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Remedies for your in-flight ailments
Veteran flight attendant shares his proven — and unique — cures
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That got me thinking about other ailments you might experience during an airplane flight, and about some uncommon cures that might ease the pain. The following is a collection of natural remedies and possible solutions for problems that passengers have encountered on many of my flights. Mind you, I am not a doctor; I am merely offering tips that have been found to be effective for other passengers and crew members. Take these suggestions at your own risk and if you have any doubts, please consult a doctor first.
Hiccups
It seems everyone has a remedy for this ailment. My favorite is to scare my wife in some way, but that's probably not a good idea in flight — especially since she is a pilot. Here's one that seems to help me and passengers most afflicted by them. First swallow a teaspoon of granulated sugar, then fill your lungs and hold your breath while lightly squeezing your lungs against your diaphragm. This should get rid of the problem.
Sneezing
I love to sneeze, but an airplane really isn't a good sneezing place. After all, it's an small, enclosed space and that makes a lot of people nervous about germs. But some people, including me, sometimes get into unstoppable sneezing fits. I missed most of the meal service one day because I sneezed for 20 minutes straight. On that flight a sympathetic passenger told me of this remedy: Place your middle and index fingers directly beneath your nostrils and above your upper lip, and press firmly until the urge to sneeze disappears. It works like a charm.
Headache
Aspirin is the best remedy, so bring some along. But did you know it is more effective if taken with a caffeinated drink? If you don't have any aspirin, try applying lime wedges directly to your forehead. You might feel silly — and sticky — but the throbbing should go away. Plus, you'll smell good.
Leg cramps
Standing on your feet and moving around is the best way to relieve leg cramps, but if they keep coming back, try eating some yellow mustard. People say it is very effective. Don't ask me why.
Stiff neck
Airplane seats don't seem to be getting any more comfortable, so you may find yourself with this condition quite often. Try squeezing your shoulders up towards your ears and holding for 15 seconds; then relax. The exercise resembles an exaggerated shrug (you know, the same gesture you get from the flight attendants when you ask them about a connecting flight). Perform this exercise eight to 10 times and you should feel relief.
Nausea and air sickness
Ginger is a classic herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting; some say it can also prevent them. You can try sucking on crystallized ginger, taking ginger capsules, eating gingersnaps, or even drinking the airplane ginger ale if you can stomach it.
Jet lag
I hear many flight attendants use melatonin to combat jet lag. Apparently, melatonin helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, the internal clock that plays a key role in when we fall asleep and wake up. Some people should not take melatonin, including pregnant women and nursing women, so be sure to check this one out with your doctor.
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