Travel To Wellness

Top Tips Using Essential Oils In-Flight

by Shanna Bynes

Traveling can cause extra stress to the skin leading to tried, lack-luster and dehydration which can give the appearance of fine lines and skin fatigue. When we travel across times zones, the body’s natural or circadian rhythms become disrupted. The body begins to feel different symptoms such as mental confusion, fatigue, headache, irritability, ear and sinus discomfort, insomnia, and even depression. Other things we combat when we fly are low energy, leg cramping and swollen ankles.

Here are my top tips for using essential oils in-flight: 

  1. Make sure to stay hydrated during your flight. Adding two slices of freshly cut lemon to your drinking water before or after your flight will help boost your immune system. Lemon essential oil is rich in nutrients like bioflavonoids, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, citric acid, folate and pectin that aid our body’s immune system and immobilize free radicals – the cause of most ailments. Because oil and water don’t mix, it is not recommended to ingest lemon essential oil in your drinking water without being advised by your Physician or Aromatherapist, so fresh cut lemon slices are the next best thing.

2. Inhaling peppermint essential oil promotes a clear head free from head ache pain, calms the stomach and suppresses the feeling of nausea sometimes associated with travel. Peppermint is uplifting and energizing which is beneficial for mental and physical fatigue. To help with back or neck tension pain apply one drop of peppermint oil mixed with a few drops of coconut/sweet almond oil to manage pain, improve blood circulation and reduce tension.

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3. Using lavender essential oil during or after a long flight can help reduce travel anxiety by relaxing the mind and body to promoting peace and calm so you can get much needed rest. Lavender contains two phytochemical components – linalool and linalyl acetate – which have been shown to stabilized mood, soothe nerves, improve relaxation and sleep according to a study on the Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy on Insomnia and Depression in Women College Students.  

4. Eucalyptus/Tea Tree Essential Oil can keep allergies at bay and reduce airborne germs and bacteria weather your traveling domestically or over-seas. Eucalyptus contains citronellal, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. it also helps to cleanse harmful microorganisms and eliminate toxins. Tea Tree essential oil is perfect to use if you find yourself suffering from sinus or congestion of any kind.

5. Traveling can lead to hair dehydration making your hair appear lifeless and dull. Chamomile essential oil adds shine and softness to hair, soothes the scalp and reduce dullness, while  Lavender essential oil adds shine and moisture without weighing down the hair. Remember to avoid products that contain alcohol and other synthetic ingredients which can increase drynesss and hair breakage.

6. Frequent and extended flights can impaired circulation causing swollen ankles, fingers and legs. Blood circulation is essential for overall health, spreading oxygen and nutrients throughout your entire body. Swollen feet and ankles can be treated with essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties. Add two or three drops each of lemongrass, grapefruit and cypress essential oils mixed in coconut oil or sweet almond oil for the perfect in-flight massage.

7. Low humidity levels from cabin pressure can also reap havoc on your cuticles and skin causing extreme dryness. Using cuticles oil will hydrated and maintains proper nail moisture to prevent nail splitting. Olive oil mixed with Frankincense essential oil  moisturizes nails, cuticles and nailplate which leads to stronger nails and healthy cuticles.

9. To reduce dry chapped lips caused by low airplane pressure, use a gentle mild lip scrub to remove dry dead skin followed by your favorite lip balm. Mix two drops each of rose essential oil, jojoba oil and geranium oil combined with a bit of granulated sugar can be used on chapped lips to get relief from pain and restore discomfort caused by dryness.

10. Do not apply pure essential oils directly on the skin. Always mix them in some kind of carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil for instance) that will make these essential oils safe for skin application and help them penetrate without causing skin irritation, burning or a rash.

No matter where your travels take you wellness and health is the key. Packing your in-flight wellness kit with your favorite essential oils blends will help improve your in-flight experience.

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With more than 17 years in the Aesthetic and Beauty industry, Shanna Bynes LME is a certified reflexologist, licensed medical aesthetician and educator specializing in dermal absorption of active ingredients and essential blended oils. You can follow Shanna on FaceBook

Other articles that you might find interesting:

Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
Five Stress Reducing Tips for Travelers
Travel Tips to Help Manage Jet Lag

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