We’ve all heard time and time again how good aromatherapy is for our overall wellbeing, but did you know that it can aid with specific problems? I’m a great fan of essential oils, and you’ll probably become one too, once you learn how they take care of your mind and body.
As a regular business traveller, I get on a lot of long-haul flights (over 10 hours@) and take many road trips. Essential oils are the first thing I pack on every trip. In fact, there are five essential oils I just can’t travel without. They’ve helped me many times with different travel inconveniences, and I’m sure they’ll have your back too.
How to Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants and highly concentrated. So, always make sure you don’t use them directly on your skin. I will explain below how you can use each recommended essential oil.
Before starting using an essential oil, always do an allergy test. Just apply one drop of the essential oil in the crook of your elbow and wait for 48 hours. If your skin doesn’t show any signs of irritation (redness or itchiness), you can use the essential oil.
The Best Essential Oils for Travel
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, here are five essential oils I highly recommend packing for any of your trips. Oh, and of course, you can keep using them once you are back home.
Lemon essential oil
Known to strengthen the immune system, use it when you’re feeling a little bit tired or in anticipation for fatigue. Just pour one drop of lemon essential oil on a slice of bread and munch away. Do this once a day for three or four days.
Besides delivering a burst of energy, lemon essential oil is also very useful when dealing with nausea, so goodbye motion sickness! Through multiple deep breaths, smell the essential oil directly from an open bottle. It works wonder in a jiffy!
Lavender essential oil
One of the most versatile essential oils, you can use it when you have light skin burns as it has regenerative properties. It’s also very effective on pimples and skin imperfections. All you need to do is mix one drop with one tablespoon of a non-comedogenic oil (argan or jojoba oil for example) and apply it to the skin area you want to treat.
Lavender essential oil can also be used when dealing with insomnia or stress. Just pour a few drops on a cotton pad and keep it next to you so you can catch whiffs of it. The soothing properties of this essential oil will help you calm down and find peace.
Besides these, there are a host of other natural essential oils that offer a host of benefits for your skin, body, and general wellbeing. I personally have at least 15 bottles at home at any one time and enjoy experimenting with them.
Ravensara essential oil
This essential oil is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral. You can use it to fight off colds or flus naturally. The smell is a little bit strong, and you’ll either like it or hate it, but it’s effective and definitely worth a try. Like lemon essential oil, pour a drop on a slice of bread, and eat it once a day for a few days.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil has a strong aroma, making it very refreshing. If you’re having a migraine, mix one drop of oil with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage it slowly into your temples. Just pay attention not to touch your eyes, as this essential oil is strong and can make them tear.
Also, if you’re having indigestion, peppermint oil may help. Try pouring one drop of peppermint essential oil on a small piece of bread and eat it. It’ll boost your digestive system and you’ll feel so much better soon after.
Tarragon essential oil
This is a woman’s best friend, especially the ones who experience cramps during their period. Just mix two drops of this essential oil with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage it slowly into your lower abdomen. It will quickly deliver a warming effect, relaxing your muscles, and significantly reducing cramps. Doing it two nights before your period begins can even help you not experience cramps at all.
