How to Make a Natural Travel Kit with Essential Oils

Aromatherapy can be a very helpful companion when embarking upon a long journey, or even just a short trip, and may even effectively replace some other traditional medicines for those that are looking for a natural alternative. While traveling may be a part of our work and our play, for those that suffer from travel-troubles it can be a nightmare. If you suffer from travel sickness, headaches or migraines, queasiness, fear of flying, jet lag, insect bites and sun burns, here you will find essential oil remedies to help with those maladies. I've also included a recipe for a massage blend to keep deep vein thrombosis at bay, as well.

Important Notes for Using Essential Oils; Dilutions and Usage of Essential Oils:
Always dilute essential oils, as they are very potent and too concentrated to use undiluted on the skin. To use essential oils in a massage, use the following dilutions:
For most people ages 12-65 add no more than 20 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oils. For those aged 4-6 or those over age 65, do not use more than 10 drops per ounce of carrier, and those aged 1-4, no more than 5 drops per ounce of carrier. For pregnant women or babies, only minute quantities of essential oils should be used. For instance, only 1-4 drops of essential oils should be used per ounce of carrier. And remember that only Tea Tree, Lavender, Roman Chamomile 3%, Dill, and Mandarin (be careful of phototoxicity with citrus oils), as well as Eucalyptus Smithii (the mildest of all the Eucalyptus') are safe for children and the elderly, and are the only essential oils that should be used on pregnant women, or children under 4 years old.

Here's how to make your own natural travel kit with essential oils:
First, gather ingredients. Here's a list of essential oils and items you'll need;
Peppermint essential oil (peppermint supreme is best),
Lavender (French Lavender is best),
Ginger Root essential oil,
Eucalyptus Globulus (or Eucalyptus Smithii if using on children) essential oil,
Geranium essential oil,
Cypress essential oil (French Cypress is best),
Chamomile (Roman Chamomile 3% is best as it is less expensive than pure and is already diluted),
Grapeseed oil (or other carrier oil such as sweet almond, fractionated coconut, olive, sunflower, or mixture of carrier oils),
Aloe Vera liquid or gel (for insect bite relief roll-on)
Aromatherapy Inhalers (empty inhalers you can fill yourself),
3.4 oz. (100ml) spray bottle (for sunburn relief spray), and
3.4 oz. (100ml) plastic disc top bottle (for massage blend).
Small roll-on bottle for insect bite relief blend. I found a package of 12 roll-on bottles in 5ml size on amazon here.
The blank aromatherapy inhalers can be found on the net, I found some at Amazon.com, see them here .
Both types of empty bottles (spray bottles and massage blend bottles) can be purchased at Walmart or Dollar Tree, and Mountain Rose Herbs is a great place for essential oils and carriers . An easy way to label the aromatherapy inhalers is to write the title on a small piece of paper (about 1/2 in. by 1.5 in. will fit most inhalers), and cover the label with clear tape to prevent water ruining the label. Then attach the label to the inhaler with more clear tape. I use clear shipping tape, as it is wide enough to cover the label and reach over the edges, so it sticks to the label and the inhaler. Same goes for the massage bottle label, except for the size of the paper.

Recipes for Natural Travel Kit:

Sunburn relief spray - For the 3.4 oz (100ml) bottle
1 oz Aloe Vera Gel
2 oz purified water
20 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Vitamin E Oil (or 2-3 Vit. E oil caplets)
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
15 drops Roman Chamomile 3% essential oil
Mix, and shake well before each use. Spray over affected area whenever needed.
Here are a few extra tips to help heal sunburn quickly: Drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun until the sunburn completely heals, and avoid drinking any alcohol--because alcohol dehydrates you and your body needs water to repair the damaged skin. Also, wear loose natural clothing like light cottons, or silks.

Insect bites relief- For the 5ml roll-on bottle
25 drops of Lavender essential oil
20 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
50 drops of Aloe Vera liquid (or thinned-out aloe gel)
Add ingredients to roll-on bottle, shake well. Replace roller ball and cap. Roll directly on the bite to relieve itching as well as promote healing.

Jet lag aromatherapy inhaler
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
2 drops Geranium or Rose Geranium essential oil
Open the inhaler; add the drops of essential oils on the cotton filter. Place the cotton filter in the inhaler tube and close the bottom. Be sure to mark the inhaler so you know what's inside. Inhale gently whenever needed. Here are a few extra tips for naturally preventing jet lag: Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, no alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. Try ordering a ginger ale or a water when you are flying. Also, for some, taking two capsules of ginger before flying really helps. Also make sure to keep moving, it isn't helpful to stay stagnant the whole trip. If you can't walk around, just do some simple exercises while sitting. Try some leg raises, palm contractions, or roll your ankles and feet in circles with your legs stretched out as far as they can. Also be sure to eat healthy meals on time, don't skip any meals.

Aromatherapy inhaler and massage oil recipe for migraines, stress headache, nausea and depression
2 drops Roman Chamomile
4 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
Make an aromatherapy inhaler by opening the empty inhaler, adding the drops to the filter, replacing filter, and closing the inhaler tube. You can take this with you on any trip because of its small size. Be sure to mark the inhaler so you know what's inside. You can also make a massage oil by adding these oils to a carrier. To make this into a massage oil in the 3.4 oz (100ml) bottle, use 30 drops Lavender, 15 drops R.Chamomile, and 15 drops Peppermint essential oils to 3 oz. of carrier like Grapeseed oil. Shake well, and be sure to add a label to the bottle or inhaler, so you always know what's inside. To use the massage oil, shake well, and massage about 1 tsp. of the blend into the mastoids behind the ear, as well as the temples (being careful not to get any in the eyes). You may also massage over the abdominal/naval area if you wish. Do this hourly. You can also place a warm compress over the stomach after the oils are applied. Use the inhaler 4-6 times per hour, or as needed.

Travel sickness aromatherapy inhaler
If you get travel sickness when you fly, or when on a cruise ship, make an aromatherapy inhaler and gently inhale before and during your trip. This will help to calm and relax you, inside and out, whenever you feel ill from traveling. This blend is also good for stress when dealing with flight turbulence.
4 drops of Peppermint
4 drops of Lavender
To make the aromatherapy travel sickness inhaler open the inhaler; add the drops of essential oils on the cotton filter, then put the cotton filter back in the inhaler tube and close the bottom. Be sure to mark the inhaler so you know what's inside. Inhale gently whenever needed.

Travel queasiness aromatherapy inhaler
If you are prone to your stomach leaping, turning and churning during a flight, make this blend for your inhaler as it really helps with queasiness. This blend is also good for stress when dealing with flight turbulence.
6 drops of Ginger
2 drops of Peppermint
To make the aromatherapy queasiness inhaler open the inhaler; add the drops of essential oils on the cotton filter, then put the cotton filter back in the inhaler tube and close the bottom. Be sure to mark the inhaler so you know what's inside. Inhale gently to help settle your stomach.

Fear of flying aromatherapy inhaler
This blend is perfect for those who suffer from fear of flying. Inhale for a few minutes before takeoff, and again during the flight.
4 drops of Chamomile Roman 3%
2 drops of Lavender
To make the aromatherapy fear of flying inhaler open the inhaler; add the drops of essential oils on the cotton filter, then put the cotton filter back in the inhaler tube and close the bottom. Be sure to mark the inhaler so you know what's inside. Inhale gently whenever needed. The calming properties of these oils will help you relax the entire flight.

Travel massage oil
3 oz. or 90 ml of grape seed oil
15 drops Eucalyptus globulus (or Eucalyptus Smitii)
5 drops of Cypress French
5 drops Ginger essential oil
Combine all ingredients in the disc-top bottle and shake well before use. Apply to the skin by pouring out about 1 tabelspoon in your palm, rubbing palms together to warm oil, and gently massaging your legs. Here are a few other tips for preventing deep vein thrombosis:
Try to move as often as possible during long trips to prevent deep vein thrombosis from occurring, (which is caused by blood clots forming in the legs due to the lack of movement). Exercise your lower calf muscles if you'll be sitting a long time. Whenever possible, get up and walk around. If you can't get up to walk around, try raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then raising your toes while your heels are on the floor.

Extra Notes on Essential Oils for Travel:
Peppermint, Ginger, and Lavender essential oils are the best for relieving nausea, motion sickness, or just feeling queasy. Keep these close at hand for trips. Lavender is one of those essential oils that you should always have for a multitude of purposes, as it can be used for almost anything because of it being a natural balancer, Also, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Grapefruit are great for an invigorating blend that stimulates physical and mental energy. Cypress essential oil is also great for cellulite, varicose veins, water retention, stress, nervous tension, menstrual problems, as well as a good anti-inflammatory. Ginger essential oil is also useful for treating rheumatism, arthritis, nausea, hangovers, colds and flu, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, cramps, chills, fever, bruising, sore throat and diarrhea.

Resources & More Reading:
Essential Oil Primer; Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils
Esoteric Oils; http://www.essentialoils.co.za/treatment/jet-lag.htm
BirchHillHappenings; http://birchhillhappenings.com/motion.htm
New Directions Aromatics; essential oils for travel
Find Ingredients and Supplies:
Roll-on Bottles
Aromatherapy Inhalers
Mountain Rose Herbs for essential oils and carriers
Bottle (100mL)+Spray Pump Atomizer Sprayer Empty Bottle
Yellowstar Essentials Essential Oil Travel Kit; http://sites.google.com/site/yellowstaressentials/Home/aromatherapy
More Reading on Essential Oils & Natural Remedies
List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions
Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator
Natural Holistic Remedies for Anxiety, Stress and Depression