My Field Favorites Part II

I have finally gotten to Part II. A reader emailed and mentioned several typos from the last post. I do apologize for them. Living in a rural area of Somalia, my internet is not reliable and trying to upload the posts is a hassle in itself. I had used spell check prior but the blogger spell check auto-corrects itself- to Dutch! Nevertheless, I am adding this on my to do list for when I am on leave. Also, another reader emailed thanking me for including websites on the last post. You are most certainly welcome! Here are some of my final field favs. Enjoy

1) Herbal Tea (loose or bag)

 You really can’t go wrong with tea. Upset stomach: Tea, general wellbeing: tea. You name it: tea. Ideally you should purchase these locally but if you have a favorite or rare type of tea you like then you may want to bring a supply.

For gastro issues: peppermint (also helps with mild headaches) and Hierba Luisa (digestion), ginger (upset stomach), Anise

Calming: Chamomile, lemon grass, tulsi.  Valerian( sleep aid)

Blood pressure, Kidneys/liver:  Hibiscus, cinnamon

For complete list of benefits see: http://www.ihealthdirectory.com/herbal-teas-types-benefits/

2) Urban MoonshineImmune Tonic and Airborne

I swear by the Immune Tonic by Urban Moonshine. It is made in my home state of Vermont is an herbal supplement and really aids digestion and really does make you feel better. The downside for some is that it contains alcohol. In which case, I recommend Airborne. Even if you are not coming down with a cold this stuff also picks you up giving you a great energy booster. Another really good product, also from Vermont, is the Elderberry Syrup by Honey Gardens. It is a traditional immune formula made with propolis (royal jelly) and is specially formulated for immune support.

3) Slippery Elm & Cats Claw 

I take these two to support the intestinal tract. For those anti-probiotic they are excellent all natural replacements. These are unique to the Americas and even though they are available in Africa and Asia, mostly in ex-pat health food stores in upscale shopping areas, if you are willing to pay twice as much. I buy these in Europe or when I am stateside. They are also available in powder form for tea making.  Slippery elm (native to North America) powder helps to soothe the digestive tract. Cats Claw (Uña de gato), is native to South America and has been used medicinally by indigenous peoples for centuries. According to Wikipedia, the Asháninka tribe of Peru uses the plant as a general health tonic, contraceptive, anti-inflammatory agent for the gastrointestinal tract, and as a treatment for diarrhea, rheumatic disorders, acne, diabetes, cancer and diseases of the urinary tract. It is great to use for intestinal inflammation if you have been ill and is also used against dengue fever traditionally in Brazil.

4) Travel Silks (aka Silk long johns) 

In the field I wear skirts. They are culturally appropriate and easy. While many in the west go bare under their skirts, that is a no no in many cultures.  I opt for cotton leggings or the occasional slip as they are cost effective but some prefer silks. They are more expensive but light and more comfortable. The benefit of silks is that they are both effective in hot or cool weather and they dry faster. See link for item.

5) Travel Yoga Mat 

 I just started working out again after running in my first marathon in 2012. Living in Somalia, running is not an option so I aim for long walks and indoor workout exercise. Working out in the field is very important! I will write another blog post on this. I got this mat over the holidays and let me tell you it is wonderful. No you don’t need a mat but I only have very slippery floors and let me tell you I pulled something the first time I tried to do yoga. It is a little costly but very worth it to just pop a Yoga DVD in the computer and work on my core or practice relaxation! For Gaiam Brand click here. For Manduka brand click here.

6) Cashew Butter 

I love this stuff. It is much better for you than peanut butter. Almond, soy nut butter, and sunflower seed butter are good alternatives. In the field, let’s be honest, sometimes the food becomes mundane. That’s when I opt for a good old sandwich. I get local honey or jam (sometimes syrup) and add cashew butter to make a sandwich. Apparently there are many health benefits of cashew butter like: good fats (omega 3’s), vitamins and minerals, and it is a great source of protein. Peanut butter, mainstream brands, are often full of additives and bad oils. Also some people are allergic to peanuts.

7) Granola

 I always travel with granola. I also like to add dried fruits to it. It’s healthy and gives you energy. Also if you plan ahead you can make it yourself. This way it’s cheaper and get to decide what you want in it based on your tastes. Again you make this locally but if you are in a crunch (excuse the pun) store bought is just as good.

8) Ginger Chews 

 

                                    

Ginger Chews are fantastic! Some people prefer candied ginger to this but to me they are the same. Ginger aids symptoms of nausea and upset stomach. If you add hot water to these chews it makes a great tea when your tummy is not feeling well. Also I find that this gives a pick me up after long flights, when I have a headache/cold/flu, under stress or fatigued.  Pure ginger works as well. My favorite brands are Ginger People and Reeds but there is a generic Chinese brand out there. Check your health food store.  For Ginger People brand Click here. For Reeds brand click here.

9) Incense 

Last but not least. Again you can find this locally but if you have your favorite scent you may want to preorder. Incense helps clear my mind and relax. It is usually paired well with yoga or a good book. In the field, down time is very important. Whatever you do make sure you fit it in.

These are my field favorites. Try to pack yours on your next assignment…you will find that you will be much happier as a result.

-a-

    

My Field Favorites Part 1

Recently, I fell ill. For a development practitioner in the field this can be a nightmare. Take if you are in a very remote area and you do not have access to an antihistamine after suffering an allergic reaction. Aside from emergencies, many expat development practitioners often take very poor care of their own personal heath. In a past field experience, area expats knew who to come to get items of comfort during times of illness. My close family and friends know that I do not travel without certain items no matter where I go. I am not saying this too boost my knack for what I call FIRR- field illness risk reduction (Yes, I have made up a new acronym, as if we needed another one) FIRR calls for an elaborate packing list but I prefer to be prepared. Obviously the amount of supplies depends on the duration of the field posting. I tend to carry 6 months of supplies. Whenever possible I do try to buy products in the field or host country but this is not always possible and when it is many products are almost double the cost as they are imported.

Many celebrities take Oprah Winfrey for example, publicize their favorite things.  These celebrities annoy me because it’s all about commercialism and not about practicality for normal people, let alone your average expat development practitioner. A colleague of my brought this to my attention recently while using and looking at the items I refuse to be without in the field and suggested I share my field favorites. Here they are! 

 1) Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps All-One 

 This soap have hundreds of uses: Laundry, shampoo, body, face wash, dish soap, and even toothpaste. I always have a least a bar (easier to carry)  and the travel liquid size on me and have used them for everything. They come in plenty of aromas as well. I like the original peppermint because it cools the skin in an extremely hot area after bathing.

2) Probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may confer a health benefit on the host. This was a recommendation my doctor suggested to me. I always stomach issues in the field and they are not pleasant. As soon as I feel one of those awful cramps or sprint holding my tummy to a place to go, I grab this stuff. Although they kill all bacteria good and bad, they can help you become regular and help in the creation healthy bacteria of the digestion tract which is very important after an upset stomach (usually caused by unhealthy bacteria). When it comes to selecting a brand make sure the product does not require refrigeration. They are also found in fermented foods added with active live cultures, such as in yogurt so if you can get them this way it is better. And for those of up allergic to lactose they help you digest lactose easier. Also, the more strains the better-think millions and billions. Ask your doctor which strains are right for you. Your tummy will thank you later. I use Jarrod and Culturelle mostly due to the cost. 

3) Green Vibrance and Amazing Grass   

Sometimes I feel really low on energy or I am not eating a well balanced diet. These products come in single serve packets. Amazing Grass in its basic form is powdered wheatgrass you can mix with water or juice (orange, pineapple or mango). While I am partial to the wheatgrass I recently transitioned to Green Vibrance because my diet has almost 0 veggies and I wanted something to help supplement this loss to my nutrition and it is working so far. They really give you energy and contain probiotics.  Green Vibrance has: organic grass juices and freeze dried greens. The packets aids: nutrition, digestion, circulation and immunity and additionally benefits all body systems. Green Vibrance addressing some very basic and essential biological requirements and provides trace nutrients that should help each cell to function at peak efficiency.

See PDF http://www.vibranthealth.us/images/stories/virtuemart/product/GV11.0_flyer.pdf

4) Pack towels

These are possibly the thinnest most absorbent towels I have ever used. I always carry an extra large for bathing, medium for hair and small for face/hands. These are available at your local sporting goods stores (REI or EMS). I even found a few on clearance for $11. In the field I must travel under 15 kilos for the flights and I save space wherever possible and a large beach towel is NOT in my bag. Pack towels also can withstand harsh hand washing, dry fast and feel good on the skin unlike normal towels dried in the sun without fabric softener.

5) Body Oil

When I cannot find lotion without chemicals and fragrance I opt for body oils. This oil can be used for after bathing for dry skin and for hair. I also like to add a slight fragrance of my choice for a special touch. Neutrogena body oil, Bio Oil and Body Shop oils are all excellent choices but you can also use the oil of your choice, olive oil for example.

6) Jade and Pearl Sea Sponge tampons & Glad Rags

                              

These products deserve their own post. Ever wanted to green your period? Before I served in the Peace Corps in 2007 I purchased my first Glad Rags and have been using them ever since. They are reusable cloth menstrual pads. They have inserts you can insert based on your cycle. You soak and wash them after use. I personally soak them in hot water with Dr. Bronner’s and tea tree oil and let them dry in the sun. Sea Sponge tampons are harvested sustainably, are easy to use, very absorbent, painless to insert and are SO cheap (2 for $10). After use, you clean them and I like to soak them in a hot water tea tree oil solution and air dry them. I have learned that traditional pads/tampons do not allow air to get to you as they are layered with plastic(think about it), also they are bleached with a number of chemicals (do you want this down there?!) and not to mention the environmental waste. Given all the cons of traditional pads I wanted a change.  Yes, this took a little while to get used to but the process for me has been empowering. I am doing my part to help the environment while living healthily. Some people use gloves when cleaning their products and this is okay but not a requirement.  Remember to wash your hands during the entire length of your cycle and when handling the products, as you should anyway. Once you get in a rhythm using them it doesn’t take a lot of time out of your schedule. I used to think my body was disgusting and that was because that was what I was taught. In truth the mystic of the female body is alluring and I took control of my period! 

7) Tea Tree Oil

I use this as a disinfectant mostly when cleaning other products mentioned in this post.  But mix a few drops in a water solution and it can also be a facial toner or disinfectant for when you have wounds. I also add a few drops to my conditioner to help fight dandruff. Always comes in handy!

8) The Buff     

What originated as a fad of the reality show Survivor, the buff has now made it big with adventurers everywhere! I use this when it is really hot out. I dip it in water and put it on my head. Also use it as a head band and for covering in a conservative area and winter running. Literally there are 100 uses for the Buff. Some come treated with bug repellant helpful when sleeping and bugs are flying around your face.  Look at REI or EMS or any other sporting goods/travel store.

9) The DreamSack

I tend to stay in a lot of hostels and hotels when I travel. That means sometimes there are dirty sheets. Sometimes I find myself without a sheet at all. The dream sack is perfect fort these times. The only drawback is the cost (from $25). In the past I have used a nice sheet and sewed it along the side to make a dream sack. I also carry a travel pillow always with a removable case for washing.

10) Baking Soda

This can be used as deodorant (rub on underarms), toothpaste and whitener, baking, or for upset tummies (mix with 2 ounces of warm water and drink). Carry a travel size container. This stuff is so cost effective (<90 cents).

11) Tums, Alka-Seltzer and cough drops

Tums is hard to find in many places (pepto as well). I use this for antacid and when I need to take pills that are harsh on the tummy (anti-malarial and parasite meds). Also it helps me with nausea. Alka-Seltzer can be found locally (Panadol) but is a great alternative to baking soda for tummy issues but with the bonus of Aspirin. Cough drops (Ricola and Halls) are handy for areas where you develop coughs aside from colds or respiratory illnesses. I get coughs in areas with lots of dust. Ricola is harder to find but is my preference.

Have any field or travel favorites? Send your picks to: arield85@hotmail.com Coming soon Part 2.

-a-