Herbal Must-Haves for Summer Travel

Summer - and travel season - is nearly here. But, whether you're hitting the road for a weekend getaway or boarding a long-haul flight to a new country, travel has a way of throwing your routine off balance. From unfamiliar foods to disrupted sleep and stress, travel woes can wreak even the simplest of trips.

Enter Chinese herbs - natural, time-tested remedies that help you stay well, wherever your adventures take you.

To help you travel with confidence, we've rounded up some herbal essentials you'll want in your travel wellness kit. These formulas are compact, easy to take anywhere, and can make all the difference between powering through your plans or getting sidelined by discomfort.

The Root + Spring Travel Wellness Kit

1. Po Chai Pills and Culing Pills: For Digestive Upsets and Food Mishaps

No travel kit is complete without something for your stomach. Between street delicacies, unfamiliar ingredients, and rich or greasy meals, even the most adventurous eaters can run into trouble.

Po Chai Pills and Culing Pills (also called Curing Pills) are two famous formulas that are both great for travel-related digestive issues - but they work a little differently.

• Po Chai Pills are your quick fix for sudden nausea, bloating, or mild food poisoning. They're especially helpful when you've eaten something that doesn't sit right or you feel queasy from motion sickness. The tiny pellets are easy to take, even on the go, and act fast to settle the stomach.
  

• Culing Pills are more targeted toward the aftermath of overeating, especially when heavy or greasy foods leave you feeling sluggish or uncomfortable. This formula helps move food stagnation, support digestion, and reduce bloating. They can even help with a hangover.
  
  Pro Tip: If it goes too far and something you ate didn't agree with you, take Culing Pills every few hours to stop vomiting and diarrhea.
  

2. Yunnan Baiyao Tincture: For Bumps, Bruises, and Unexpected Ouches

Accidents happen - especially when you're active and exploring. Whether it's a minor bump from hauling luggage or a bloody scraped knee during a hike, Yunnan Baiyao is a must-have for reducing swelling, stopping bleeding, and speeding recovery.

This famous herbal formula supports circulation and healing, making it useful for sprains, bruises, and even cuts or nosebleeds.

3. Po Sum On or Wood Lock Oil: For Headaches, Muscle Aches, and Motion Sickness

Long flights, heavy backpacks, and unfamiliar beds can leave your body feeling stiff and sore. That's where a trusty herbal oil comes in. Po Sum On oil is great for stress headaches, sinus pressure, or neck tension. Dab a little on your temples or inhale the aroma to help clear the head and ease discomfort.

If you're more likely to struggle with deeper muscle aches or joint pain, Wood Lock Oil is your best choice. It's also excellent for post-hike soreness or stiffness from long car rides.

Bonus: Both oils are very aromatic and double as a natural pick-me-up when you're feeling foggy or tired on the road.

4. Xiao Yao Tang Tincture: For Keeping Your Cool

Travel can be energizing—but it can also be stressful. From flight delays to time zone changes, it's easy to feel off your game. Xiao Yao Tang, often called “Free and Easy Wanderer,” helps ease stress, tension, and moodiness, especially when it's tied to your digestion or menstrual cycle.

This classic TCM formula supports the Liver, smooths Qi flow, and helps bring your emotions and energy back into balance.

The tincture version is small, portable, and easy to take - just a few drops under the tongue or in water can make a noticeable difference on those tougher travel days. If you're flying and want to avoid packing another liquid, Xiao Yao Wan capsules work just as well!

5. Lao Wei Burn & Wound Cream: For Minor Burns, Bites, and Skin Irritations

Camping trips, beach days, and street food stands all come with the occasional risk of minor burns, bug bites, or skin irritations. Keep a tube of Burn & Wound Cream on hand for fast relief. This cooling, herbal ointment soothes inflammation, reduces pain, and supports skin repair.

6. Easy Go Support (Run Chang Wan): To Help You Go, On the Go

Changes in routine, dehydration, and long flights can slow digestion way down. Travel constipation is a common and frustrating issue—but you don't have to rely on harsh laxatives.

Look for a gentle herbal remedy like Easy Go Support formula with moistening herbs (like hemp seed or rhubarb root) that help get things moving without cramping or urgency. Pair with extra hydration and fiber-rich snacks like dried fruit or chia pudding for best results.

Stay Well When You Wander with Root + Spring

A well-deserved adventure doesn't have to leave you feeling unwell.

With a few smart herbal additions to your travel kit, you can handle the unexpected - whether it's a queasy stomach, sore muscles, or a stressful travel day - and get back to exploring.

Explore our full range of travel-ready herbal remedies so you can feel good, no matter where you go!