Two years ago, we vacationed in a distant city. I packed light, because it was summertime. But I didn’t forget to include four or my favorite essential oils. You never know what will happen when you’re on the road.
In my humble opinion, these are the essential oils I couldn’t live without, or bear the thought of leaving home.
Essential Oils to Travel
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Although it wouldn’t be practical to bring every oil I owned, I did include the four oils that I thought I would use the most. They are lavender, peppermint, orange and frankincense mixed with jojoba oil.
In a minute, I’ll explain why these four oils seem particularly well suited to travel.
Flying with health and beauty products in a carry-on bag can get tricky. Once I had to discard some shampoo, along with an expensive herbal supplement, because I made the mistake of putting them in my carry-on luggage. So, not wanting to take any chances with the oils, I packed them with my checked bags, wrapped in several layers of clothing. I decided to leave my homeopathic remedies at home. That’s because I didn’t want them going through an x-ray machine.
Peppermint Oil for Nerve Pain
On this trip, peppermint oil was my “go-to” remedy for pain relief. This aromatic has a multitude of uses, especially when it comes to fighting mild headaches and muscle aches. It can also soothe an upset stomach, as it has a special affinity for helping with digestion. Fortunately, no one in my family needed it for this reason.
On our last trip, we did a lot of walking. Sometimes we’d walk for hours. This is much more walking than I usually do. Occasionally, I developed muscle spasms. A tiny bit of peppermint oil over the sore spot would help. I don’t think I could have walked nearly so much without this oil.
Peppermint Oil for Pain Relief
Fortunately, no one developed a headache during the trip. But, if someone had, the peppermint oil applied to the forehead and temples would likely dull the pain. However, if you apply any essential oil to your skin, make sure to first cut it with a neutral carrier oil. Peppermint oil in particular is very strong and could irritate your skin.
If you ever happen to pick up a stomach bug while traveling, some aromatherapists will recommend applying peppermint oil, diluted in a carrier oil, directly on your abdomen. Inhaling the refreshing scent of peppermint may also help alleviate nausea.
Shown below is one of my favorite essential oils brands. Plant Therapy oils are 100 percent pure. Personally, I would personally stack them up against any other labels on the market. I know they are double-tested before they hit the shelves. One test is done by an outside lab. This company has an excellent reputation. I considered it one of the best alternatives to the MLM oils, if you don’t prefer to shop that way.
Plant Therapy Peppermint Essential Oil
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Best Essential Oils for Traveling
I also made sure to pack some pure lavender oil.
Lavender oil is also good for helping you relax drift off to sleep, especially if you have difficulty adjusting to time changes. You can apply a few drops on a cloth, and place it near your pillow. Breathing in the clean smell of freshly picked lavender will help your muscles relax.
This oil is also one that is often recommended for closed wounds, because it has antiseptic properties. Just make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil.
On our last trip, we spent a lot of time outside, in the sun. Even though I have olive skin, it was too long for me. I developed a little redness on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose. I noticed this while looking in a mirror. However, after applying some lavender oil, the redness resolved, and my face no longer felt taught or burned.
Plant Therapy Organic Lavender Oil
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Frankincense Oil Benefits Skin
I’ve gotten rid of all my commercial, chemical-based facial moisturizers. That’s because I’ve discovered something that works a lot better. Frankincense is a natural wrinkle fighter, something well known to ancient women. (It’s been said the Cleopatra also used this on her skin.)
This aromatic resin from the bosellia tree makes an excellent moisturizer when coupled with jojoba oil, from a plant that grows in the American southwest. The combination of frankincense and jojoba seems to even out my skin tone.
Here is the brand I packed on my last trip. This is made by Aura Cacia, another company that I trust to sell high-quality totally pure oils. The fact that it’s already mixed with jojoba oil makes it perfect for travel. You don’t have to worry about finding an additional carrier oil to mix it with. Jojoba seems to work really well on skin. It has a chemical composition similar to human sebum.
Aura Cacia Frankincense With Jojoba Oil
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Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Sleep
I’ll admit that I didn’t use the orange essential oil that I brought on my last trip. But it would make a good travel oil. Here’s why. Orange oil also functions as a natural sedative, similar to lavender. I’ve found that when sleep is hard to come by, it’s helpful to rotate your oils if a particular one seems to lose its effectiveness. So, if my lavender stopped working, I’d have a backup.
Orange oil also has a clean fresh scent. It also contains natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Diluted with water, it makes a great disinfectant. Some of us who travel like to wipe down certain areas in hotel rooms, such as doorknobs, toilet seats, night tables and television remotes. Using diluted orange oil for these jobs eliminates the need to use harsher chemicals.
Plant Therapy Organic Orange Oil
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Carrot Seed Essential Oil for Sunscreen
On my last trip, I also packed carrot seed essential oil that I had premixed with grapeseed oil. I used this as an all natural sunscreen. Although I can’t promise it will work for you, it did work really well for me. I have an olive complexion, and I don’t burn easily. I also wore a visor when I was in direct sun.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
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