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Ginger essential oil is also
known for it's calming of upset stomachs - a little inhaled from
a tissue or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the abdomen
can bring relief. One can also add a drop of ginger to warm
water and drink as a strong tea - this may be effective for some
food-related stomach issues as well, particularly when combined
with the abdomen massage method.
Peppermint can also be uplifting
to the weary driver or passenger - 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.
Lavender Oil - the Great
Soother
Lavender has been called 'a
medicine chest in a bottle' 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 - inhaling drops from a tissue directly, or from one's
placed in your surroundings can help you and your companions be
at ease.
Plus Thyme,
Tea Tree and
Eucalyptus - Cleansing and Keeping Bugs and Bites at Bay
Lavender essential oil is also an
effective wound-healer because of it's 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 - just place a little 'neat'
(undiluted) on the affected area. This versatile oil is also a
component of an insect repellent blend comprised of equal parts
of Lavender, Thyme Linalol, and Peppermint, and a double-dose of
Lemongrass essential 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 - or you may mix a similar amount into any
lotion you may have.
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.
To get yourself into the swing of
local time, relax and be ready for bed with equal parts of
Lavender and Geranium essential oils - Chamomile may also be
used in place of the Geranium, and works especially well for
soothing children (if they are irritable for ANY reason). 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 clarity and lightening-up.
Lemon Oil - the Purifier
Lemon also has some wonderfully
diverse uses. It is effective as an antibacterial, but not so
strong as to be an irritant. Adding several drops per quart to
your drinking water will help purify it, and the water can act
as a disinfectant to be used in washing your fruits and
vegetables – the need for this certainly depends on your
location, but it not a bad idea whenever bacterial contamination
may be a possibility. Further, regularly drinking water with
added lemon oil can gently stimulate the lymphatic and digestive
systems, helping alleviate that sluggish feeling that often
accompanies extended plane and car travel.
Eucalyptus Oil - For Keeping
Cool and Cold Relief
Eucalyptus - the Narrow Leaf
variety is a favorite - has a great range of uses as well. It
can cool the body when too hot, and protect it when too cold. It
is found in almost all formulas used to relieve congestion, can
support circulation, and bring lightness to a travel-weary head.
Eucalyptus oil can be used like
peppermint to uplift and invigorate during long intervals in an
automobile. It can be added to a cool bath or used on a cold
compress in cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
(accompanied by, of course, copious amounts of water and
electrolytes!), and used in a similar manner to reduce fever.
Eucalyptus oil may be blended
with Geranium as a massage oil (3 drops Eucalyptus and 2 drops
Geranium per teaspoon of carrier oil) to relieve heat cramps.
For congestion relief, to a drawn bath, add 1 drop Eucalyptus, 3
drops Lemon, 2 drops Thyme, and 2 drops Tea Tree - soak and
breathe deeply - or simply add a few drops to a steaming bowl of
water and inhale.
These are just a few examples of
ways to make your travel experiences more enjoyable with
aromatherapy. With a little effort, you can expand your
knowledge of these oils, discovering further uses, and find
other oils that work well for your particular needs.
These essential oils are readily
available, and fairly inexpensive - though caution should be
used when buying oils, as some can be adulterated, and others
are mass-produced with techniques that may limit their
therapeutic benefits. The more pleasant and 'well rounded' an
oil's aroma, generally the higher the quality. Your nose will
know! And as with any aromatherapy application, start slowly -
essential oils deserve a healthy respect.
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