Essential Oils For Your Journey
Embarking on a journey is often anticipated as a delightful adventure, especially when it has been meticulously planned by you and your family. To ensure maximum enjoyment and make the most of the experience, it's crucial that you and your loved ones are equipped to tackle the minor inconveniences that could turn the trip from mildly uncomfortable to completely unbearable. How can we integrate a touch of 'travel insurance' into our already-packed luggage? Aromatherapy provides a solution through the use of easily accessible essential oils.
Motion sickness, insect bites, digestive issues, and the overall fatigue associated with travel are frequent sources of discomfort when away from home. A modest selection of cost-effective essential oils can offer significant relief from these potentially joy-diminishing afflictions. Applying these oils is straightforward, whether through inhalation from a tissue, adding them to a bath, or incorporating a drop into a warm cup of water. Fortunately, relief tends to be swift due to the potent properties of the oils and their harmonious compatibility with our bodies.
Let's start with the journey itself, as every trip commences with travel. Whether by car, boat, plane, or other means, motion sickness is a common issue that often afflicts many individuals, especially children. This can quickly turn the travel phase of your experience into a less enjoyable one. Here comes peppermint essential oil to the rescue.
Peppermint has been a traditional remedy for soothing upset stomachs, and its application is straightforward. Just a single drop (bearing in mind its potency!) in a cup of warm water, sweetened to your preference, can be sipped before and during your journey. For those who are particular, a drop can be mixed with a small amount of honey and ingested from a spoon to achieve the same calming effect.
The soothing properties of ginger essential oil are renowned for alleviating upset stomachs. Inhaling a small amount from a tissue or diluting it in a carrier oil and applying it to the abdomen can provide relief. Another option is to add a drop of ginger to warm water and consume it as a potent tea, which may prove effective for certain food-related stomach issues, especially when coupled with the abdominal massage technique.
Peppermint can also provide a refreshing boost for tired drivers or passengers. Placing a drop or two on tissues in the car or near your seat will diffuse the aroma into the surroundings. However, exercise caution with this oil, as contact with sensitive skin areas (especially directly under the nose and near the eyes) can lead to irritation. It's advisable to avoid direct contact between tissues infused with the oil and these sensitive areas.
Lavender is often referred to as a "medicine chest in a bottle" because of its diverse range of effects. The uplifting and relaxing aroma of lavender proves beneficial for combating stress in bustling airports or congested highways. Inhaling this entirely safe essential oil is effective for both adults and children. Whether you inhale drops directly from a tissue or allow them to disperse in your surroundings, lavender can contribute to a sense of ease for you and your companions.
The wound-healing properties of lavender essential oil stem from its anti-inflammatory, mild antibacterial, and skin-regenerative characteristics. It can be directly applied to burns, mixed in a 50:50 ratio with tea tree oil and applied to bandages to prevent infection, or combined with thyme linalol and eucalyptus in a 2:4:2 ratio and added to a bowl of water for an effective disinfectant wash.
Lavender proves highly effective in treating bites and stings; simply apply a small amount undiluted to the affected area. This versatile oil also features in an insect repellent blend, consisting of equal parts lavender, thyme linalol, and peppermint, along with a double dose of lemongrass essential oil. Placing a drop or more on tissue or cloth around your room can help keep insects at bay. For skin application, mix 3 drops of this blend with a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply regularly, or incorporate a similar amount into your preferred lotion.
Lavender, when combined with geranium, chamomile, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils, can be beneficial in alleviating the effects of jet lag. Swiftly overcoming this fatigue enhances the overall enjoyment of any trip. Achieving synchronization with the local time, ensuring restful nights, and incorporating a gentle lift in the mornings and throughout the day are essential steps in combating jet lag for yourself and your companions.
To acclimate to the local time, prepare for bedtime by using a blend of equal parts lavender and geranium essential oils. Alternatively, chamomile can replace geranium and is particularly effective for soothing children, especially if they are irritable for any reason. Incorporate a few drops of this blend into a bath or use it in a massage oil. For a revitalizing start to the morning, follow the same routine with equal amounts of peppermint and eucalyptus. These blends prove useful at other times when you seek mental clarity and a mood lift.
Lemon boasts a variety of versatile applications. It serves as an effective yet non-irritating antibacterial agent. Adding several drops per quart to your drinking water not only purifies it but also turns the water into a disinfectant suitable for washing fruits and vegetables. While the necessity for this measure depends on your location, it's a prudent idea whenever bacterial contamination is a potential concern. Additionally, regularly consuming water with added lemon oil can gently stimulate the lymphatic and digestive systems, providing relief from the sluggish feeling often associated with extended plane and car travel.
The narrow leaf variety of Eucalyptus is a preferred choice with a wide array of uses. It has the ability to cool the body when it's overheated and offer protection when it's too cold. Eucalyptus is a common ingredient in formulas designed to alleviate congestion, promote circulation, and bring a sense of refreshment to a weary head during travel.
Similar to peppermint, eucalyptus oil can be utilized to uplift and invigorate during extended periods in a car. It can be incorporated into a cool bath or applied with a cold compress in instances of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (alongside ample water and electrolytes). Furthermore, it can be employed in a similar fashion to help reduce fever.
Create a massage oil by blending eucalyptus oil with geranium (using 3 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops of geranium per teaspoon of carrier oil) to alleviate heat cramps. For relief from congestion, enhance a drawn bath with 1 drop of eucalyptus, 3 drops of lemon, 2 drops of thyme, and 2 drops of tea tree. Enjoy a soothing soak while breathing deeply, or add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water for an inhalation session.
These examples provide a glimpse into how aromatherapy can enhance your travel experiences. By investing some effort, you can broaden your understanding of these oils, uncover additional applications, and identify other oils that align well with your specific requirements.
These essential oils are easily accessible and reasonably priced. However, when purchasing oils, caution is advised as some may be adulterated, while others are mass-produced in ways that could compromise their therapeutic benefits. Typically, higher-quality oils have a more pleasant and well-rounded aroma. Trust your sense of smell! As with any aromatherapy practice, begin slowly, as essential oils deserve a thoughtful and respectful approach.
