Post-war travel in the early 1950's introduced the concept of jet-lag when the Comets took to the air and the jet set was born - they were those people who could afford this new and exciting fast method of travel. It was soon realised that speed had its drawbacks as these travellers suffered from unpleasant symptoms at the end of their journey.
I was flying as a BOAC stewardess in the middle and late 50's after those early Comets had suffered disastrous crashes. Their replacements were slower propellor driven aircraft so jet-lag diminished temporarily but over the next 50 years when Jumbo jets took to the skies and package holidays to the Carribbean and the Far East became popular the tell-tale signs of jet-lag returned caused mainly by sudden time changes. They flew faster, more frequently and farther afield.
Over the years, although I was no longer a stewardess I was still flying on business or pleasure so my interest in aromatherapy in the early 80's made me wonder how I could use my essential oils to give some help not only with the time changes but different food and climate changes.
For sleep and relaxation I could always rely on my oils and some airlines would supply a small aerosol spray to their business class passengers on the flights (not often found nowadays) but there were other considerations too – I wanted to protect myself from possible colds and coughs which can be transmitted in any confined space - so why not put a few drops of anti-viral oil (Ravensara
aromatica) on cotton wool or a tissue to breathe in occasionally. I found that some essential oils such as Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) smelled too strong and other passengers needed to be considered too.
Holidays aside, what about the business person who lands in Australia after many hours of flying and then, after a quick shower, has to go straight to a business meeting? To stay awake and able to concentrate there is help at hand - mix a blend of l drop of Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and 2 drops of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in 10ml (2 teaspoons) of vegetable carrier oil - this is massaged into the neck and chest area and then l drop of neat Basil (Occimum basilicum) on the shirt sleeve will help memory and concentration. Essential oils should never be used neat on the skin.
To counteract jet lag:
After a long-haul flight, jet lag shows itself by disorientation, swollen feet (even after wearing flight socks), sleep problems and dehydrated skin.
To combat these symptoms try mixing the following blends in 10ml of carrier oil: for swollen feet: 2 drops of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), l drop of Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and l drop of Juniper (Juniperus communis) or make a cold compress using the same essential oils placed in a bowl containing 100ml (3 – 4 fl. oz) of cold water and six ice cubes, then dip a folded cotton cloth or flannel into it. The cloth will absorb the oil floating on the water, so squeeze out any excess water and place the cloth carefully over the affected area.
For sleep: mix the same carrier oil with l drop of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), l drop Sweet marjoram (Origanum marjorana) and 2 drops of Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). All of these essential oils may be used in a room vaporizer. To use in a bath more care needs to be taken to dilute in a tablespoon of full fat milk instead of carrier oil – this is a good way of dispersing the oils correctly. Aromatic baths work in two ways – by absorption into the skin and by inhalation, since the warm water causes evaporation of the essential oil. Aromatic baths can be extremely versatile. They can be used to relax and sedate or uplift and stimulate. However, they are mostly used for their stress-reducing properties.
To counteract travel sickness:
Put a few drops of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or Melissa (Melissa officinalis) on a tissue before and during travel and inhale occasionally.
For insect bites and stings:
These respond well to essential oils, whose antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the swelling, itchiness and inflammation. Try Roman Chamomile (Athemis nobilis) or German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). I have found that sometimes Peppermint (Mentha piperita) or Basil (Ocimum basilicum) will give relief used in very low dilutions.
I hope this short article has been of help to those of you who may be planning a holiday or businesss trip to far-away places this year and I know that the essential oils will always be helpful for you if they are carefully stored and of a good quality - remember to check the date and latin name.
