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 historically are short, with quick turns for work or a rare weekend get-a-way. 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 were feeling fine but got in the incubator masquerading as a 737, only to disembark with a head cold. 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 awhile 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.
The Original Immunity Booster
I'll admit I have a slight obsession with this formula. Mostly because it's the simplest thing I think anyone can do to prevent catching something while traveling 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.”
But the benefits extend far beyond your flight: it won't simply mask your symptoms. It actually helps support what your body already knows to do in order to keep you healthy. The name itself underlies it’s health oriented properties (“wind-screen”): I like to think of it as a protective shield, or "screen", against getting sick (and who wouldn’t want that on an airplane?). It gives a slight boost of energy and really modulates the immune system (and by modulates, it will help give you an immune boost if your body needs it, but it will also help when you've started to feel something “coming on” and your immune system is already picking up the pace but just needs some support). With only 3 herbs, the main function is to boost that protective boundary between you and the rest of the world.
Jade Windscreen Daily?
I have some patients who take the formula daily. These are the people who are constantly catching colds or who have chronic bronchitis or just issues with immunity in general. It's safe and mild enough to do that. Many of us though may not be prone to frequent colds, but just want to avoid getting sick when we're exposed to so many people in a contained environment (for example the plane I am about to step foot on). As we know too well, traveling is the perfect environment to get sick- like for many things, Chinese medicine provides a solution that allows our bodies to remain balanced, even in the most imbalanced of 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 that 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 designed to help in case cold season symptoms such as fevers, aches and coughs creep in. 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.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, mitigate or cure any disease or symptom. The above commentary is based off of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, a 2,500-year-old practice, and is not intended to treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. For more information, please visit 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.
