Nov 20, 2024 10:45:00 AM | frankincense Essential Oils to Pack for Your Winter Travels

Reviewed by Amanda Lattin, BA, MAT, Dip. Aroma., MH, RA, ACHS Dean of Aromatherapy

Traveling in the winter offers a magical experience—the crisp air, snow-covered landscapes, and festive atmosphere make it a favorite time of year for many. However, winter travel comes with its own set of challenges, from packing bulky clothing to dealing with dry skin, cold temperatures, and potential travel delays due to winter weather. Thankfully, essential oils can be your ideal travel companion, helping you stay calm, refreshed, and balanced amid the demands of winter getaways. Here’s a guide to some of the best essential oils for winter travel and how they can enhance your journey.

1. Lavender: For Relaxation and Sleep

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil is widely known for its calming and soothing properties. If travel anxiety or difficulty sleeping in new environments is a challenge, lavender can be a lifesaver. It promotes relaxation and helps support healthy sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse or apply before bed. You can use lavender in several ways while traveling:

• Add a few drops to your pillow for restful sleep.
• Use it in a roller bottle and apply it to pulse points for anxiety relief during flights or long car rides.
• Diffuse in your hotel room for a calming atmosphere.
  
  
  

2. Peppermint: For Headaches and Nausea

Peppermint Mentha x piperita essential oil is excellent for soothing headaches and combating nausea, which is especially helpful for those who experience motion sickness. Its refreshing aroma also supports an alert mind, helping you stay energized after long flights or drives. Here’s how you can use peppermint on the road:

• Inhale directly from the bottle to reduce nausea.
• Dilute with a carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil Prunus amygdalus var. Dulcis or argan oil Argania spinosa) and apply to your temples to alleviate headaches.
  
  
  

3. Tea Tree: For Immune Support

Traveling often exposes you to new environments, crowds, and germs, but tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia oil can help support a healthy immune system and keep you feeling your best. Its powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties make it a must-have for disinfecting surfaces and supporting your body’s defenses. Here are several ways to incorporate it into your routine:

• Add a few drops to a travel-sized spray bottle with water and use it as a natural hand sanitizer.
• Dab a diluted drop onto your skin to calm blemishes, itching, or irritations during your travels.
• Diffuse in your hotel room to purify the air.
  
  
  

4. Lemon: For Energy and Purification

Lemon Citrus limonum essential oil is known for its refreshing and energizing scent, which can help uplift your mood and combat travel fatigue. It’s also great for purifying the air and surfaces, making it a versatile companion for any trip. Try using lemon oil to:

• Freshen up stale air in a car or hotel room.
• Add to a damp cloth for wiping down surfaces like plane tray tables, doorknobs, or hotel remote controls.
• Mix with a carrier oil (such as camelia oil Camellia oleifera or argan oil Argania spinosa) and apply to your skin for a refreshing, energizing boost.
  
  
  

5. Frankincense: For Meditation and Grounding

Frankincense Boswellia carterii is perfect for grounding and centering yourself in anticipation of stressful situations. Its earthy, calming aroma can help you stay mindful and balanced, making it a great oil to carry when travel feels overwhelming. Here’s how to incorporate it into your travel routine:

• Use a drop in your palm, rub your hands together, and inhale deeply to promote relaxation.
• Add to a carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil Prunus amygdalus var. Dulcis or camelia oil Camellia oleifera) and apply to your temples during meditation or quiet time.
• Diffuse in your room after a long day to help maintain a calm mind and promote a sense of peace.
  
  
  

6. Eucalyptus: For Respiratory Support

Airplane cabins and changing climates can take a toll on your respiratory system. Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil helps maintain a clear airway, making it an ideal oil to use during and after flights. To get the most out of eucalyptus while traveling:

• Inhale from the bottle or use a personal inhaler to keep sinuses clear.
• Add a few drops to a warm washcloth and breathe in the steam during a shower.
• Mix with a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil Simmondsia chinensis or argan oil  Argania spinosa) and apply to your chest for respiratory support.
  
  
  

Tips for Easy Traveling with Oils:

• Roller Bottles: Pre-mix your favorite oils with carrier oil into roller bottles for easy, on-the-go application.
• Travel Diffuser: If space allows, pack a small, portable diffuser to use in your hotel room or car.
• Cotton Pads: Add a few drops of essential oil to cotton pads and store them in a plastic bag. Open the bag when you need a quick burst of scent.
• Dilution: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or are trying a new oil for the first time.

With the right essential oils in your travel kit, you can stay calm, energized, and healthy throughout your trip. Whether it’s lavender for relaxation or peppermint for a quick pick-me-up, these natural remedies offer a range of benefits that will make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Happy travels!

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.