Colds: At the first sign of sniffles—or whenever your immune system feels challenged—take echinacea, olive leaf, Emergen-C (vitamin C/mineral mixture), zinc lozenges, or Cold Snap (blend of Chinese immunity herbs).

Insomnia: Take gentle sedative herbs such as valerian or passionflower. A few drops of lavender essential oil in a warm bath and dabbed on your pillow before bed is relaxing. Pack a sleep mask and earplugs.

Jet lag: Both melatonin (a supplement) and No Jet-Lag (a homeopathic formula) help your internal clock adjust to a new time zone.

Motion sickness: Take ginger or the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica to alleviate nausea. Acupressure wrist bands may also help.

Traveler’s diarrhea: Activated charcoal can alleviate intestinal gas and loose stools. Lactobacillus acidophilus can prevent or treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, by Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno (Prima, 1998)

(Note: Severe or ongoing symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.)