A romatherapy can help relieve anxiety and depression, restore energy levels, alleviate headaches, induce sleep, reduce pain, improve digestion, and more. For travelers, it can ease some of the most common travel-induced afflictions. But as an outsider, the world of essential oils can also be downright intimidating. We sought the expert, Sara Panton, co-founder of the cult-favorite natural, essential oil brand, vitruvi, for a crash course in aromatherapy – no prerequisite knowledge required.
Vitruvi’s approach to aromatherapy is, well – approachable. Sara completed a degree in Global Health, through which she observed traditional wellness practices and daily rituals prevalent in cultures around the world. Her work in Kenya with the Nobel Peace Prize nominated charity we.org taught her about social entrepreneurship through setting up women’s health clinics and alternative income projects in rural regions.
Sara’s observations of global wellness practices prompted her initial interest and passion in botanicals – particularly their use in daily routine. Vitruvi orginally began as a place to interview people around the world about their own daily rituals, before evolving into the line of impeccably sourced, cult-status, global essential oils that it is known for today.
Vitruvi offers both essential oils and essential oil blends in their purest form, ethically sourced from more than 30 countries around the world. Their stylish matte black packaging is not just for show, it ensures that no light can compromise the integrity of the oils.
For Sara, the power of aromatherapy lies in its ability to add consistency and ritual into modern day life in a beautiful and simple way.
“To me, strategically using aroma and the benefits of essential oils is a way to elevate the simple moments of your day. It also helps cue the brain and body into a natural rhythm, so that regardless of where you wake up in the world or lay your head at night, it can smell the same and create some habit and consistency,” says Sara.
Creating habit and consistency is never more challenging than when traveling, but that’s just another reason to give aromatherapy a try. Essential oils are a subtle method to create consistency with scent. Whether you’re having difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious or homesick, creating familiarity through the scents you’re most akin to at home can trick your mind into routine and restore a sense of balance.
Here, Sara recommends the most effective essential oil remedies for common travel-induced anxieties –
1/7 Immunity
Tea Tree essential oil has some really powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. I love to put a few drops on a tissue or cloth to wipe my phone and laptop while travelling. You can also add a few drops to your toothbrush and run it under hot water to disinfect it while travelling. These things help keep germs at bay and prevent illness.
2/7 Flight Anxiety
Lavender essential oil is perfect for help calming your nerves while flying. I used to be a nervous flyer and it really helps me remember to take deep breaths and creates a little “spa” atmosphere. Add a few drops to the palm of your hands, rub them together, and take three deep breaths.
3/7 Nausea
Peppermint essential oil is great for opening up your lungs and clearing your head. Add a few drops to the palm of your hands, rub them together, and take three deep breaths—this is especially nice in a hotel shower if you need a refresh from nausea.
4/7 Stress
Eucalyptus essential oil is great for when you have a headache. I love to make a quick travel balm with about 2 tablespoons coconut oil, and 10 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. Mix the two together, rub on your temples, shoulders and neck, and the cool tingle will help release tension. If you need a super quick fix then just put the eucalyptus essential oil directly on your back of your neck (but it might tingle a little).
5/7 Homesickness
A bright citrus, such as Sweet Orange or Pink Grapefruit is great for boosting your spirits. Citrus oils help wake you up naturally and lift your mood.
6/7 Insomnia
Lavender is really the holy grail for travel. If you consistently use Lavender at home to help you get to sleep, bring it on your travels, and you will drift off just as though you were in your own bed. Ylang ylang is also super relaxing and has been known to promote happy dreams.
7/7 Sunburn / Windburn / Dry Skin
Lavender is soothing and anti-inflammatory. I love to pair it with a repairing carrier oil like hemp seed oil and it’s super soothing and gentle on the skin.
Sara Panton’s Personal Travel Ritual:
I always take three essential oils with me; eucalyptus, lavender and geranium. They are so easy to take on board because they are so small and travel-friendly and the bottles will last you many flights. This is how I use them:
Lavender essential oil: 1 drop on the bridge of the nose of my eye-mask if I’m sleeping on a long-haul flight.
Eucalyptus essential oil: 1 drop under my nose to help me feel fresh and breathe in the antibacterial benefits within the enclosed space of a plane.
Geranium essential oil: 3 drops on a cold face cloth is a nice refresh mid-flight.
