The QueenEssential oils are key to traveling in comfort.
I travel for work a lot and have found that packing a combination of four essential oils will take care of most of my needs when I’m away from home.
I like to bring small bottles of each of these, to have on hand in case I find myself in need.
Lavender
Stress: Lavender is great for relaxation. Rub it on your temples when you’re stressed. Use it during meditation to help ease you into calm.
Menstrual cramps: Soak in a hot lavender oil bath or add it to a hot compress for your belly, or just rub it directly into your skin.
Styes: Rub in a large circle around the outside of the eye (BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET IT IN THE EYE – SO PAINFUL). I rub it along my eyebrows and then under the eye the same distance away, to be safe. Or, you can add the oil to a warm compress to apply to a closed eye.
Sleep: One of the most important things you can do for your body, sleeping in any bed other than your own can be a challenge. Lavender is great to help calm you as you fall asleep. I like to dab it on my pillow before bed. Or diffuse it into the hotel room in a travel diffuser.
Eucalyptus
Sinus pressure: For my fellow children of the 80s/90s, eucalpytus is the essential oil used in VapoRub. It’s great to clear the sinuses. Sniff it directly from the bottle while you’re on the plane or dab it into your mask if you’re wearing one. You can also diffuse into the hotel room or rub directly onto your chest. You’ll get the same VapoRub benefits, without the icky gooey stuff.
Immunity: Eucalyptus has antimicrobial properties, so I always diffuse it into my hotel room, even if I don’t have any sinus concerns. It’s a good precaution against any lingering germs in the room. And I love the smell.
Peppermint
Digestive distress: I always have digestive concerns when I travel. ALWAYS. Rubbing peppermint directly on the belly relieves any discomfort related to those concerns.
Energy: Peppermint is also good for boosting focus and energy, so I like to rub it on my wrists throughout the day if I’m in the office.
Thieves
The story of Thieves is legendary among the natural healing community. It is said that during a European plague outbreak somewhere between the 14th and 18th centuries, a group of thieves were looting the dead bodies of the many plague victims. Anyone that came into contact with anyone – alive or dead – consumed with plague was likely to contract it themselves. So the fact that these grave robbers were immune was puzzling. When they were finally caught, they brokered a deal to share their secret with the nobles in return for lenient punishment. What they revealed is the recipe for an oil blend they covered themselves in daily before setting out to rob graves.
The Thieves blend is considered a safe and gentle immune booster in times of distress. It is rubbed into the soles of the feet because the pores in this area are particularly absorbent and allow the oil to enter the blood stream quickly. Anytime anyone in my family is sick, they get a Thieves foot rub. It’s tradition. When you are traveling and out of your normal rhythms, your immune system can always use a boost.
If you don’t want to use Young Living for your essential oils (which I totally get, they are pricey!), here’s a recipe for a homemade version of Thieves.
Bonus Oil: Ylang-Ylang
Anyone with high blood pressure should keep Ylang-Ylang at their side. Rub it behind the ears or into the wrists or soles of the feet. Ylang-Ylang is one of the oldest known antidepressants. It is said to drive away anxiety, sadness or stress and to alleviate hypertension. I used to travel with this because of my high blood pressure. But, of late, I’ve alleviated my hypertension so I don’t take this one with me anymore. If I’m having a stressful day, lavender oil or eucalyptus can also serve to calm me. And I like to travel light. I do, however, still keep this at my bedside at home. (Side note: It’s also an aphrodisiac.)