Is Aloe Vera A Holiday-Maker's Best Friend?

But indulging in these holiday treats can sometimes result in illness which ruins that much anticipated break. Diarrhoea and stomach upsets are common when travelling abroad: studies have shown that during a two week break, a surprising 50% of people will have at least one episode.(1) These attacks, often attributed to contaminated water (and ice cubes) or food stuffs, can be both unpleasant and inconvenient - especially when travelling. You may stock up on various bottles and medicines designed to ease these conditions, but there is a way to minimise or even prevent these and other common holiday problems.  It’s a well known ‘trade secret’ amongst reporters and holiday journalists – aloe vera in a concentrated capsule form.

Sun, sea, sand – and stomach ache

The plant extract aloe vera is commonly used in a variety of products designed to ease digestive and bowel problems. Scientific research has shown aloe to have natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as being able to accelerate healing rates.

Not only can the right aloe vera help diarrhoea, but if you find that your stomach has been irritated by rich, spicy or unfamiliar food, taking a supplement can ease the discomfort. In addition, due to molecules that some aloe supplements contain, your natural immune system will receive a boost, setting you up for the remainder of your holiday. (An extra tip here is to take it for a week prior to travel to give your immune system an extra boost)

Hair of the dog or aloe vera?

For those of us who like to indulge in a little local hospitality on holiday, aloe vera can also help with that morning after feeling which, whether you’re spending a lazy day on the beach or have an action packed itinerary of sight seeing planned, can really ruin your day. An excess of alcohol, combined with heat, a rich or unfamiliar diet and possible dehydration can mean a seriously upset stomach. As aloe vera placates the stomach and the gut lining, it is a gentle and natural way to settle that horrible queasy feeling.

Sunburn

Many seasoned travellers know that on the beaches in the Caribbean you can get your back rubbed with a freshly cut chunk of aloe vera to soothe the pain of sunburn. However, less of these travellers know that a similar effect can be achieved by taking aloe vera capsules before and during your trip as it helps the skin bounce back from a sudden change in sunlight exposure. However, it is vital that sun worshippers still follow guidelines about sensible exposure to the sun. Whilst the herb is effective in preventing and soothing sunburn, over exposure will inevitably result in sore and reddened skin.

A Word of Warning

However, a word of warning - the wrong aloe vera capsule may actually cause diarrhoea.  So, before leaving on your next holiday, make sure that you take the right aloe vera capsule with you such as Aloeride® (www.aloeride.com) to effectively ease the range of ailments that you become prone to when travelling. Taken before and during your trip, it can help to ensure that you make the most of every day of your hard earned holiday.

About the Author

Han van de Braak is a chartered physiotherapist, registered acupuncturist and naturopath. He is the founder of the Integrated Medical Practice in Leicestershire which offers a variety of complementary treatments in homeopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, medical herbalism and diet modification.  On Han’s initiative Aloeride® was developed which contains 100% natural aloe vera and is manufactured to pharmaceutical GMP standard. For more information visit www.aloeride.co.uk or call 01858 464550.

17 October 2005