With the skies opening up again, I sit in LAX waiting for my flight to Orlando to board, I start running down the list of "I hope I didn't forget my ____" (as if there's really anything that could be done once I'm at the airport ready to board). I travel a bit for work, enough that I justified doing TSA Pre-Check and now this Clear situation, which is apparently a step up.  Pre-pandemic, my trips were historically short, with quick turns for work or a rare weekend getaway. I'm famous for having an incredibly busy week and justifying it by saying, "It's fine. I have a 5-hour plane ride. I'll just sleep on the plane". That being said, I've always been terrified of getting sick. Not terrified in an "I'm afraid of germs", but more afraid of getting sick and missing out on life because I'm not feeling well. I would really rather not do that- if I take a day off, I'd like it to be because I am actually able to enjoy it.

I do have a bit of a pre-travel regimen because I've seen otherwise healthy people get taken down on trips: travelers who start to feel off after long flights in close quarters with others. We're all working hard, and it's challenging to keep our immune systems at a level that would leave us feeling great after a flight. I've tried almost every product available that is marketed to prevent this from happening, but it actually took me a while to just simply trust a medicine I've been educated on for years. I'm an integrative medical practitioner: I practice acupuncture and have spent a long time learning Chinese herbs. I'm not the kind of person who has the time or ability to cook herbs myself - if I'm going to use a Chinese medicine formula it I need it to be convenient.  Moreover, I need to feel like anything I put in my body is safe and makes sense....enter Jade Windscreen.

Supporting Resilience While Traveling

I'll admit I have a slight obsession with this formula. Mostly because it's a simple way to support your body’s natural defenses during travel, and it’s not going to cause additional problems. There are so many directions to go when recommending an herbal formula to a patient, and I get really excited when there's something that's safe and effective for the general population, particularly one that isn't full of added sugar or other ingredients that aren't labeled. Additionally, this classic formula won't make you feel extremely energized after consuming, only to cause a “crash” as the formula’s benefits begin to dissipate.

“Jade Windscreen won’t simply mask your symptoms.  It actually helps support what your body already knows to do in order to keep you healthy.”

This formula is traditionally used to help maintain internal balance and support overall wellness, especially while traveling. The name itself reflects its wellness focus (“wind-screen”): a symbolic shield for added protection, especially when you're on the go. It offers a gentle energy lift and supports a balanced immune response. With only three carefully selected herbs, its primary role is to help reinforce your body’s natural barrier between you and environmental stressors.

Jade Windscreen Daily?

I have some patients who take the formula daily.  These are the people who are looking to support their overall vitality through seasonal changes find daily use beneficial. It's safe and mild enough to do that. Many of us, though, may not be prone to frequent colds, but want to stay feeling their best when exposed to lots of people in close environments (for example, the plane I am about to step foot on). As we know too well, travelingoften challenges our systems due to crowded, shared environments. Like many things, Chinese medicine offers a time-tested approach to help maintain equilibrium and support well-being in dynamic environments.

As I hear my flight being announced, I finish with my mental list of what I must have with me, take a second dose of Jade Windscreen (because I refuse to forget), and walk toward the gate.

A Note from DAO Labs: Other Solutions for to Keep On-Hand

As we take to the skies again, consider Immunity Support, our take on Jade Windscreen, along with Bounce Back and Breathe Clear - formulas rooted in TCM theory to support respiratory comfort and overall wellness during seasonal changes.  It's great not just for you, but those you're traveling with as well.  Consider the Project and Recover bundle, an on-the-go solution, perfect for these imperfect times in health.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Dr. Nell Smircina, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in post-surgical rehabilitation and athletic recovery. She maintains her private practice in Beverly Hills, CA. Nell has worked extensively with the Veteran population in Los Angeles through different community acupuncture initiatives, and in her free time enjoys living a fit and active life in Southern California. Follow her on Instagram @bewellwithdrnell.