🌿 Staying Healthy While Flying: A Simple, Evidence-Based Tip That Really Works ✈️

I’ve just returned from a holiday, and as I unpack my suitcase and get ready for a new month of herbal work, I wanted to share something simple that I always do to support my immunity when flying.

It’s nothing fancy, nothing expensive in fact, you can buy it at any pharmacy for just a few dollars.

✈️ I use a basic saline nasal spray.

Before boarding, during the flight, and again after landing.

It’s one of the simplest steps you can take to look after your immune system while travelling, and it’s grounded in good science. Sometimes it really is the small habits that create the biggest results.

🦠 Why Flying Increases Your Exposure to Bugs

Aircraft cabins have extremely low humidity — often around 10–20%, similar to desert air. This dries out the mucosal membranes lining your nose and sinuses.

These membranes are your first line of defence against airborne bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. When they dry out:

• Their ability to trap particles decreases

• Mucus becomes thicker and less mobile

• Cilia (tiny hair-like structures) don’t clear microbes as effectively

• Micro-cracks in the tissue can make viral entry easier

This is one reason people often feel congested, irritated, or “a bit off” after flying.

💧 How Saline Nasal Spray Helps

A simple isotonic saline spray helps counteract the drying effects of cabin air and supports your natural immune defences by:

1. Keeping the mucosa moist

A hydrated mucosal layer is better at trapping microbes so they can be cleared before they cause problems.

2. Enhancing mucociliary clearance

Moisture keeps mucus thin and mobile, helping your body sweep away microbes efficiently.

3. Providing mild anti-microbial effects

Saline doesn’t kill pathogens in the same way disinfectants do, but studies show it can reduce viral load on contact and create an environment less favourable for certain microbes.

4. Supporting overall immune resilience

Your innate immune system starts in the mucosa, keeping it hydrated is a simple, direct way to support it during travel.

It’s cheap, safe, non-medicated, and widely available. You’ll find excellent value saline sprays at any pharmacy, often under $10.

🌱 Why This Is One of My Go-To Strategies

As a Western herbalist (and pharmacy tech with 30+ years experience), I appreciate treatments that balance:

• Safety

• Evidence

• Practicality

• Accessibility

Saline nasal spray ticks every box.

It’s one of the things I personally do to support my immunity on every trip, because it’s low-effort and genuinely effective. When combined with good sleep, hydration, and general immune support, it makes a meaningful difference.

Sometimes it really is the simple steps that give the best results.

✈️ How to Use It When Travelling

• A few sprays before boarding

• Reapply every 2 hours during the flight while awake

• Use again after landing, especially on long-haul trips

If you’re using a sterile, preservative-free spray, you can apply it as often as needed.

🌿 Need Support for Travel or General Immunity?

If you’ve got travel coming up or want tailored herbal support for immune health, digestion, stress, or anything else, I offer in-person and online consultations nationwide.

You can book an appointment anytime.