Top 7 Multipurpose Items for Health & Healing

I often bring essential items for hiking and camping trips where there is lack of facilities. The essential items I bring is multipurpose so I do not have to carry heavier than necessary. I bought and used them during and after my hiking and camping for 5 years and this has gotten me into discovering the power of the little things. 

1) Salt

Salt is often quoted in the bible; and is placed its importance in our lifestyle. Matthew 5:13 quoted “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

Little did I know that salt has many useful purpose and has been the most important thing in my house. Besides for adding taste in cooking and cleaning vegetables, salt is used to kill any leech sucking on my skin. It is also my skin scrub to heal leech bites whenever the bites are itchy. 

Salt also gives energy. Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and salty food is often a remedy for those experiencing hyperthermia and hypothermia. Salty solid food stays longer in the body than salty liquid.

Sea salt is another type that is organic. Sea salt is widely used for skin scrub for whitening. Talking about whitening, I have a friend with a nice set of teeth who uses salt to brush her teeth since young. Indeed it is true, organic salt can whiten our teeth.     

2) Lime / Lemon

Lime or lemon is used as dishwasher. Lime/ Lemon makes good drink for dehydration.   

I discovered from a website that lime/lemon can be used to make isotonic drink when mixed with salt.  Just add 4 limes and a pinch of salt into 1 Litre of water. Add more to taste, if you wish. I used this method to make an additional isotonic drink when my 1.5L 100 Plus is finished.

Lime is also used to soothe sore throat by gargling the mix of lime, salt and sugar in warm water.  

3) Banana

Banana is a high potassium food. Not only it gives substantive energy but also contains tumor necrosis factor (TNF) which has the ability to combat cancer cells, according to a Japanese scientific research. The more dark patches it has, the higher is its immunity enhancement quality.

Banana has amazing contents as follows:-

• contains tryptophan that improves the mood for depression 
• contains Vitamin B6 --> improves mood from PMS and calms nervous system
• high in iron --> helps anemia
• high in potassium yet low in salt --> reduces risk of blood pressure and stroke, boosts brain power, and relieves stress
• high in fibre --> helps constipation
• have a natural antacid --> relieves heartburn and intestinal disorders
• high in sugar -->helps body to recover energy after workout
• its inside banana skin serves as natural medicine to kill warts and relieves irritation and swelling from mosquito bites (not sure how true, yet to try)

4) Apple Cider Vinegar

I drinks apple cider vinegar on occasional basis to clean out toxins, and sometimes to give taste to pasta. I often bring it to make pasta for camping.

Once I had problem dealing with ticks in my house, and I got a tip from my dad to spray apple cider vinegar to rid of ticks. It works. 

As I was searching more about apple cider vinegar online, it indeed has more to this. It shines our hair and heals burns and wounds.

5) Aloe Vera

I had sunburn from an island trip in 2004, and I used rose hip oil and aloe vera gel to heal my sunburned skin. Although healed, my skin became more sensitive and the UV rays in the sun is getting stronger. Aloe vera has cooling properties. Since then I began to purchase aloe vera gel for hiking and camping trip.

There is one incident when my friend dropped a boiling water that scalded his skin to second degree.  Although he has washed his scalded skin with running water, it was painful. Then I came to learn that aloe vera has healing properties cos of its cooling agent.

Aloe vera is also used for recovering sand flies bite. It is natural and does not have side effects, apply it onto itchy bites as often you can especially during the day. However, for faster results on top on this, you need to apply alcohol and Bactroban on first application and then just Bactroban every night.   

6) Lemongrass

I use lemongrass (or known as "serai" in Malay language) to try a recipe, and then a friend told me to add it in the honey drink for a nice aroma. Eventually I use it to give crunchy taste for fried rice. Since I like its aromatic smell and its pungent taste, I use it as garnish for soups and vegetables.

Malays use lemongrass in cooking cockles. Not only for seeping out the seafood smell, but also cleans out the toxins in cockles.

Lemongrass is a herb from grass family. Lemongrass should be kept in an air tight container and placed in a dark, cool and dry place and can be kept for up to 2 years.

In my case, I kept them in the fridge. When it dries up, it turns crunchy but it can still be eaten. It releases an essential oil called citral that gives a distinct lemon flavor when cut or crushed. Citral is said to kill cancer cells according to a research.

A research about the benefits of lemongrass:-

• contains citral that has strong anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties --> prevents acne outbreak and keeps skin healthy
• high in folic acid, vitamin B5, B6 and B1 --> improves the mood, gives deep sleep and helps insomnia, stress and nervous disorder; reduces blood pressure
• contains anti-oxidant minerals, vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc-->  reduces fever, relieves cough and colds; relieves symptoms of headaches and body-aches
• flushes out toxins, uric acid, excess fats and cholesterol from the body --> improves liver, spleen, pancreas and kidney 
• high in fibre --> improves digestion and helps constipation 
• also known as citronella, used as mild insect repellent
• A recent study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the department of Science and technology ( DOST ) claims that every 100g of edible tanglad when boiled can contain up to 24.205 micrograms of beta-carotene the anti-oxidant that scientists believe can help prevent cancer. Another DOST study shows that lemon grass oil has the potential as a tropical eye medication against keratomycosis, an inflammation of cornea often associated with burning or blurring of vision.

7) Honey

I often get sore throat and cough.  A doctor recommended me to take honey+tea+lemon to relieve cough with phlegm, and it worked! Honey moisturizes throat and it helps to soothe sore throat.

Honey helps to boost energy and immune system. It also:-

• contains antioxidant --> improves digestion
• contains carcinogen preventing and anti-tumour properties
• contains anti-bacterial properties --> as antiseptic; heals yeast infection, athlete's foot and arthritis pain
• absorbs moisture from air --> heals wounds, cuts and burns
• contains anti-microbial properties --> soothes sore throat and kills bacteria that causes the infection
• contains mix of natural sugar such as fructose --> relieves hangover

8) I would like to add garlic and ginger into the list, its many benefits I have yet to test out other than to give taste, relieve stomach cramps and refresh bad breath.

Dummy guide to Kg Adidas and mountaineering equipments

AFTER THE MUDDY TREK > Left: Kg Adidas Cap Goco, Bottom: Kg Adidas Cap Bowling with shoe lace, Top & Right: Cushioned shoes.

• Kg Adidas shoes

As I have mentioned in my article "Of Shoes and Mountain Feet"  about Kg Adidas, it is a recommended shoe for trekking in Malaysia and Asia as most terrain are muddy, soft and includes river crossing. I like wearing it during my trekking for many reasons. 


First, it has good grip for trekking and because of this, I only need minimal energy to push myself up or balance my body when descending on steep hike. Its thin sole also provides good reflexology for my feet when trekking on uneven terrain (the mud).  A good advise for wearing Kg Adidas to avoid injury when trekking on not so muddy terrain and rocks that often comes together with muddy terrain; or even with heavy backpack while benefiting the stretching feet arch muscles, is to wear 2 pair of socks- one thick & long pair and one thin (or old) pair. Long, tight socks serves as Leech socks while you have double layer underneath again :).


 I quoted point number 111 from Barefoot Walking and Living Health Benefits (And 125 Reasons To Go Barefoot):


 Free from the constraints of shoes, (Dr. Irene) Davis said, musculature in the arches benefits. "When you're barefoot and you don't have any support under the arch, especially when you are hiking on uneven terrain, your feet have to work really hard to stabilize you. If you don't have something underneath it supporting it, the foot muscles are going to have to work harder. So I really think that hiking and even just walking barefoot helps to strengthen the muscles of the arch." (Darren Richardson, Barefootin', note -- Darren is a very experienced barefoot hiker and full-time barefooter and Dr. Davis is a professor of physical therapy)


Second, it only needs minimal cleaning by squirting a hose with heavy pressure water against the mud stuck in between the studs and its surface. 

It also dries up fast due to its rubber material as opposed to thick cushioned shoes that would have taken one full day of hot sun to dry.

It is super light, and makes a multi-purpose shoes as sandals (without sockings) to walk around at campsite.   

And lastly, it is cheap! Price ranges between RM5 ringgit to RM9 ringgit only.  :)

Kg Adidas sizes ranged from size 36 to 43 in ladies and men versions. There are many brands with different material quality and comes in two design, with shoe lace or without shoe lace. Buy the ones with studs as they provide good grip on muddy trail and steep soft trail. The ones without studs are meant for waterfall trekking. Depending on number of uses, its wear and tear is the studs. They often run out of flower and once that happens you can use it for waterfall trekking or even as your Crocs to walk on wet floors (in Malaysia, it rains throughout the monsoon season from October to December). 

How to purchase the right size? Purchase one size bigger but not too big as it is meant to fit around your feet! If you wear too small, your toes might end up getting blisters. The best test is to wear a pair of thick sockings on it. Or if you don't have any sockings with you, tuck your pointing finger into the gap between your back feet and shoe end - if your finger gets through the gap without difficulty, it means it is too big. Get one size smaller than this shoe. Also try the ones with shoe laces and without shoe laces. Without shoe laces suits those with broad or big feet. With laces also could fit broad feet as well.

Recommended Cap (termed as "brand" in Malay language) for shoes with studs are:-

The best brand: Cap Bowling

The next best brands: Cap Goco, Cap Osaki, Cap Gajah, Cap Ostrich

The worst: Cap Bintang

Cap Osaki

Cap Ostrich

Kg Adidas is available at markets or sundry shops in small towns and villages outside Klang Valley. That includes at Kota Kinabalu, Tambunan, Dabong near KTM station, Sg Lembing, Ulu Yam and Kg Raja Indian shops. They are also available in the small shops in the cities.

Kg adidas shops in Klang Valley:-

1) PJ Old Town: 1st floor, Jalan terus 4/42, above Pasar Besar Othman. Opens in the morning everyday. There is only one shoe shop around. Brands: Osaki, Bowling, Goco.

2) Old Klang Road: Cheong Keng Trading, 3 Jalan Sawi, Taman Goodwood, Jl. Kuchai Lama. 03-79826422, 016-2486486. Opening hours: 10am to 11pm everyday. Brands: Gajah.

3) Kepong: 31, Jalan Burung Tiong, Tmn Bukit Maluri. 03-62763468. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am to 7pm; Weekend 10am to 8pm. (Best you call the shop in advance before closing time.) Brands: Osaki, Goco

4) Serendah: shoe shop behind Police Station. 

• Backpack / rucksack

It is by far the most important thing in hiking.  Invest in a good backpack, also known as rucksack, for protection to your back and comfortable weight lifting for long trekking. Backpack for hiking in Malaysian jungles had to be made of sturdy material so it won't get torn from rotans, thorny plants and bamboos.  A poor quality bag will gives you problem in the jungle; imagine in the middle of jungle suddenly your backpack broke, and all your important and expensive stuff cannot be brought back home by hands.  

I have no preference for brands but among the brands available in Malaysia, Deuter and Karrimor makes good backpack for hiking.  A friend recommended MacPac from New Zealand, however it is very limited in Malaysia. For backpack hike over 2 days and 1 night, a large backpack of 60L - 65L makes ideal bag size for woman. For man, 65L - 70L rucksack fits. 

Why bigger bag? So you can load bigger items that are often lighter!  There are bag size in 55L+10L, meaning 55L bag with 2 side pockets in 10L.  It means you cannot expand the bag anymore. But 55L-65L al bag allows you to expand the size up to 65L and I find that useful as I often have big items to fit in.

To purchase your backpack, you need to try out the backpack to suit your body frame, as they comes in sizes at the padded strap and waist strap. More information on how to pack light in your backpack will be explained in next article.   

• Tents & Sleeping bag + mat

Often we think about good bed and invest more on tents and sleeping bag+ mat. But the real fact is, the best investment is light and waterproof tent, and right sleeping bag to keep you warm.  

Light and waterproof tent. Flysheet is a must to have- the bigger the better, ie 10x11 or 10x12 fits 5 person. A large flysheet protects you and your big backpack in your tent, hammock or cooking and even makes bigger A-frame open tent with groundsheet underneath it. Remember that a big backpack is like another human size. Flysheet can be obtained from Evergreen for under RM100 depending on size as they are locally produced as compared to imported ones that you find at other camping shops at above RM200! Groundsheets, however, can be purchased at any sundry shops as long as they are light. Blue and orange groundsheets from Evergreen is pretty heavy as they are "heavy duty" but last longer.

Right sleeping bag+mat. Mummy shaped sleeping bag suits for thin hiker while rectangular standard sleeping bag suits for large sized hiker. Overland from Tearproof shop has this mummy sleeping bag. For camping in Malaysian jungle with altitude above 1300m, the best sleeping bag warmth level is 12 degrees and below. If you have back problem, be it shoulder, upper back or lower back, invest in light, thin air-mattress. Therma-Rest offers this type of lightweight air-mattress in different sizes and warmth level.  It costs around RM300-400 for Malaysian warm temperature with cold wind while  RM500 range is meant for camping at snow-capped mountains or at winter. A cheaper version would be from Taiwan or China, try searching at Pertama Complex backpack and camping shops at 1st or 2nd floor.  

For those who is on tight budget or able to sleep on the hard ground with minimal cushion, buy the aluminium + blue layer mat from Ace Hardware at only RM5. This type of mat is prone to get wet; however you can buy a water resistant mat in black colour from Indonesia.

• Walking pole/ stick

There are many brands ranging from cheap China made brands to branded ones like brand no.1, Leki. Go for China made walking pole if you are doing dayhike, or irregular hiker as it cost only RM25 on average (if you are in China it is only RM10).  

I used to buy China made walking pole for most of my hardcore trips but often end up spoilt after 2 or 3 times use per trip due to its spring problem. I was told by dealers not to screw and unscrew it tight, but that was not often the case.  In Malaysia, however, there are few branded walking pole. Among the common ones are Komperdell that costs around RM700 for carbon as single pole and also in a pair. Leki pole can be found in Singapore shops. Since I am on budget, I managed to get an aluminium walking pole Mountainsmith for RM99 that comes with lifetime warranty, available at Lafuma in Bangsar. 

Walking pole is a good hiking tool as it balances your legs during trekking if you are carrying heavy backpack.  You do not want to injure your legs if you gets clumsy or exhausted, right? One walking pole is good enough for speed rather than on two walking poles, when you have trees, rocks or roots to hang on. Two walking poles are feasible when there are are no trees for grip, ie the desert.

 

• Bladder or no bladder? 

It depends. 

If you are heavy gulper, best to have bladder handy so you can drink all the time in sips. 

If you are handful during hiking, bladder helps to "feed" you. 

As for me, I like 100 Plus and water is not sufficient to quench my thirst during trekking. So I never carry bladder in my hike trips because I cannot fill it with sugar and salt. Most importantly, your body has sufficient energy, water and minerals. Sodium is lost through your perspiration released from your body; and that is where you need more sodium or minerals. Salt is one of the element in sodium. It depends on individual. The more you sweat and release other forms of liquid (runny nose, urinating), the more water and sodium you need. But the bigger intake of water would cause less water retention in your body.  Now you know why a bladder helps - it gives you sips instead of gulps so you have high water retention in your body.

Hypothermia is a condition when ones felt lethargic, had blur vision and lost balance during hike. It is due to heavy drinking and heavy sweating. There is less water retention in our body as a result of these. It means our body is lacking sodium. Instead of drinking more isotonic drinks, take Oral Rehydrate Salts (ORS) and salty food. Salty food is solid and thus retain sodium in the body longer than liquid base like ORS.   

 

Malaysia

Camping equipments
1) Lafuma (Yellowstone Sdn Bhd)
   16 (Ground Floor), Jalan Telawi Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan.
    Tel: 603-2287 1118

2) Tearproof Sdn Bhd

* 2nd Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Psn Mid Valley, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Tel: 603-2282 1405

 

* 1st Floor, Times Square, Jln Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan,. Tel: 603-2143 4959

3) World of Outdoors
* Lot T225B, 3rd Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City,
   Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur

        Business Hour
        10.00am – 10.00pm

* 5th Floor, Sogo Shopping Complex, Sogo Pernas Building,
   190 Jln Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.

        Business Hour
        10.00am–  9.30pm  (Mon - Thurs, Sun)
        10.00am– 10.00pm (Fri,Sat,Sales period,Eve of Public Holiday)

* Lot 1-36 to 1-39A, e@Curve, Jalan PJU 7/3,
   Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

        Business Hour
        10.00am– 10.00pm

4) Evergreen Adventure Sdn Bhd
    No. 46, Jalan Kilang Midah, Taman Midah Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 603-9173 6000.
5) Backpack shops at Pertama Complex.
    Look for shops at 1st or 2nd floor. There are wide range of designs and you can bargain there.

6) Sports Direct
MST GOLF PLAZANo. 8, Jalan SS13/5, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor. TEL :  + 03-5566 8700

Singapore

At this moment, I can think of a hiking shop in Spore.

1) Campers' Corner

Of Shoes and Mountain feet

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Many have popped questions on suitable shoes to wear when going for a jungle trekking in Malaysia.
For me, it is advisable to have two or three pairs for different terrain:-

1) muddy trails, river crossing, or steep terrain - wear Kg Adidas with rubber studs.

Pros: I like it b'cos they are light, durable (no chance to lose its sole!), easy to wash and waterproof. Even the water enters inside it, Kg Adidas does not smell and stay dry quickly. It is also flexible to bend and squeeze in small spaces, making an easy climb uphill and downhill at steep terrain.

Cons: Some people cannot stand the pain from its thin sole. If your feet beneath 2 pair of stockings in Kg Adidas is comfortable with ground "reflexology", then this shoes is a good investment.

Price: RM4 to RM8.

2) long walk on road, dusty or rocky trail- use boots/ high cut shoes or waterproof shoes.

Waterproof shoes is an extra bonus as you can use it on muddy or puddle (but is a hassle to wash).

Pros: They protect your feet from ankle injuries and keep your feet in good standing from heat, dust, sharp objects, and possible cramps.

Cons: Most boots are heavy. The army boots are heavier (but more durable)! Waterproof shoes give your feet a discomfort if water enters inside it as it could not flow out. During river crossing, hikers often have to make a choice between their precious shoes or their own discomfort. They either remove waterproof shoes and cross into the river; or jump from rocks to rocks on their shoes. The latter, however, is a dangerous method as most rocks are slippery.

Price: RM300-700. You can try Columbia shoes- I heard their shoes sturdy on slippery rocks. Other brands of waterproof shoes mostly are not able to withstand slippery rocks unlike pure rubber Kg Adidas. Army boots are usually available among those serving in army. Timberland shoes mostly designed for 4WD offroad trips, and thus, if you like this brand, look for its hiking hybrid. Lafuma shoes are good too, which is popular among my male friends. I am using Hi Tec, quite ok and is the cheapest waterproof shoes.

3) Offroad shoes (usually non waterporoof) - this is cheaper and lighter alternative for item 2.

Pros: Cheap, dry easily and less heavier than waterproof shoes. Serves good for trail running, Can be worn for any casual occassions.  I like to wear this to Tabur Hill, giving me more comfort than the heavier boots.

Cons: Not suitable on slippery rocks. Does not provide protection like a high cut boots.

Price: New Balance is one of the good brand, you can get it for RM250 - 350.

What type of shoes best worn? Technically, I give my best answer as my opinion based on experience. If you happens to incur injuries based on my suggestion here, it is not my responsibility, as there are other factors not within my scope. Personally speaking, shoes is not everything, you have to get good muscles and bones, and proper training is a must before attempting long, and tough hikes. What is long and tough hikes depend on how much your physical body could take it without any cramps or fatal injuries.

If you notice, the porter and local guides only wear penguin shoes or Kg Adidas shoes. That is cause their regular hikes and gotten their feet used to tough terrain "reflexology". I myself had worn China made studded

Be like native people cause it is the Mountain feet that make all possible. Thick sole shoes serves as additional protection, but in some case, may cause injury as well. The world's best sprinters come from a country where they walk on sandals.

1) Mount Kinabalu

You can use almost any shoes suggested above. The trails are clear and there are no leech or poisonous insects known to attack hikers. However, jogging shoes or non-hiking shoes can easily be torn during wet days, when the trails are muddy and moist. My old jogging shoes' soles came off bit by bit in my hike to Mt Kinabalu, and there was no spare shoes in hand, however I managed to complete the summit hike with the same shoes. Kg Adidas is a good option especially on soft ground trail, but may not be good shoes to wear for Summit trail as our knees could not withstand the hard pressure from the Summit's rocky trail.

2) G. Datuk
Kg adidas causes leg cramp if worn on rocky trails. Advisable to wear thick sole shoes, especially when descending downhill.

3) Mt Rinjani, Mt Agung
Wear high cut boots! Those are dusty area, and requires long walk.

As for the preference of shoes among the brands, you need to try out according to your feet architecture. This is probably will be my next study, as to why some people not okay with Kg Adidas and some no problem with Kg Adidas. And what kind of feet that suits certain brands of shoes, especially among men as they are heavier than women.

p/s: Terrain in western countries and similar is different from tropical jungle in Malaysia, some of their jackets and backpacks are not suitable, same as shoes. Do not buy gore tex items as they will peel off in hot & humid country here.