Natural Living

Essential oils: Natural travel companions for your health

Ever wondered how different essential oils can help alleviate common symptoms and ailments while you travel? FHT is here to help

Whether you’re going on a staycation or hoping to travel abroad this summer, FHT vice president and aromatherapist Mary Dalgleish looks at how different essential oils can help you to stay well, naturally, while you’re away.

Healing essential oils for travel

For travel sickness and tummy troubles…

I was born and raised in Ireland, so regularly travel back and forth by car ferry to visit friends and family. I always wear my trusty Sea-Bands. These apply pressure to an acupressure point on both wrists, known as the ‘Nei-Kuan’. Ginger essential oil is also one of my first go-to oils for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. Simply add one or two drops to a cotton ball or handkerchief and inhale regularly.

For the anxious traveller…

Sometimes referred to as the ‘rescue remedy’ of aromatherapy, neroli is one of the best essential oils for anxiety. One or two drops on a tissue can linger for hours and bring about a sense of calm when inhaled deeply. There are many other essential oils that can help to relieve anxiety too, thanks to their sedative properties. These include bergamot, chamomile, lavender, marjoram, jasmine, patchouli, verbena, clary sage and benzoin.

For repelling little beasties…

Mosquitoes are often a problem on holiday. Not only can they ruin a lovely evening in the outdoors, but in certain countries, they can carry some nasty diseases.

A good insect repellent could be lavender essential oil in a cream or base oil. Mix this with eucalyptus, if you like. I make a blend containing 35 drops of lavender with 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in 100ml fractionated coconut or rice bran oil.

If you’re using a burner or vapouriser, lemongrass, clove bud or citronella are all effective.

For soothing mild sunburn…

Even with the best of intentions, most of us have been caught out by the sun at least once. Severe sunburn requires medical attention. So it’s best to visit a doctor if your skin is blistered or swollen, you have a high temperature or you feel sick and dizzy. However, mild cases can often be soothed by hydrosols.

Also referred to as hydrolats, hydrosols are the waters that remain after an essential oil has been extracted from a plant by steam distillation. For that reason, they have a delicate nature and a light aroma. They’re also ideal for situations that require gentle care, with chamomile and lavender being particularly effective for soothing mild sunburn. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols do not require dilution and can be applied directly to the skin.

And finally, for jet lag…

Jet lag can happen either end of a holiday and can take a huge toll on your mood, energy levels and quality of sleep. Lavender essential oil is an excellent choice for relaxation, helping to reduce anxiety as well as promote a sense of peace and calm. Meanwhile, cedarwood’s tranquilising properties can help to reduce feelings of restlessness and unease. Apply one or two drops to a tissue, handkerchief or the top corner of your pillow and inhale deeply.

If you need a little pick me up, citrus oils such as grapefruit or bergamot can help you feel uplifted and refreshed, particularly after a long flight. Again, just add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale.

If in doubt, always consult a qualified, professional aromatherapist. Find one near you by visiting the FHT Directory.

Some important safety notes

There are various essential oil benefits. But keep in mind that they are very powerful and need to be treated with respect. If used inappropriately, they can harm your health. Below are just a few safety pointers to bear in mind:

Only buy essential oils from reputable suppliers.

Never ingest (swallow) essential oils or apply them to the skin neat (undiluted).

Never use essential oils in place of medical care.

If you have sensitive skin, always patch test a small amount of any blend or product containing essential oils before use.

Various cautions apply for babies, children, the elderly and pregnant women. You should also take caution prior to sun exposure, when taking certain medications, and for some medical conditions. If in doubt, consult a professional aromatherapist. You can find a registered, qualified and insured aromatherapist in your area at fht.org.uk