared with our quick fixes.
Buy this kit at home before you leave to allow for any possible weekend emergency.
Grapefruit seed extract
This vitamin should be taken three times per day, up to 14 days prior to a day trip (or trip abroad) and throughout your holiday. It is a natural water de-contaminant and prevents ‘travellers diarrhea’ if you will be eating out. Do not take this supplement if you have been prescribed medication by your doctor.
Buy €11.75 here
Imodium instants
The problem with diarrhea is the very impromptu nature of it. Have the instant version of these little miracle tabs in the zip pocket of your bag at all times. If you have travelled away and haven’t fallen victim to stomach cramps and frequent toilet stops, you are one of the lucky ones. Your time will come at some point.
Buy €5 here
Dioralyte
Lack of salts in the body on a trip away can lead to dizziness and the feeling of nausea and dehydration in very fast succession. Even if you are not power-walking your way down the Champs Elysée or running circles around Lake Bled, you can get hot and overheated at a rapid rate if you are not regularly drinking water in the outdoors. We wouldn’t cope if something happened to you.
Buy €6.99 here
Lysine
Cold sores are a common adversary of the sun holiday. Normally sugar and the sun can cause the onset of a cold sore instantly but, not if you regularly consume this super-vitamin. Give yourself up to tempting cocktails filled with syrup and fresh fruit a miss, even if you are a sufferer, as Lysine can cure all ills in this regard. Once a day with food, please.
Buy €11.82 here
Heat patches
There is nothing worse than zipping down a slide in a water-park or adrenaline-filled moutain biking, only to whack the face off yourself and pull muscles in places you can’t reach. Yep. I hear you. Heat patches are a genius cure for shoulder, lower back and thigh muscles giving you grief. When all you want is a cocktail and a bit of craic, I support this investment. Don’t feel the burn.
Buy €6.70 here
Blister plasters
Walker, dancer, hiker or avid shopper? Listen to Karen: These babies absorb the unsightly-ness of your bulging blistered limb and heal it so much faster than a regular plaster. I often apply them on in advance of a good night or the inevitable hiking disaster. My worries drift into the horizon with my romantic gaze. Footsie here I come.
Buy €8.40 here
Eye drops
Celluvisc are the perfect remedy for irritated, dry or tired peepers. The single dose containers make them hygienic even if you fire them into your travel bag for use later. The hydrating effect is indescribable. I have used them for years following an eye injury, and they were a gift. Over-the-counter pharmacy remedies in other countries often contain preservatives and cause adverse drying effects on the eye, if overused. Sand in the eyeball? A thing of the past.
Buy €11.99 here
Wish to suggest an addition to our emergency kit? We welcome you. Email karen.forde@herfamily.ie
