5 Must-Have Essential Oils When You’re Away From Home.

I, myself, am an oxymoron—I love to travel to new places but I am also a total homebody. Whenever I leave home to go on a big trip, I am a bundle of excitement, anxiety, and nerves. Travel requires being able to go-with-the-flow, to expect the unexpected. At home, I am a planner who thrives on routine. My self-care rituals, my  home-cooked meals, and my very comfortable bed are the tools I use to replenish myself. How will I cope without them in a strange land?

Fortunately, I have discovered that my pocket-sized travel kit of essential oils is exactly what I need to keep myself happy and healthy on my travels. Not only does a simple whiff conjure up familiar feelings of home, but their incredible healing properties have rescued me from anxiety, homesickness, illness, and even jet-lag. I never go on a trip without them. Here’s my five must-have oils when I’m away from home:

Lavender

If you’re just dipping your toe into the essential oil pool, lavender is a good place to start. It is a universal oil that balances the body and works wherever it is needed. I love it for its healing emotional properties; one sniff and I can feel my anxiety begin to dissipate. It is also my go-to oil around bedtime. I always place a single drop of lavender on my hotel pillow before I fall asleep; not only does it mask the unfamiliar smell of hotel linens, but its sweet fragrance gently lulls me to sleep. Although it can be used neat (with no dilution), I prefer to combine it with a carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil or olive oil) before I rub it on my feet at night—it immediately calms my nervous system and helps me sleep comfortably in a foreign land.

Peppermint

Peppermint is an indispensable member of my traveling kit—I honestly would never leave home without it. I have a pitta-kapha constitution, and the pitta means I’m prone to digestive issues and nausea, especially after eating unfamiliar foods. In these cases of indigestion, peppermint is my best friend. It is safe enough to be applied neat; I rub directly on my tummy when suffering from an upset stomach and dot on my temples when I have a headache. Peppermint usually works its magic in minutes.  I also apply it to my neck to cool down on hot days and even take it orally to freshen my breath. Like I said, it’s my best friend—so many uses in one tiny package!

Orange

If I don’t leave home without peppermint, then the same goes for orange—they are a match made in heaven. Orange is the perfect companion to peppermint and I frequently pair the two oils to create an uplifting, jetlag-banishing, powerhouse blend. If I’m trying to stay awake after a long flight, I combine a drop of orange and a drop of peppermint in my hands, rub my palms together, and inhale. Instantly, I am more alert and ready-to-go. Not only is orange excellent for reviving spirits, but it also alleviates feelings of nervousness and fear, making it perfect for those who suffer from pre-flight jitters. (Yes, I’m a nervous flier too.) Similar to peppermint, it can be applied neat and taken orally. A word of caution: when applied directly to your skin, avoid sunlight for 12 hours, as orange will have a negative reaction when exposed to UV rays.

Oregano

Honestly, my life changed when I discovered the powerful and potent magic of oregano oil. Oregano is nature’s antibiotic— it is antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and antiviral. Even one drop of oregano oil will strengthens the immune system and works to fight against cold or flu. When traveling with friends in Spain, a horrible flu ravaged our small group. At the first sight of illness, my husband and I were consuming oregano oil every couple of hours. While the rest of the group was sick for days, we both suffered for one night and were much less ill than our companions. Even my skeptical husband credited our quick-turnaround to oregano. However, oregano is so strong that it should not be taken without dilution. When used topically, make sure to dilute 1:3 (1 drop essential oil to at least 3 drops carrier oil) and 1:1 with olive oil for oral consumption.

Frankincense

Oh, frankincense, how I love thee! I once had a teacher tell me to just use frankincense when didn’t know what oil to use, as it has so many healing properties it would probably be beneficial. I have found this to be true—it works on everything. When I travel, frankincense subdues my nerves and alleviates any unwanted feelings of distress or homesickness. Its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful when massaged onto sore muscles and aching feet after a long day of walking. I love rubbing it on my chest after a long, stuffy airplane ride, as it clears up congestion and soothes the the airways. Frankincense is safe enough to apply neat, but it is so highly prized (and pricey) that I usually dilute it so that it will last in my travel kit for a long, long time.

I’m so grateful to have discovered this world of natural healing. These 5 essential oils have become as vital to my travel kit as my toothbrush! What’s your favorite essential oil when you’re away from home?

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