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<\/a>Going on a trip is usually thought of as a wonderful experience, one that you and your family may have planned and looked forward to for some time.<\/p>\nTo have the most fun \u2013 to get the most out of the experience \u2013 it\u2019s important that you and your loved ones have the means to overcome those little ailments and discomforts that can make the experience range from mildly unpleasant to downright unbearable.<\/p>\n
How can we include a little \u2018Trip Insurance\u2019 to our already overstuffed carry-ons or mini-vans? Aromatherapy has an answer with some readily-available essential oils.<\/p>\n
Motion sickness<\/a>, bug bites, digestive difficulties, and general travel weariness \u2013 to name a few \u2013 are common discomforts experienced when venturing away from home. A small collection of inexpensive essential oils can provide great relief from these amusement-threatening ailments.<\/p>\n \u2018Treatment\u2019 with these oils is simple \u2013 ranging from inhaling a little oil from a tissue, to adding to a bath, to drinking a drop with a warm cup of water. And, thankfully, relief often comes quickly because of the oils\u2019 powerful properties and compatibility with our own bodies.<\/p>\n Peppermint<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Ginger<\/a>\u00a0Essential Oils \u2013 Tummy Troubles and Clearing the Head We\u2019ll begin with \u2018getting there\u2019 \u2013 any trip starts with traveling. By car, boat, plane, or otherwise, motion sickness commonly effects many people, particularly children. This can easily make the \u2018traveling\u2019 portion of your experience absolutely no fun. Enter Peppermint essential oil.<\/p>\n Peppermint has long been used to calm uneasy stomachs, and is easily used. One drop (it is strong!) in a cup of warm water, sweetened if you like, can be sipped before and during the voyage. For the fussy ones, a drop can be added to a small amount of honey and taken from a spoon for the same effect.<\/p>\n Ginger essential oil is also known for it\u2019s calming of upset stomachs \u2013 a little inhaled from a tissue or diluted in a\u00a0carrier oil<\/a>\u00a0and rubbed on the abdomen can bring relief. One can also add a drop of ginger to warm water and drink as a strong tea \u2013 this may be effective for some food-related stomach issues as well, particularly when combined with the abdomen massage method.<\/p>\n Peppermint can also be uplifting to the weary driver or passenger \u2013 a drop or two placed on tissues in the car or near your seat will release the aroma into your surroundings. Be careful with this oil however, as getting it on sensitive areas of the skin (directly under the nose, and certainly near the eyes) can cause irritation. Tissues with the oil on it should not touch these areas directly.<\/p>\n Lavender<\/a>\u00a0Oil \u2013 the Great Soother<\/strong><\/p>\n Lavender has been called \u2018a medicine chest in a bottle\u2019 due to its wide range of effects. The aroma of Lavender is uplifting and relaxing, useful for stress in congested airports or crowded highways. Breathing this very safe essential oil is effective for adults and children alike \u2013 inhaling drops from a tissue directly, or from one\u2019s placed in your surroundings can help you and your companions be at ease.<\/p>\n Plus\u00a0Thyme<\/a>,\u00a0Tea Tree<\/a>\u00a0and Eucalyptus \u2013 Cleansing and Keeping Bugs and Bites at Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n Lavender essential oil is also an effective wound-healer because of it\u2019s anti-inflammatory, mild antibacterial, and skin-regenerative actions. It can be used directly in case of burns, mixed 50:50 with Tea Tree and put on band aids to prevent infection, or blended with Thyme Linalol and Eucalyptus (2:4:2) and added to a bowl of water for an effective disinfectant wash. Lavender is very useful for treating bites and stings \u2013 just place a little \u2018neat\u2019 (undiluted) on the affected area.<\/p>\n This versatile oil is also a component of an\u00a0insect repellent<\/a>\u00a0blend comprised of equal parts of Lavender, Thyme Linalol, and Peppermint, and a double-dose of\u00a0Lemongrass<\/a>\u00a0essential oil. A drop or more placed on tissue or cloth about your room can keep the insects out of your space; 3 drops of this blend per teaspoon of carrier oil can be regularly applied to the skin \u2013 or you may mix a similar amount into any lotion you may have.<\/p>\n Lavender can be used in combination with Geranium, Chamomile, Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils in relieving the effects of jet-lag. Getting out of this weary state as quickly as possible makes any trip more enjoyable. This requires getting yourself and companions in-synch with local time, having good rest at night and perhaps a gentle lift in the mornings and throughout the day.<\/p>\n To get yourself into the swing of local time, relax and be ready for bed with equal parts of Lavender and Geranium essential oils \u2013 Chamomile may also be used in place of the Geranium, and works especially well for soothing children (if they are\u00a0irritable<\/a>\u00a0for ANY reason).<\/p>\n Add a few drops to a bath or use in a massage oil. For a morning eye-opener, do the same using equal amounts of Peppermint and Eucalyptus. You will find these useful at other times when you need a little\u00a0clarity<\/a>\u00a0and lightening-up.<\/p>\n