Herbal Remedies to Prevent Travelers' Diarrhea

Travelers and tourists going to several tropical and sub-tropical countries face the hazard of developing gastrointestinal diseases.

These ailments are due to several bacteria, viruses, and parasites. E. Coli bacterium is the topmost microscopic culprit for gut troubles, followed by staphylococci,  the shigella as well as the salmonella species, the campylobacter jejuni, the cryptosporidiosis, and last but not least, the  hepatitis A.

The food that is consumed in these countries is largely infected with disease causing bacteria, etc., and second, the water is largely contaminated. Milk products, exotic servings of cocktails, raw seafood, ice cubes, and road-side foodstuffs are all potential disease causing possibilities that may spoil holiday mood.

Stomach upsets such as vomiting sensation, severe cramps, and liquid stool are infections which will subside after a few days. Only Hepatitis A type disease should cause real worry. If symptoms persist, one should see a trained medical professional straightaway.

There are always treatments for such inconveniences which will provide stamina to the body to deal with new surroundings and ensures augmentation of immune and digestive systems. The herbs mentioned below are ideal mix for travelers. It is advisable to take herbal based tincture made by a local herbalist or made available by a local trader.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus is a herb used in treating illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and microbes. The chemical compound polysaccharides contained in it augments the body immune system. Astragalus enhances the action of phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the concentrations of antibodies in side the blood.

Picrorrhiza ( or the Picrorrhiza kurroa)

This represents an Ayurvedic herbal medicine effective for digestion. It is given in low quantities; in higher quantities, it may cause loose stool, and produces gas in the tract in some people. It's a bitter in taste. It also acts against malarial infection, extends support to body immune system, and shields the liver. It influences the entire gamut of immune system, such as B and T cell actions, and phagocyte activity. The herb is an active ingredient in herbal products meant for treating liver-related and immune-related difficulties.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)

Goldenseal is an anti-infective meant to treat intestinal infections. It assists in removing E. coli bacterium from the system and enhances the working of the immune system. Berberine is one of the ingredients of Goldenseal and it has proved to enhance the functioning of macrophages, which actually help in digesting viruses and bacteria. Goldenseal tastes bitter and is an effective digestive aid. Expectant mothers and hypertensive persons should not use this medicine. Berberine is also contained in Barberry, the details of which are given here.

Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)

Berberine, as the main ingredient of Barberry, is very effective in using against unicellular microorganism. Barberine assists in guarding travelers against giardia, leishmania, and treponema pallidum. The other useful properties are it acts against dysentery, candid albicans, and vibrio cholerae. The other ingredients of Barberry and palmatine are also act against bacteria. And berbamine is an alkaloid like berberine, and is an effective anti-bacterial agent that seems to function by enhancing the count of white blood cells and platelets. Palamtine induces uterine functions, so, women with pregnancy should not take this herb. Barberry is also useful in treating malaria.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia)

Echinacea is inspires the immune system. Its chief active ingredients represent the polysaccharides together with the  alkamides ( and in this case, especially isobutylamides), which represent  both of them,  immune inducing agents, and the polyaceytlenes, which act against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Echinacea assists the actions of the phagocytes - which are part of the immune system - and it is also known to act against viruses and bacteria. Echinacea seem to function by retarding the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which is utilized by microorganisms to attack and destroy connective tissue. The connective tissue stops these microorganisms from spreading through the body. It is for these purposes that travelers should make Echinacea a a permanent item of their travel gear.

These herbal remedies are not meant to act as preventive medications like vaccines. These remedies only act on the premise of providing the body an enhanced opportunity to remain fit. But, several preventive precautions van be taken based on common experience. Cleanse your hands before going to eat. When using bottles, pour the contents into a glass to consume, rather than directly drinking from the bottle, as the bottle rim may be contaminated with health spoiling bacteria and other germs. Drink cocktails in glasses only. Don't consume any fruit that is fresh without peeling it. Avoid non-pasteurized milk and milk products. Avoid eating at street-side eateries. You may be beset with tummy troubles. Carry some oral hydration salts just in case.