With airplanes legitimately packed to the brim, it's hard to remember that this time last year, traveling on a plane was considered slightly risky. And while masks are now optional onboard, the wear and tear on one's body (and by extension, our "Qi") when we hit the road will once again be an issue to our overall immune health.
Social distancing? Consider the close contact while standing in lines at check-in and security, against a backdrop of rapidly increasing numbers.
Just as Chinese herbal medicine supported our wellness routines over the past few years, it remains a valuable companion—especially when traveling. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine views all airborne bugs the same, underscoring why certain herb formulas work just as well now as they did throughout 2020 - they don't differentiate the cause, they simply help your body's underlying and natural ability to defend itself.
Is there a Chinese herbal formula that we wouldn't let any friend or family member travel without? Undoubtedly, and it's one that I promoted equally aggressively over the last two years - Yu Ping Feng San (the inspiration to our Immunity Support formula). Our reviews on this formula tell the full story, but here's the context ahead of your summer travel.
There's Nothing New About Your Immunity & Air Travel
According to a 2018 article in the Wall Street Journal*, "medical studies have shown that air travelers face higher rates of infection [than non-travelers] ". This startling statistic might have you questioning whether the typical Vitamin-C powder packs the appropriate immunity punch to keep you healthy in the air.
That's where this powerful Chinese herbal formula comes into the equation: for nearly 750 years, it's helped support the body's natural defenses and overall immune function. in a way that other, more modern options don't. The herbs are believed to be as "precious as Jade", creating a "windscreen" around one's body.
Masks or no masks, Immunity Support was part of my daily wellness routine before any flight before the world changed - and just about daily over the last year.
Yes, airplanes are cleaner, but they are still airplanes
This is a fact - there are no cleaning requirements for U.S. domestic airlines. The FAA doesn’t mandate how and when planes should be cleaned, and the FDA only inspects food and water safety on commercial planes. Airlines set their own standard for the frequency and depth of cleaning each aircraft. To be sure, planes are much (much) cleaner today than they were over a year ago, but there's still the issue of airports, Ubers, and the accompanying environmental changes that accompany travel of any kind. While mask policies on board seem to be here for a while longer, the headlines about inconsistencies are very real, to say nothing of the times in airports or transit when we no longer need to wear them.
Consider All the Hotspots Over the Course of Your Journey: Airports, Airplanes, Ubers, and Rental Cars
Given the potential proximity to people who should be in close contact with others while traveling may prompt some to seek added wellness support during their journey, to say nothing of a tray table that could be doubling as a petri dish, it’s no wonder people drink powdered vitamins before takeoff. But if there's one thing the last year has taught us, and that's that people found Chinese herbal medicine incredibly helpful, becoming a fixture of their safety and wellness routines.
I’ve written extensively about Immunity Support since our launch, and for good reason. It’s awesome for several practical applications and I’ve been outspoken about the power of the herbs contained within each packet: from keeping me healthy throughout the last year (with two little kids who were back in school), to discussing why the This traditional formula has historically been used in times of seasonal or environmental stress. The formula is quite amazing (and with ample five-star reviews, many of our customers would agree.)
The herbal combination remains one of the most popular immune-supportive formulas in all of Chinese herbal medicine, and is widely consumed across Asia, still to this day (remarkable for an over 500-year-old formula).
Ask any acupuncturist familiar with this herbal combination, and you’ll likely hear it's a go-to for seasonal wellness support—especially during peak travel times. I recently gave a short talk at the Minnesota Acupuncture Association’s monthly meeting and met a medical doctor in attendance who also has training in Chinese medicine (which was incredibly cool!). He mentioned that he personally includes this formula in his wellness routine during the busy fall and winter seasons in the ER. That really stuck with me—just imagine how helpful it could feel before a two-hour flight.
A Simple Upgrade - And a Powerful One
Immunity Support works just like any other Vitamin-C powder blend – simply add to water prior to hitting the road, and pack a handful of others to drink as you continue with your travels. As I noted above, it’s never failed me in over 300,000 miles in the air.
Use code STAYHEALTHY to save 15% on your first purchase. It's an airline upgrade you shouldn't avoid.
*“The Trouble with Keeping Commercial Flights Clean,” The Wall Street Journal. September 17, 2017.
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.
