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10 essential oils for travel: bring these on your next trip.

Making plans to travel can be extremely exciting but also a little nerve-wracking. 

Some people love the experience of hopping on airplanes, while others find it to be stressful or uncomfortable. Depending on where you’re traveling and the length of your trip, sometimes travel anxiety is hard to avoid.

If you plan to take a trip somewhere soon, you may benefit from using essential oils to keep those travel-related worries at bay. 

Can You Carry Essential Oils On A Plane?

Travel guidelines can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to carrying essential oils. You may not want to leave your essential oils in a checked suitcase because there is a possibility they could spill or break. If necessary, you can easily pack them in a way that ensures they’ll be protected and arrive safely when you land.

However, if you use essential oils to help ease your travel worries, you probably want to carry them on board with you to use when needed. One thing to note is that most airports have restrictions on what you can bring on board with you. When traveling, the standard TSA rule is that you can bring containers that contain up to 3.4 ounces of liquid, and you can bring as many of these containers as you want, as long as they are individually 3.4oz or less. 

Most essential oil bottles are 0.5oz in size, so you should be fine to bring them aboard. Just make sure to pack them well in a ziplock bag in order to avoid any spills or damage to the bottles.

Essential Oils That Kill Germs In The Air

There are plenty of movies and TV shows that portray train stations and airports as romantic settings full of possibility. While there is something special about traveling, the truth is that these settings are also full of germs. People shuffle in and out of these spaces all day, every day. 

For the germaphobes reading this article, here are a couple of essential oils that are commonly used to cleanse the air around you (and even potentially boost your immune system).

Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil has powerful properties that can kill bacteria and viruses in the air. This 2006 study looks at how tea tree essential oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections both topically and in the air. In fact, some people use tea tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer because it has been shown to kill viruses such as the flu, E. coli, and more. 

Eucalyptus Oil

A 2012 study showed that there are strong antiviral properties found in eucalyptus oil that can help to treat & prevent infections. In addition to these properties, eucalyptus oil has a refreshing aroma that can open airways and relieve congestion with anti-inflammatory effects. 

Essential Oils That Give You Energy

Another factor of traveling and vacations is the amount of time and energy it takes to get to and from your destination. Whether you are driving, flying, or taking other transportation– it’s essential to stay alert & awake. Now, you may have a 20-hour flight that you can get some sleep on, but you also will probably suffer from jet lag.

When it comes to traveling, sometimes drinking coffee isn’t enough to keep you energized along the way. These essential oils can help give you a clear mind and boost of energy to stay awake & beat fatigue during your journey. 

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary is known to have stimulating properties that can awaken your mind. A 2012 study concluded that when used for aromatherapy inhalation, rosemary oil has positive stimulative effects on mood, brain activity, and other responses. 

Most citrusy essential oils provide an awakening and energizing effect, especially when inhaling the aroma. The vibrant scent of lemon oil has even been shown to improve productivity in factory work environments.  A 2010 study looked at the effects of lemon essential oil aromatherapy and noted that it could improve cognitive function. That being said, it may help you stay alert during exhausting days of travel. 

Peppermint Oil

The minty, refreshing scent of peppermint oil is well known to awaken your senses to help you energize. In 2013, a study looked at the effects of peppermint oil on athletic performance. Among the results of this study, it was shown that peppermint oil aromatherapy can help prevent fatigue.

Our boomboom mint variety nasal inhaler pack uses the perfect blend of peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, and other natural flavors to give you a refreshing boost of energy and focus.

Essential Oils That Help You Relax

Many people who don’t like to travel will say that it makes them feel nervous or anxious. Traveling is something that forces you out of your comfort zone, which can easily throw off your mood and emotions. In fact, the fear of traveling (known as hodophobia) is one of the most common phobias worldwide. 

Your fear may be related to past experiences or more specific concerns like the fear of flying. Most people will have some kind of fear related to travel– some cases more severe than others. It may be common, but it’s still hard to manage. That’s why we wanted to share some essential oils that can help you get rid of those anxious feelings during your trip.

Anxious or nervous feelings can feel suffocating at times, especially when traveling. The soothing aroma of lavender essential oil has been researched and shown to provide a calming effect on your nervous system and mental state. Many people use lavender oil to ease their anxiety & soothe their worries while traveling.

Sweet Orange

The sweet orange essential oil has been researched over the years and shown to provide a wide variety of positive benefits. A study in 2013 showed that inhaling this essential oil was effective in reducing stress levels in patients experiencing emotional/anxious feelings. 

A 2015 study looked at the effects of geranium oil when used for inhalation for aromatherapy. This research showed that the essential oil was able to decrease physical symptoms of anxiety, including muscle tension and rapid breathing and providing mental relaxation.

Our boomboom essential oil "Relax Roll-On"   uses the perfect blend of these essential oils and more to ease anxiety & body pains, among other benefits.

Essential Oils That Help You Breathe Better

Traveling may cause you to experience trouble breathing due to anxiety, high altitudes, and other environmental factors. When you need a breath of fresh air to open up your airways on the go, certain essential oils can help you & improve your breathing .

This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can refresh your respiratory system to help improve breathing. It has a minty aroma and soothing effect that can clear your sinuses, making it easier to breathe normally. It also can give you fresh breath during long travel days when you feel the need to freshen up but can’t brush your teeth. 

Frankincense

Using frankincense oil for aromatherapy has been shown to benefit patients with COPD symptoms (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). One of the main symptoms of COPD is difficulty breathing, but this 2015 study showed that using frankincense oil was able to act as a highly effective treatment.

Frankincense is also commonly used to help relieve nausea or an upset stomach.

If you are interested in using essential oils to improve your breathing, check out our lineup of inhalers and roll-ons . These products use the perfect blend of spearmint and other essential oils to open your airways for enhanced breathing.

Final Thoughts

While traveling can be enjoyable and exciting for some people, it is a common source of stress for others (especially during a global pandemic). The physical and mental effects of travel-related stress may be tough to avoid, but they are manageable.

With the help of these 10 essential oils, you can prepare for a pleasant experience the next time you travel.

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How To Travel With Essential Oils On A Plane. Ultimate Guide To Packing Essential Oils For Air Travel

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As someone who loves to travel, I always make sure to bring along my essential oils. They help me stay calm during the hustle and bustle of airports, keep me refreshed during long flights, and are a must-have for any destination.

However, traveling with essential oils can be tricky, especially when it comes to air travel. That’s why I’m here to share my ultimate guide on how to pack essential oils for air travel.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time flier, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to safely and securely bring your favorite essential oils with you on your next trip. From checking airline regulations to choosing the right oils and packing them properly, we’ll cover everything you need to know so that you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while exploring new places.

So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Check Airline and TSA Regulations

Before you board, make sure to double-check the airline and TSA regulations to avoid any unexpected surprises. Essential oils are allowed on planes, but there are certain guidelines that must be followed.

You can bring essential oils in your carry-on bag as long as they are packed properly. According to the TSA website, liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be checked in. However, essential oils come in small bottles that usually contain less than 3 ounces of liquid so they can be brought on board without any issues.

It’s important to note that all liquids must be placed inside a clear plastic bag and presented for inspection at security checkpoints. It’s also recommended to label your essential oil bottles with their contents and use protective packaging such as bubble wrap or padded envelopes when packing them in your luggage. This will prevent any leaks or damage during transit.

With these regulations in mind, you can easily pack your favorite essential oils for a stress-free travel experience. Now it’s time to choose the right ones for your trip!

Choose the Right Essential Oils

Pick out the perfect oils that match your mood and vibe, and you’ll be ready to breeze through security with ease. When choosing essential oils for air travel, it’s important to consider their potency and potential effects on other passengers.

Avoid strong scents that may cause discomfort or allergic reactions to others in the confined space of a plane. Opt for gentle oils such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus blends that have calming or refreshing properties.

Another factor to consider when selecting essential oils for air travel is their versatility. Choose oils that can serve multiple purposes during your trip. For example, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural hand sanitizer, while eucalyptus oil can help alleviate symptoms of colds and sinus congestion.

Lastly, make sure you pack only essential oils that you’ll actually use during your trip. Traveling light not only makes it easier to navigate through security but also ensures that you don’t accidentally leave any precious bottles behind in your hotel room or at the airport.

With these tips in mind, choose the right essential oils for your next flight and enjoy a more comfortable journey.

As you select the perfect essential oils for your trip, it’s important to keep in mind how to securely pack them so they don’t spill or break during transit. In the next section, we’ll discuss some tips on how to properly protect your precious cargo while traveling by air.

Securely Pack Your Essential Oils

Now that you’ve carefully selected your perfect blend, it’s time to ensure that your precious oils don’t become a major hassle by properly packing them for their journey. Here are some tips on how to securely pack your essential oils for air travel:

Use the right container: It’s important to use glass or metal containers with tight-fitting lids when packing essential oils. These materials will protect the aromatic compounds from being degraded by light and air exposure.

Securely seal each bottle: Place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening of each bottle before screwing on the cap tightly. This ensures that there won’t be any leakage during transit.

Pack them in a resealable plastic bag: Put all your essential oil bottles in a clear, resealable plastic bag before placing them into your carry-on luggage. This is required by TSA regulations and makes it easier for security officers to check what you’re carrying.

Keep them cool and dry: Essential oils should be kept away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight as they can affect the quality and potency of the oils.

By following these tips, you can rest assured that your essential oils will arrive at their destination safely and without any damage. Now it’s time to consider your mode of travel and how this may impact you bringing your beloved oils along with you!

Consider Your Mode of Travel

When it comes to traveling with essential oils, it’s important to consider the mode of transportation you’ll be using.

If you’re flying, there are specific regulations and guidelines that must be followed in order to bring your oils on board.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling by car or train, you have more flexibility and can pack your oils in a different manner.

Finally, if you’re taking a bus or coach, there may be limitations on what types of containers or quantities of oil you can bring along.

It’s crucial to understand these differences in order to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey with your beloved aromatherapy companions.

As I board the aircraft, I make sure to pack my essential oils in my carry-on bag. Air travel can be stressful, and having your favorite scents on hand can help ease tension and anxiety during the flight. However, there are certain rules and regulations to follow when it comes to carrying liquids on a plane.

Firstly, all liquid containers must be placed in a clear plastic bag that is no larger than one quart. Each container must also be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in size. It’s important to check the airline’s specific guidelines as some may have stricter rules regarding liquids.

Additionally, it’s recommended to label each container with the name of the oil inside for easy identification at security checkpoints. With these precautions in mind, you can bring your essential oils with you on your next flight without any hassle.

As much as we love air travel and its convenience, sometimes we need our own transportation for more flexibility during our travels. In the next section about car travel, I’ll share some tips on how to safely transport essential oils while driving towards your destination.

You probably think you’re an expert at transporting your precious essential oils, but wait until you hit the road – because car travel is a whole different ball game.

While it may seem easier to pack and transport your oils in a car compared to air travel, there are still some things to consider. First, make sure your essential oils are properly stored in a cool, dark place during the drive. A hot or sunny environment can cause the oils to degrade and lose their potency.

Another important thing to remember is to secure your essential oil bottles during transit. You don’t want them rolling around and potentially breaking or leaking in your car. Consider using a padded case or bag specifically designed for carrying essential oils. It’s also important to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like vents or heaters.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your essential oils arrive safely and maintain their quality during car travel.

Now that we’ve covered car travel, let’s move on to train or bus travel where there may be different challenges when transporting essential oils.

Train or Bus Travel

Hop on board the train or bus with your favorite aromatic companions and learn how to keep them safe and secure during transit.

When traveling by train or bus, it’s important to pack your essential oils securely in a bag or case that won’t leak. I recommend using a small, sturdy travel case specifically designed for essential oils. These cases come in various sizes and can hold several bottles of oil, making them perfect for long journeys.

When packing your essential oils, make sure they’re tightly sealed and placed upright in the case to prevent any leaks during transit. It’s also important to keep the case out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as radiators or heaters. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your essential oils remain safe and ready for use when you reach your destination.

To keep essential oils accessible during travel, consider placing a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue inside a small plastic baggie. This way, you can easily access the scent without having to dig through your entire collection of oils while on the go.

Keep Essential Oils Accessible

It’s always a great idea to make sure your favorite fragrances are close at hand, just in case you need to calm down after being stuck in a cramped metal tube for hours on end. When traveling with essential oils, accessibility is key.

Here’s how I keep my essential oils within reach during air travel:

Use a small pouch: I pack all of my essential oils in a small pouch that fits easily into the front pocket of my carry-on bag. This way, I can grab it quickly if needed.

Bring roller bottles: Roller bottles are perfect for air travel because they’re compact and easy to use. I fill mine with blends specifically designed for stress relief or immune support.

Keep them in your personal item: To ensure that your essential oils don’t get lost or damaged during air travel, keep them in your personal item (backpack, purse). This way you’ll have easy access to them throughout the flight.

Aside from accessibility, it’s important to be mindful of temperature changes when traveling with essential oils. Sudden temperature changes can affect the quality and potency of your oils, so it’s best to plan ahead and take precautions.

Be Mindful of Temperature Changes

When taking your favorite fragrances with you, it’s important to keep in mind that sudden temperature changes can affect their quality and potency. Essential oils are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dark place.

When traveling by plane, be sure to pack your essential oils in a carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. This way, you can ensure that they won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures during transport. It’s also important to keep in mind that some essential oils may solidify or become cloudy when exposed to cold temperatures. If this happens, simply warm the bottle up in the palms of your hands before use.

On the other hand, if essential oils are exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time, they may lose their fragrance and therapeutic properties altogether. To prevent any damage from temperature changes while traveling with essential oils on a plane, consider using insulated pouches or special cases designed for storing and transporting these precious liquids. By doing so, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your essential oils are safe and secure throughout your travels.

With proper storage and handling techniques in place, you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy wherever life takes you. Keeping our essential oils accessible is key during travel; however, equally important is being mindful of temperature changes along the way. Now that we know how our beloved scents can be affected by sudden shifts in temperature during air travel, let’s turn our attention towards knowing how to use these powerful plant extracts safely.

Know How to Use Essential Oils Safely

As I mentioned earlier, temperature changes can have a significant impact on essential oils. However, it’s not just the temperature that you need to be mindful of when traveling with these oils. You also need to know how to use them safely.

Essential oils are powerful substances that can have both positive and negative effects on your health and wellbeing. Before using them, it’s crucial to do your research and understand the proper way to use each oil. Some oils should never be applied directly to the skin or ingested, while others require dilution with a carrier oil.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA. This means that there is no guarantee as to their safety or efficacy. As such, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when using essential oils and consult with a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

So before packing your essential oils for air travel, take some time to educate yourself about their proper use and safety precautions. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of these amazing substances without putting yourself or your fellow travelers at risk.

Now that you know how to use essential oils safely during air travel, it’s time for some fun! In the next section, we’ll explore ways in which you can enjoy your favorite scents while on vacation without having to pack your entire collection with you. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some aromatic inspiration!

Enjoy Your Essential Oils on Your Trip!

Get ready to elevate your vacation experience with the incredible power of aromatherapy – you won’t believe how much more enjoyable your trip will be with just a few drops of your favorite scents! Essential oils can provide relief from travel-related stress, boost energy levels, and help ward off sickness. But how do you enjoy the benefits of essential oils while on a plane?

First things first, make sure you pack your essential oils in a leak-proof container that’s under 3.4 ounces to comply with TSA regulations. I recommend placing them in a clear plastic bag for easy access during security checks.

Once you’re on the plane, simply add a few drops to a tissue or cotton ball and inhale deeply. You can also add some drops to an eye mask or neck pillow for an extra dose of relaxation.

Another way to enjoy essential oils while traveling is by using a personal diffuser. There are many compact and rechargeable options available that are perfect for air travel. Simply fill it up with water and add a few drops of essential oil, turn it on and voila!

You’ll have an instant spa-like atmosphere right at your seat. With these tips, you can take advantage of the amazing benefits of essential oils even when flying high in the sky!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring essential oils in my carry-on luggage or do they need to be checked.

I always bring essential oils with me when I travel, and the good news is that you can bring them in your carry-on luggage! However, there are a few rules you need to follow.

First, make sure each bottle is 3.4 ounces or less and fits in a quart-sized bag with your other liquids.

Second, label each bottle clearly with the name of the oil and store it in a leak-proof container.

Finally, be prepared to take out your oils during security screening so they can be inspected separately.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of essential oils while traveling without any hassle!

How much essential oil can I bring on a plane?

When it comes to traveling with essential oils, the amount you can bring on a plane is crucial. As someone who loves freedom and exploration, I know how important it is to have your favorite scents with you while on the move.

The good news is that there are no restrictions on the amount of essential oil you can bring in your carry-on luggage or checked bags. However, keep in mind that you need to follow TSA guidelines for liquids and make sure that your bottles are properly sealed and labeled.

With these precautions in mind, you’ll be ready to take flight with all your favorite fragrances!

Are there any essential oils that are not allowed on a plane?

As someone who loves to travel with essential oils, it’s important to be aware of the types of oils that are not allowed on a plane.

Essential oils that are considered flammable or explosive, such as camphor, clove, and cinnamon bark oil, are not permitted in carry-on or checked luggage.

It’s also important to note that some countries have restrictions on certain essential oils, so it’s always a good idea to research the rules and regulations before traveling internationally.

By being mindful of these restrictions and doing your research ahead of time, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight with your favorite essential oils.

Can I use essential oils during the flight or only in my destination?

During a flight, I love to use my essential oils to help me relax and feel more comfortable. Thankfully, you can absolutely use essential oils during the flight! Just be sure to follow the airline’s guidelines for using aromatherapy on board.

Generally, it’s best to apply your oils topically or inhale them from a diffuser necklace or bracelet. Avoid spraying your oils as this may disturb other passengers.

Once you arrive at your destination, you can continue to use your essential oils throughout your trip by packing them in a carry-on bag or checked luggage following TSA regulations. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils no matter where your travels take you!

How can I prevent my essential oils from leaking or breaking during the flight?

Isn’t it ironic that the very thing that can bring us relaxation and peace during a flight can also be the cause of stress and frustration?

I’m talking about essential oils, of course.

As someone who loves to travel with my oils, I’ve learned the hard way how important it is to prevent leaks and breakage during a flight.

One tip is to make sure your bottles are tightly sealed and stored in a plastic bag or container.

Another is to pack them in your carry-on luggage instead of checked baggage, as changes in air pressure can cause leaks.

By taking these precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your essential oils without any added stress on your journey towards freedom.

So there you have it, my fellow essential oil enthusiasts! Traveling with essential oils on a plane doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

By checking airline and TSA regulations, choosing the right oils, securely packing them, considering your mode of travel, keeping them accessible, being mindful of temperature changes, and knowing how to use them safely, you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy even while in transit.

Imagine yourself sitting on the plane with a calming lavender essential oil blend diffusing in your personal inhaler or roller bottle. You take deep breaths and feel your body relax as the soothing scent fills your senses. Or perhaps you’re feeling energized during a layover thanks to an invigorating peppermint oil blend that perks up your mind and body.

With these tips for traveling with essential oils on a plane, you can enhance your travel experience and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Safe travels!

Meet Debra. If you can’t imagine traveling without your furry friend, then Debra Eriksen is your go-to expert. Debra has embarked on pet-friendly journeys across more than 20 countries, making her an expert in combining wanderlust with pet ownership. Her articles provide practical tips, invaluable advice, and heartwarming stories of exploring the world with her beloved dog. Let Debra be your guide to creating unforgettable memories with your four-legged companion while exploring new horizons.

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Essential oils for travel (and other vacay must-haves)

Looking to travel this holiday season? Whether you’re headed for a warm winter getaway or visiting friends and family, travel can create some of the happiest memories. However, navigating airports, dealing with fussy children, or experiencing car troubles can put a damper on an otherwise wonderful week away. If you want to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch, check out our list of things to bring while traveling.

Essential oils for travel

Peppy Peppermint

Jet lag, sore legs, stomach issues, neck stiffness—these are just a few things that could get in the way of a fun-filled getaway. That’s why you should carry along both Peppermint essential oil and Peppermint Vitality™ for a little extra help along the way.

• Loosen up a stiff neck with a soothing, cooling massage featuring Peppermint.
• Inhale Peppermint’s refreshing aroma after stepping off the plane or hopping out of the car for the much-needed pep in your step.
• Massage cool, tingly Peppermint on the bottoms of your feet after a long day of sightseeing or running around with your nieces and nephews.

• Add a couple drops of Peppermint Vitality into your water for a refreshing start to your morning.

YL tip: Follow each oil’s dilution guidelines when applying topically.

Soothing Stress Away

Missing your train, driving in snowy conditions, or losing reservations at your hotel can leave you feeling frazzled. Keep Stress Away ™ in your bag at all times for a sweet, soothing scent when faced with travel challenges.

• Breathe in the inviting aroma to create a moment of calm.
• Apply Stress Away to your wrists before heading out the door on busy vacation days.
• Use it as a personal fragrance for a night out.

Dependable DiGize

Traveling during the holidays is a perfect excuse to eat lots of festive food in a new place. If you’re indulging in roasted ham, cheesy potatoes, stuffing, or homemade baked goods, you’ll want some assistance. When taken as a daily supplement, DiGize® Vitality ™, with its antioxidant properties and cleansing benefits*, will become your most faithful travel companion.

• Add 2 drops of DiGize Vitality and 1 drop of Peppermint Vitality to your water bottle for a minty twist.
• Take DiGize along with Essentialzymes-4™ before each delicious meal to support normal digestion.*

Trusty Thieves

Recycled oxygen on airplanes and living spaces filled with extended family can always use a quick freshening. You’ll also want to give your body a boost of general wellness support* throughout your trip to allow you to enjoy every second of your adventure. To help you spruce up your space and put your best self forward, take the dynamic duo of Thieves® and Thieves® Vitality™ with you.

• Bring your Thieves Wipes to clean off surrounding surfaces during your travel.
• Add a drop of Thieves Vitality to your morning tea or coffee at the local cafe for a flavor boost and to support general well-being.*
• Spritz Thieves® Spray around the room you’ll be staying in to freshen your home away from home.
• Add Thieves Hand-Sanitizing Wipes or Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer to your travel bag to use any time soap and water aren’t available.

Gallant Ginger

If you’re travelling for long periods of time, windy roads or turbulence may get the best of you. Add this warm, spicy oil to your travel bag for peace of mind during these times. Ginger and Ginger Vitality are on your side to help you get through your journey with ease.

• Inhale Ginger directly from the bottle during travel for a calming experience.
• Dilute Ginger with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex and massage it into your abdomen before or after meals for a warming and comforting sensation.
• Add Ginger Vitality to water, tea, or your favorite beverage for a flavorful drink that may support the digestive system.*

YL tip: For even more uses of these oils, take a travel-sized diffuser ! This carry-on approved diffuser will help you refresh and uplift hotel rooms, rental cars, and mountain cabins. If a travel diffuser isn’t on your must-pack list, bring a diffuser bracelet instead! Simply pop a few drops of oil on the clay beads to reap the essential oil aromatherapy benefits whenever you need.

Lovely Lavender

Sometimes the best vacations push us far out of our comfort zones. That could include landing in a place where you don’t speak the language, taking the kids on an extensive journey day, or even heading home for a large family gathering. That’s no reason for family drama or occasional sleeplessness to prevent you from having the time of your life. Keep Lavender and Lavender Vitality™ with you and you’ll be ready to roll.

• Fight the occasional restlessness from time zone changes by adding Lavender Vitality to tea as part of your nighttime relaxation routine.
• Breathe in Lavender for its calming scent before your daily vacation activities.
• Massage Lavender into skin with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex for a soothing sensation after a day of sunbathing at the beach.

YL tip: Want a discreet and hands-free way to enjoy aromatherapy with Lavender? Fit an Aroma Ring with Lavender on your ear or nose so you can breathe in the calming scent whenever and wherever you need it.

How to travel with essential oils on a plane

If you’ll be flying over the holidays, you might wonder whether you can bring essential oils in your carry-on bag. The short answer is yes. Since essential oils are liquids and usually only contain 5 or 15 ml worth of oil, you can bring as many oil bottles as fit in a quart-size bag.

If you want to take more than that, you can put them in your checked luggage. Just be sure to tighten the caps securely so they don’t leak onto your clothes. You might also want to put them in a carrying case for good measure.

What travel gear should you pack on your trip?

When it’s time to travel, it is important to be prepared with the equipment you need to get you through your trip. We’ve got all of your travel necessities at YL Gear!

• Simply throwing your essential oils in your luggage will make it difficult to find the oils when you need them. Pack an oil travel case like the August Case to easily organize and store your essential oils.

• Hydration is key when travelling. Oftentimes, we neglect to keep ourselves hydrated when we are stuck in the hustle and bustle of travel life. Bring a refillable water bottle like our Adeline Water Bottle to meet your daily water needs. Add your favorite Vitality oils or YL Vitality Drops to elevate your water and add a splash of flavor. If piping-hot drinks are your cup of tea, our Cooper Travel Mug will be your must-have travel sidekick.
• You can’t travel without a bag. Make any getaway stylish with our Weekender Bag. This bag easily slides onto suitcase handles to make it convenient to carry, has metal feet to help it stand, and unzips on the bottom to accommodate shoes or other heavy or dirty items. Our Lorenzo Duffle Bag is another great travel option.
• Pack your Savvy Minerals makeup products in our Savvy Minerals Makeup Case or Savvy Train Case for easy access and organization.

• Cut out the mess and hassle of trying to put your full-size product into travel containers with our Bon Voyage Travel Pack . This bundle offers 10 Young Living personal care products in an attractive, custom bag. All products are TSA-compliant and perfect for use during travel.

Keep those hard-earned holiday vacations full of adventure and joy by reading about more vacation-approved must-haves and how to combat homesickness while away .

Spread your travel wisdom: Which essential oils do you never leave behind on a getaway?

Let us know in the comments below.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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15 Best Essential Oils for Travel

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure .

1. Lavender

3. purification or citronella, 4. panaway or wintergreen, 4. tea tree, 5. eucalyptus, 6. peppermint, 7. ginger or digize blend, 9. bergamot, 11. peace & calming, 12. rosemary, 13. frankincense, 14. ylang ylang, 15. roman chamomile.

Can You Take Essential Oils on a Plane?

Plane etiquette, traveling by car, essential oils in cold climates, essential oils in warm or hot climates, top tips for traveling with essential oils.

• You can take standard vials of airplanes, just make sure you put them in a sealed bag.
• If you are traveling with bottles you mixed yourself, a good idea is to label them, for your reference as well as through the airport security.
• Store your oils in a cool, dry place and if needed gently warm up oils in your hands.

More Posts You Might Like

• Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils
• How to Make DIY Lotion Bars
• Backpack Essentials: Top Essential Oils for Back to School

Want More DIY Recipes?

• Make your own organic beauty and skin care products for less than $25 a month!
• Learn simple techniques to make your own skincare – without the fuss of complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients
• Get tried-and-true recipes that work to nourish the skin and make it look more radiant than ever before
• Create beautiful gifts for friends and family with the printable labels and gift tags I’ve included with this book

Tracey Black, BA, is a writer, recipe developer, and creator of Don’t Mess with Mama. She has a background in health care, research, and publishing, and has been featured in The Huffington Post, Redbook Magazine, Yahoo, Women’s Day, CNET, and Today.

At DontMesswithMama.com, Tracey shares how simple it can be to make easy gluten-free meals and live more naturally, including making your own DIY skincare and cleaners, on a budget. She is also the author of the books Natural Beauty Made Simple and Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple .

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Hi Tracey! I’m just trying to figure out how many drops of oils to put in the 2ml bottles for my purse and do you dilute them? Thanks, Donna

It depends on the recipe – but I usually do about 5-10 drops in a 2 ml bottle.

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Can You Travel With Essential Oils? YES – Read Our Definitive Guide

Anytime you’re going on a trip, it’s a good idea to bring your essential oils along with you so that you can benefit from them even when you’re away from home.

The actual process of bringing them is where things can get tricky… but know that it’s completely possible as long as you make sure that they’re safe and follow a few easy guidelines.

Today we’re going to discuss what you need to know if you’re going to fly with essential oils (good news, it’s not as bad as you think!). We’ll also touch on how to safely transport your essential oils on a long car trip. Finally, we’ll touch on a few of our favorite essential oils to bring along.

Can You Fly With Essential Oils?

Yes, as long as you follow a few guidelines.

If you’re going to check your luggage, you can legally bring along pretty much all the essential oil you’d reasonably want to travel with. Make sure that it’s in a strong storage case so that nothing breaks during the trip.

If you’re traveling light and only have a carry-on bag, things get a little more complex but are certainly doable.

The first thing to understand is the TSA’s “3-1-1” liquids rule. It’s a little difficult to understand at first glance (there’s a shocker!) but it’s not so bad once it clicks.

The general idea is that you can carry on a clear zip-lock bag with as many 3.4 ounce-or-less containers in it as you can reasonably fit in there. The “as many” portion of the rule is a little vague, so use your best judgement—if you’ve got a zip-lock bag with 10 or 15 essential oil bottles inside, you’re probably fine. If it’s at the point to where it’s going to burst open, you’re probably not. Just make sure that you can

Understanding the TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquid Rule for Essential Oils

The 3-1-1 rule is how the TSA regulates the amount of liquid any one passenger can bring onto a plane in their carry-on bag, including essential oils.

The “3” means that the maximum container size for any kind of liquid (like essential oils) cannot be larger than 3.4 ounces. This is roughly equivalent to 100 milliliters. There’s a pretty good chance your essential oil bottles are only 15mL each (it’ll say on the bottle), which is about half an ounce.

Note that you can’t have a bigger container with less than 3.4 ounces of liquid in it. So for example, say you had 3 ounces of liquid in a 6 ounce bottle—you can’t bring that on an airplane. The odds of anyone trying to transport their essential oils like this are pretty slim but we thought we’d mention it for clarity’s sake.

The first “1” is for one zip lock bag.

The second “1” is for one person.

So, you can have one zip lock bag per person filled with essential oils or whatever other liquids you want to carry on. If you’re traveling with your significant other, kids, friends, etc., each person is allowed to have their own bag. (Yes, my husband is my essential oil mule.)

To be double-extra sure about what you can take with you, take a look at the TSA’s official explanation of the 3-1-1 liquids rule here .

Tips for Traveling By Car With Essential Oils

If you’re on a long car trip, you’ll want two things:

• A sturdy carrying case to keep your essential oils safe from bumps, dips, and being jostled around in general.
• A car vent diffuser . Take a look at the ones we carry (they’re seriously awesome, I can’t even imagine driving without one anymore).

If you want to protect your investment, the case is basically non-negotiable. Don’t think that just by tossing your essential oils into the glove compartment or center console that they’ll be safe… when you’re on a long trip, things happen.

Whether or not you decide to get one of our essential oil cases , we suggest that you get a case that’s capable of fitting all your oils and above all is well padded.

What Essential Oils are Good to Have on a Trip?

Bring your favorites! Citronella, peppermint, lemon, and especially lavender are all great choices. If you need a little inspiration, we’ve got a few suggestions and recipes all ready to go for you:

• Reduce travel stress and improve focus with the recipes we discussed in the following post: Everyone is Talking About These Essential Oils That Improve Emotional Health
• Our non-toxic room spray recipe is great for hotel rooms or your car.
• Going camping? Check out our essential oils and camping post: These Essential Oil Recipes Will Make You Love Camping Again .

Safe Travels, Oilers!

If you’re anything like my family, you’ve worked hard to replace the store-bought stuff with all-natural DIY alternatives. With some careful planning, you don’t need to compromise your choices. Take the oils with you and be careful on the road or in the sky!

• Tags: Essential Oil Cases , Essential Oil Storage , Essential Oils

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Thanks for sharing this with me! Merry Christmas!

Do the oil bottles have to be new with an original seal when you are fkying? I am flying out of country and want to take my MOST essenntial roller bottles that have their original labels but have been opened.

They do not need to be sealed. I’ve flown many times with my roller bottles and other oil bottles that have been opened. 🙂

What about diy essential oil roll ons? With homemade labels? Wilk those work

Thank you so much for all this information!! 🙂 happy travels…

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Best Essential Oils for Travel (and How to Use Them)

In this Article

From combating jet lag to easing the itch of bug bites, these three plant extracts are, um, essential  for travel. Whether I’m exploring near home or traveling halfway around the world, these are the best essential oils for travel.

I have an MBA (and not an MD), so the advice in this article is based on my personal experience and how I use essential oils for travel. It should in no way be perceived as medical advice since I’m clearly lacking the letters required on my diploma to be a physician.

They hit without warning, and they don’t care if I’m at home, across town, or exploring the world. Maybe there is a slight ringing in my ears, or maybe I have trouble reading all of the letters on my phone screen. But within 30 minutes, I can’t move without feeling like my brain is slamming into my skull. And even the faintest ray of light causes a pain that feels like a spike being driven through my head.

If you’re a fellow migraine sufferer, the scenario above is likely familiar. And, if you’re like me, you’re willing to try just about anything that kicks your migraine to the curb and gets you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

That’s why I eagerly tried essential oils  for migraines about ten years ago when they were recommended as an alternative to an emergency room visit for a shot of narcotics or 24 hours in bed in a pitch black room with prescription pills to get rid of a migraine.

They worked like magic!

A few drops of either lavender essential oil  or peppermint essential oil at the onset of a migraine has worked wonders ever since, and essential oils are a welcome alternative to expensive prescriptions and painful injections.

From there, I started incorporating more and more essential oils into everyday life, from beauty regimens to cleaning supplies. And when on the road, these are my recommended  essential oils for travel .

Sage Advice:  Peppermint is a “hot” oil. This means it can only be applied to the skin when diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. If not diluted properly, applying peppermint oil can cause skin irritation.

Related Article:   The Best Essential Oil Carrying Case for Travel

What are Your Favorite Essential Oils for Travel?

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To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are plant extracts derived by distillation or cold pressing. The concentrated liquid possesses the same aroma and beneficial properties of the source plants. Essential oils are used for a range of wellness, beauty, and household purposes.

Choosing the Best Essential Oils

Before we jump into my favorite essential oils for travel, let’s talk about the top essential oil companies.

Like many people adding essential oils into their lives, I started with Young Living and doTerra essential oil brands. While I believe both companies sell quality oils, I quickly grew tired of the ordering process, shipping fees, and other hassles associated with these multi-level marketing companies.

That’s why I was so delighted to discover  Rocky Mountain Oils , and why I’ve been a raving fan for several years. Rocky Mountain Oils offers the same high quality products at an affordable price with much lower shipping fees and zero MLM drama.

Here are a few reasons I’m a loyal customer:

• Dedication to quality . Rocky Mountain Oils conducts a rigorous quality check every essential oil it sells, offering only therapeutic grade oils.
• Commitment to sustainability . As a company focused on the healing properties of the earth’s flowers, grasses, fruits, roots, trees, and leaves, Rocky Mountain Oils is also dedicated to responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices.
• Free shipping . Get free shipping on all US orders of $25 and up.
• Rewards program . Called Club Oil’ty, the Rocky Mountain Oils rewards program allows you to collect points toward $5, $10, and $15 off coupons.
• Satisfaction guarantee . If you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, Rocky Mountain Oils will refund your money without any hassle.
• Anti-MLM . The founder of Rocky Mountain Oils hates multi-level marketing as much as I do!

So now let’s jump into the best essential oils for travel!

1. Lavender, the Most Versatile Essential Oil for Travel

Distilled from the flowers of the  lavender plant ,  lavender oil  is the queen of all essential oils. It’s been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,500 years, and if you can only carry one essential oil when you travel, this is the best essential oil for travel!

Best Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

• Reduce stress or anxiety . Flight canceled? Highway at a standstill?  Just inhale  lavender essential oil  or apply a couple of drops to your temples or wrists and immediately feel a calm wash over you.
• Battle insomnia or jet lag . If you are  too excited to sleep  or are struggling to adjust to the local time zone,  lavender essential oil  can help. Simply inhale or apply to your temples or wrists as above. Or add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a travel diffuser at bedtime.
• Heal minor burns . A drop of  lavender essential oil  on a minor burn minimizes pain, reduces redness, and helps the burn heal.
• Clean and heal cuts . In addition to its healing properties, lavender has antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. Apply a drop of  lavender essential oil  to the cut to help stop the bleeding, clean and disinfect the wound, and speed up healing.
• Battle nausea or motion sickness . New foods, different time zones, planes, trains, and automobiles — travel can bring nausea and motion sickness. Fight back with a drop of  lavender essential oil  behind the ears or by your navel.
• Soothe aching muscles . Did you walk a marathon exploring your destination? Hike longer or higher than usual? Add a few drops of  lavender essential oil  to a bath and soak the soreness away.
• Strike back at headaches .  And, of course,  lavender essential oil  can help with headaches, from the garden variety to a debilitating migraine.

Sage Advice :  Provided you follow the  current TSA rules  regarding liquids, you are allowed to carry your essential oils on an airplane. Look for a padded carrier to safely store your most essential of essential oils in your purse, backpack, or another carry-on. I like this  padded essential oil case , because it’s just the right size for my essential oils for travel.

Related Article: 14 Super Easy Ways to Avoid Getting Sick When Traveling

2. Lemon, a Bright Essential Oil for Travel

Lemon essential oil  is made from the rind of the fruit. I always travel with a bottle of lemon oil, because its fresh scent helps brighten spirits on a dreary day, soothes sore throats, fights allergies, and is my go-to remedy for insect bites.

Best Uses for Lemon Essential Oil

• Address acid indigestion and heartburn .  Add a drop of  lemon oil  to a glass of water and drink to help your tummy troubles disappear.
• Comfort a sore throat . Add a few drops of  lemon essential oil  to hot water and honey and sip to reduce sore throat pain.
• Attack allergies and hayfever . Exciting, new destinations can also mean new plants, animals, and allergens. Inhaling  lemon essential oil  or applying it to the soles of the feet helps with seasonal allergies, asthma, and related respiratory issues.
• Bid farewell to bugs and their bites .  Mosquitos, fleas, and other bugs hate the smell of  lemon essential oil , but if you are bitten, one drop on the bite immediately removes the itchiness.

3. Sage, an Essential Oil with Cleansing Properties

Beyond being my namesake herb, Sage has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Native Americans and Mediterraneans have used sage to treat ailments like coughs, asthma, inflammation, and digestive disorders.

Sage is a fresh-smelling essential oil with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This makes it the perfect essential oil for travel, especially when everyone is on heightened alert for germs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best Uses for Sage Essential Oil

• Keep germs at bay . A medical study showed that sage essential oil was effective in preventing diseases caused by E. coli and other germs.
• Soothe sore muscles .  If you walked a marathon while sightseeing or tackled a hiking trail that was more than you imagined, soothe sore muscles by adding a few drops of sage essential oil to a carrier oil — like jojoba oil , fractionated coconut oil , or almond oil — or lotion and massaging it into your sore spots.
• Sharpen your mind . Sage essential oil has been linked to improved memory and cognition. Plus, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of sage essential oil is believed to help prevent further progression of dementia. 
• Prevent cavities. Using a mouthwash that includes a few drops of sage essential oil can kill the germs that cause cavities.

Sage Advice:   Unlike lavender and lemon essential oils, sage essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin. Always dilute sage essential oil by adding five or six drops to one ounce of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil , jojoba oil , or almond oil before applying to your skin.

4. Immune Strength, an Essential Oil Blend

A blend of clove bud , cinnamon bark , lemon , orange , oregano , mandarin , thyme , rosemary , nutmeg , ginger root , and eucalyptus essential oils, Immune Strength has natural disinfecting and cleansing properties.

Sage Advice:  Immune Strength is similar to the Thieves essential oil blend made by Young Living.

Best Uses for Immune Strength Essential Oil Blend

• Boost your immunity .  Apply Immune Strength roll-on to your neck, wrists, or inside of your elbows before boarding a plane, train, or entering another crowded area to help keep germs away.
• Clean and disinfect . Sanitize surfaces like airplane tray tables, public tables and chairs, and other areas by combining 30 to 40 drops of Immune Strength in a 4-oz glass spray bottle with 2 Tbsp witch hazel and 1 tsp fractionated coconut oil .

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling with Essential Oils

Can you take essential oils on a plane.

Yes, provided you follow the  current TSA rules regarding liquids, you can take essential oils on an airplane. 

What are the best essential oils for jet lag?

My favorite essential oil for jet lag is lavender essential oil . Breathe in the oil directly from the amber glass bottle, apply a drop to your temples or wrists, or add a few drops of lavender oil to a travel diffuser just before you retire for the evening.

Other great essential oils for jet lag include:

• cedarwood (inhale directly from the bottle or apply a drop of oil to your pressure points),
• lemongrass  (inhale or apply to pressure points), and
• peppermint (apply diluted via a roll-on applicator when you feel your energy level drop).

What are the best essential oils for travel sickness?

Whether you’re battling nausea or motion sickness, lavender essential oil can bring fast relief. Simply apply a few drops of oil, like behind each ear or by your navel.

Other great essential oils for travel sickness include ginger root  (add a drop to water or soda water) and peppermint  or spearmint  (add a drop to a cup of tea or mix with lotion and rub into the soles of your feet).

What are the best essential oils for flying anxiety?

My go-to essential oil for flying anxiety is lavender. Either inhale the fragrant oil or apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to your temples or wrists and feel its calming effect wash over you.

Do You Use Essential Oils for Travel?

What are your  go-to essential oils for travel? How do you use them when you’re on the road? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Looking for more helpful travel tips? Everyday Wanderer is packed with all sorts of additional travel planning tips including everything an American needs to know before visiting Europe for the first time , how to adjust to higher altitudes , easy ways to avoid getting sick while traveling,  and more!

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

• Find low fares with  airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
• Book your plane ticket with   Expedia or Kayak
• Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
• From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo  
• Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
• Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS , Tiqets , and Viator
• Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
• Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Thank you for sharing!

12 thoughts on “Best Essential Oils for Travel (and How to Use Them)”

Amazing article…totally agree with you thanks for sharing the article with everyone..

I heard how helpful essential oils are but I didn’t know a lot of this information. We use lavender on our son to help him sleep at night but I didn’t know all the other things. The tip for itching mosquitoe bites is great. I have sensitive skin so I cannot use a lot of products. I will be looking into these oils.

I have sensitive skin, too, and just one drop of lemon oil mixed into my lotion does wonders to remove all kinds of itching, from bug bites to poison ivy. (And sadly, I’m on the tail end of a battle with poison ivy right now.)

I’ve never heard of the World Traveler oil – but I use Lemon and Lavender all the time when I travel! I also have a balm from Badger Balm that’s full of lemon and orange and rosemary that I use to help with jetlag!

World Traveler is what I call a blend that helps keeps germs at bay, so it’s not too surprising you haven’t heard of it! 🙂 Your balm sounds like good stuff!

Love the recipe for the World Traveller! Since I hate to take pills or use some chemical medication, I really find this post very inspiring. Also since the bottles are so small you can fit them even in your purse. A trio of lifesavers, for sure!

I’m like you and always prefer to pursue all natural options before resulting to pills or prescriptions. That’s what makes me such a fan of essential oils!

I always use lavender. I can’t live without it. It’s great for insomnia which I have a severe case of lol

Oh, yes! Me, too. It’s like magic!

Looks like some great essential oil blends to try! I’m not travelling anytime soon but these will be useful, I love lavender and lemon.

Let me know how they work for you!

Awesome post, this is great information on my three favorite oils. I always have them in my purse especially Thieves since I work in a hospital.

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Essential Oils for Travel

18 best essential oils for travel, how to use them, & travel tips.

Traveling with essential oils is one of our favorite things to do. The best essential oils for travel are always in our bags.

Because travel can be stressful. It demands patience and focus, while at the same time tempting us to be let our guard down, feel free, and relax.

We love traveling with essential oils because they help manage the stress, anxiety, and joy that comes with jumping time zones. Added bonus: They keep your skin looking fresh, and can even be used as a natural disinfectant for treating unexpected cuts (and, actually, gnarly AirBNB appliances as well).

Here’s our guide to the 18 best essential oils to travel with, how to use them, and random tips to make your next trip totally awesome. Enjoy!

18 Best Essential Oils for Travel

So, what are the best essential oils to travel with? Here is a list of favorites, crowd sourced from our Instagram page .

Individual essential oils:

• Frankincense
• Helichrysum
• Ylang Ylang

Therapeutic essential oils blends:

• *Anxiety: A calming blend of Lavender, Rose Essential Oil, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, and Frankincense.
• *De-stress: A therapeutic blend of Lime, Lavandin, Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange, Geranium, Citral Natural, and Litsea Cubeba.
• *Sensation: An arousing blend of Coriander, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Jasmine and Geranium.
• *Valiance: A peaceful experience with Black Spruce Essential oil, Camphor Essential Oil, Blue Tansy Essential Oil, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Essential Oil, and Geranium.
• *Meditation: A sublime combination of oils known to relax the senses and promote inner calm.
• *Muscle ease: A soothing yet invigorating blend of Peppermint, Wintergreen, Blue Tansy, Helichrysum, Roman Chamomile, Ginger, Ylang Ylang, and Black Pepper.
• *Brain Power: An invigorating dose of Sandalwood, Cedar Wood, Melissa, Frankincense, Blue Cypress, and Helichrysum essential oils.

*Therapeutic blends are a unique combination of 100% pure, natural, and cruelty free oils that are known to work together synergistically. For more information on these unique blends, visit our essential oils travel kits  page.

Why use essential oils while traveling?

Most people associate essential oils with aroma therapy. They picture diffusers, clouds of gentle mist, and zen-like relaxation. But relaxation is not the only thing essential oils are used for.

Take Peppermint essential oil, for example. Studies show this energetic oil can significantly reduce the symptoms of IBS, which can unexpectedly ruin even the most perfectly planned vacation (i). Yet peppermint has also been shown to instantly increase physical performance by up to 36%, a secret that many professional athletes have long used as a competitive advantage while on the road (ii).

Peppermint is the perfect example of versatile essential oils can be. It’s no wonder they make the perfect travel companion—aside from your significant other, of course.

Here are just a few of our favorite reasons to travel with essential oils:

• Bug Repellent. Did you know that essential oils are a cruelty-free way to stay bite-free? Visit our article on how to make homemade bug spray from essential oils!
• First aid: Knick your finger? Cut your leg on your jungle adventure? Oils can be used to disinfect and soothe cuts and scrapes.
• Stress relief: There are many travel induced stressors. Essential oils can be used to relieve tension, anxiety, restlessness, and other feelings of discontent. We like to think they help fellow travelers within smelling distance, too. Learn more about essential oils for travel anxiety .
• Health and wellness: Let’s face it, you’re exposed to a lot of germs when you’re traveling. We use essential oils to prevent illness (hello 5 Thieves!), or perk us up if we’ve caught a cold. We also use oils for mouthwash, decongestants, upset stomach, and even as a nontoxic cleaning aid when traveling off the beaten path. You can even use essential oils for motion sickness .
• Optimal performance: Traveling requires a lot of brain power and physical energy, but oils can be used to stay sharp mentally. Many travelers use essential oils for jet lag , to increase energy, and unwind from a long day of sightseeing.
• Skincare: Traveling can be tough on skin. Sun, wind, stress, and jumping time zones are just a few of the things that can add years to your complexion. But essential oils can be used to clean, tone, moisturize, and rejuvenate skin without ever compromising your adventure schedule.

Tips for Traveling with Essential Oils

Invest in a travel kit with specific, travel-related formulas. If you travel often, you know what it’s like to try and fit all the “essentials” into a single suitcase. Now, imagine trying to fit all 18 of the best oils for travel into your carry-on. It would be a challenge (and let’s be real, we want to leave PLENTY of room for vegan snacks ).

So, our #1 tip is to invest in an essential oils travel kit  with both stand-alone oils and therapeutic blends. For example, a formula like De-stress has a combination of crisp aromas that work together to create a sense of peace and tranquility while traveling. One blend, countless benefits, and a cinch to travel with.

Don’t sweat TSA. If you are flying somewhere and want to use your oils in-flight, remember that the Transportation Security Admin (TSA) limits the size of liquids that you can travel with. At this time (2018), that limit is 3.4 ounces. Most essential oils come in bottles that are way smaller than that.

For more information on flying with oils, diffusers, and carrier oils, visit our guide to flying with essential oils .

Remember your carrier oil. Carrier oils are important to remember, especially if you travel with an essential oil that needs diluted before use. When traveling with carrier oils, think about where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and how you will use essential oils along the way. For example, remember to travel with no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid oils if you’ll be traveling via airplane and want to carry the oils onboard.

Be mindful of fellow travelers. We like to think everyone benefits from essential oils (including fellow travelers who are lucky enough to be downwind of your diffuser). However, that isn’t always the case. Everyone has unique preferences, so be mindful of those around you. Consider traveling with a diffuser, a roller, and an inhaler. Use the diffuser when you are in an open space or private room, but opt for a roller or inhaler when sharing a space with others.

Compare Travel Kits

If you made it this far, you’re probably thinking, Hot damn, I need to get my paws on some essential oils!

But which essential oils should you choose? And what’s all this talk about diffusers, inhalers, and carrier oils?

With the help of licensed aroma therapists, we’ve hand-selected 7 unique essential oils travel kits for your viewing pleasure. Every oil is 100% pure, vegan, and therapeutic-grade.

Oh, and a portion of each sale benefits one of our favorite vegan charities. Happy browsing!

Want to learn more? Visit our guide to essential oils travel kits to compare 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils for travel.

References:

(i) Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. NCBI. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24100754 .

(ii) Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance . NCBI. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103722/ .

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How to Travel with Essential Oils (and the BEST OILS for your NEXT TRIP!)

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy here.

It still amazes me that 8 months ago I didn’t use essential oils, and now, I’m not sure I could go a day without them. Especially when I travel, my essential oils are my arsenal of wellness and happiness– just a few bottles cover so many things! They’ve been to Florida (twice), OBX (twice), Atlanta, Boston, Turks & Caicos… seriously, they’ve saved me more than once and I can’t believe that my little tote of oils can do SO DARN MUCH. Here’s some tricks to traveling with oils, plus my inside scoop on which ones you should never leave home without whether you’re going down the street or across the globe. 😉 Bon Voyage!

1. Invest in a carrying case! They aren’t very expensive and make great gifts too. I carry on all my oils when flying, so it tucks right into my carry-on or purse. The everyday essential oil case I have is very similar to this one . I also have a keychain carrier that’s perfect for using and sharing the oils on-the-go, and that little guy has saved me more than once.

2. Yes, they can go through the x-ray at the airport. While it’s probably better to have them hand checked, I never have enough time to go through that rigamarole. I simply send them through the scanner in my oil case and they’re JUST FINE.

3. Roadtrips and oils go hand in hand. Ever get sleepy on the road? Peppermint is my go-to roadtrip oil! I put a drop in my hands or in my car diffuser and I’m back on track. Purification is also amazing for roadtrips, especially the we’ve-been-in-the-car-for-hours-eating-fast-food variety. 😉

4. To diffuse or not to diffuse? If I’m taking a road trip (particularly an extended one) I’ll usually pack my Young Living home diffuser because it works so well. However, that’s not very practical for flying or when space is tight. They do have travel diffusers (the YL Orb diffuser looks amazing) but when I’m packing light I skip it and use my hands to inhale the oils.

4. Don’t be caught without a carrier oil. Some oils need to be diluted before using (like Thieves, which you will certainly want to have while traveling) so I filled an empty oil bottle from an oil I’d used up with V6. You can also use olive oil, sweet almond oil, or other carrier but you’ll definitely want a little bit on hand, even if it’s in a tiny sized sample bottle.

My Must-Have Essential Oils for Traveling

So now you know the how, here’s the what! These are the oils I never want to leave home without, and how I use them while on the road:

Citronella oil – We all know what citronella is good for. If we’re staying in a hotel, I dab this all over the beds. When we’re outside, it’s our DIY outdoor spray . Ditch the chemical sprays and go with all natural citronella!

Thieves oil- Also in our Hall of Fame, if I could only take one oil, it would be Thieves. I actually take two bottles with me. One is diluted with a carrier oil and has a roller ball on top. I use that on our feet after walking through security sans shoes, and each morning and night. The other bottle is straight up Thieves with no carrier oil, for just in case. It’s also great in warm water as a ‘tea’ for when you’ve been talking too much (who, me?)

Purification oil- Ever stay in a room with more than one person? Go on a girlfriends getaway and share a bathroom? Are you catching my drift? Make your own ‘Poo-pouri’ by putting a drop or two right in the potty to negate odors. Also makes a great outdoor spray, or use if there’s stinky situations to clear the air. Tee hee.

Peppermint oil- great for improving focus! See #3 above for how I use it in the car.

Valerian oil- Valerian is my best friend. It smells terrible, but I put a few drops on my feet, cover them with socks, and zzzzz…. was I saying something?

Lavender oil- Ahhhhhhh, lavender. Like a spaaaaaa. Calming and soothing. Perfect for airplane takeoffs, landings, turbulence, and pretty much any point while flying if you’re at all like me.

Valor oil- See lavender. Valor is my favorite smelling oil of all time. I drench myself in it (not really, figuratively– really a few drops behind the ears or on the jawline) and I feel ready to fly! (or kayak, or snorkel, or whatever brave thing I need to do).

Deep Relief oil- this roll on blend is formulated for using after activity or when you overdo things a bit. Not that I do that while on vacation. (cramped planes? carrying 4 suitcases through the airport?  hiking gone wild? BOOM!)

DiGize Vitality oil- a must-have for traveling! Don’t leave home without it!

Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier- I LOVE THIS STUFF. It’s softer on my hands and smells terrific, like Christmas. I feel good using this on my kids (all the time) while traveling!

NingXia Red- I drink NingXia Red daily. It’s totally changed my life. It’s a nutritional supplement made with powerful NingXia Wolfberry puree and other essential oils to optimize wellness. I love the 2 oz. packets because I either throw them in the cooler or bring them along and store in a fridge for my daily boost! They are shelf stable but taste better cold, so it’s totally fine to travel with them at room temperature (but I highly recommend drinking it cold because it’s tasty).

Now who’s ready for a {well oiled} road trip?

And if you’re ready to try more natural cleaning ingredients, click the image below to get a free ebook for the cleaning your home with vinegar. 

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8 Essential oils for travel you need to have in your pack

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Essential oils are one of the best things ever invented. They have so many benefits. I can’t leave the house without one of my essential oils. They come in handy in many situations in day to day life. I even use essential oils for travel and am really happy with how they help with jet lag and motion sickness.

Photo credit: Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash

This post will introduce you to the benefits of essential oils for travel and essential oils for jet lag as well as a basic overview of why you should try essential oils for yourself.

Let’s get stuck in.

Keep in mind this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through them, I will get a small referral fee and you will be supporting me and my blog at no extra cost to you, so thank you! 

Why use essential oils for travel?

Photo credit: Chelsea-shapouri on Unsplash

It’s pretty cool to be able to travel with something that will give you relief and help you in some way without going to a pharmacy.

The most common essential oils are; Bergamont, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, frankincense, rosemary and tea tree. You may even have these essential oils in your home without realising their incredible benefits!

These are probably some of the staples to take travelling because they can help in many situations.

The best essential oils for travel

1. bergamot.

Photo credit: Graphic Node

Bergamot might almost be my all-time favourite essential oil for travel and everyday life. Bergamot is one of the best essential oils for flying anxiety (which I suffer from badly).

Bergamot is an awesome oil for relief if you are feeling nervous or feeling down and stressed. It uplifts, energises and smells amazing!

Some other cool facts about Bergamot is that it is derived from a citrus fruit tree which has a particularly strong aroma of citrus and spice. It can be used to improve blood circulation and serve as an anti-depressant.

It also has antibiotic and disinfectant properties which can help in preventing infections. If you’re suffering from headaches, pains or sprains Bergamont can actually help in easing the feeling of pain in the body. This may come in handy when you’re experiencing jet lag or run down.

There are probably 100 different benefits from Bergamot oil but a couple more include aiding digestion, skincare, helping body odour (could come in handy when you haven’t showered for days on your van life adventure?), reducing fever and killing germs ( Organicfacts ).

One of the best essential oils brands is located in Kaikoura in the South Island of New Zealand called Wildflower Botanicals. They smell amazing, work magic and the owner is incredibly talented. Check them out here.

2. Peppermint

The all-time best energiser and one of the best essential oils for focus.

Peppermint oil is magic and has a range of benefits. It is one of my favourite essential oils for motion sickness.

You could probably buy peppermint oil simply for its smell and feel-good aroma. It’s my favourite essential oil for travel when I need to feel awake after a long haul flight or if I need a little energy boost without having a coffee.

Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils for nausea. It can also help reduce stomach aches and digestive issues. If you suffer from IBS, using peppermint oil or having peppermint tea can be extremely useful.

3. Lavender

Photo credit Leonard Cotte

The all-rounder! One of the best essential oils for meditation and the best essential oils for travel.

Lavender has a range of uses that may come in handy in almost any situation. I often use lavender on my pillow at night to help me sleep or rub it around my ears to help me relax.

Lavender oil has incredible relaxation components as it helps to relieve nervous tension, pain and aids sleep. The calming scent of lavender oil makes it perfect to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms which is great if you suffer from flight anxiety.

If you do suffer from flight anxiety and would like some tips on how to reduce your fear of flying head on over to my post: How To Deal With Your Fear Of Flying. 

4. Eucalyptus

Photo credit: Georgia De Lotz

Getting the cold or flu? Feeling a bit run down while travelling? Eucalyptus is your friend!

Eucalyptus is one of the best essential oils for the flu and an incredible multi-talented oil. I’m sure you’re all aware of its benefits for helping to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu as tissues are often lined with eucalyptus oil.

It has incredible anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties but it can also help with hair nourishing, itchy scalp, protecting from bugs, help with cold sores, reducing fever and bad breath to name a few benefits ( Up-nature ).

Definitely useful to pack in your travel bag!

5. Frankincense

Photo credit Christin Hume

The King of essential oils for travel sickness.

Another A list essential oil! Maybe you’re heading skiing on your travels? Or, hiking up a windy mountain? Frankincense is a good essential oil for travel as it can help relieve the effects of dry skin and sunburn.

Don’t apply it directly to your dry skin without diluting it first.

If you’re thinking of having a few cocktails on your travels then Frankincense is probably your number 1 essential oil for travelling as it is known to be a hangover cure!

One of the main reasons I use Frankincense is to help with feelings of stress.

6. Rosemary 

Photo credit Luigi Pozzoli

Perhaps another hangover cure! Rosemary is actually an aromatic herb but has many more benefits than simply tasting nice!

Maybe you’re spending lots of time at the beach on your travels? Rosemary can help to condition hair to make it look healthy!

The main reasons Rosemary can help is to improve your memory, soothe digestive issues and relieve muscle aches and pains. It is an overall great essential oil to take travelling and to have in your house.

7. Tea Tree

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

Doing any outdoor activities on your travels? Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for bug repellent. And probably your must-have essential oil for travel. Especially if you are travelling through the west coast of the South Island of NZ where sandflies are most annoying! (Learn more about the West Coast here ).

Tea tree oil can help you out as it helps to soothe itchy bites and actually works as an insect repellant!

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a tea tree and can actually help with all sorts of things. It can be applied to the skin to help treat acne, lice, scabies, athlete foot, cuts, ear infections and even toothaches!

While I was travelling through NZ in my van I used tea tree oil a lot to help my itchy bites, heal scratches and bumps. It’s kind of like a first-aid solution!

If you would like to learn more about travelling NZ in a van check out my Vanlife section here. 

8. My Favourite blend!

I mainly use a mix of essential oils for sleep, anxiety and stress relief, awareness and clarity.

They really help to ease my feelings of depression and anxiety and are particularly useful when I am feeling anxious on planes, trains, buses or even in situations that include talking to a bunch of people or new social situations.

I have definitely found one of my favourites by Inner Essentials and maybe you will love them too. It’s a blend of bergamot, frankincense, juniper, lavender and ylang-ylang aimed at reducing anxiety and stress it also is one of my favourite essential oils for seasickness.

I brought it from a market in Melbourne a few years ago and had to order some more because it is absolutely amazing!

The scent smells wonderful and is extremely relaxing. It helps me snap out of a stressful funk almost instantly when accompanied by a deep breath. I like to use it when I am feeling stressed at work or flying on a plane.

You can buy this blend in 10ml ($14 AUS) or 50ml bottles ($42 AUS) online from the Inner Essentials Facebook page and website . Just message Robyn who is super lovely and can sort you out or, add it to your shopping cart!

My top 2 essential oils for jet lag

All of the above oils can be used in some way to help cure your jetlag but I suggest the following two essential oils for jet lag that have helped me in the past.

• Peppermint- It is like the Kind Daddy of essential oils helping you in many situations but particularly when you feel sick or like a zombie after travel. I suggest this one for all of your long haul flights!
• Lavender – Another King Daddy. Sleeping in a dorm room with 8 others? Can’t sleep? Lavender oil should be able to help you out. Feeling stressed on a flight? Lavender oil’s got your back. I can’t rate it enough.

The best essential oil travel mist spray

By now you are aware of the benefits and incredible aroma of essential oils and that’s awesome. But, can you imagine how great essential oils are when transformed into an essential oil spray or mist?!

They provide the ultimate mindfulness tool in an easy access spray bottle, perfect for anywhere you go and small enough to slot into your hiking pack.

My favourite mists are from Combardis Elixirs . They are specially formulated to help you in specific areas such as love, abundance, freedom, clarity, inner strength and a whole lot more.

Karen has created a ray of special blends all designed for a specific mindful purpose unique to how you are feeling.

I can truly say the mists will pleasantly awaken your senses, improve your ability to focus on the area you need support in and leave you with a clear and calm state of mind ready to keep on keeping on!

When travelling you have limited room to squeeze in all the necessities but don’t worry, these mists are 50ml and pretty small. All of the mists have their own special essential oil blend, purified water, natural dispersant and are most importantly filled with LOVE. Below are the details of my favourite mists.

Free The Spirit

This is quite possible my favourite mist. It is so beautifully designed to really create the feeling of being free, perfect for when you are needing some extra confidence while travelling.

When spraying the mist I feel as though I am walking through a beautiful, lush forest full of nourishing trees while at the same time being kissed by the glistening sun, which is beaming down and rejuvenating my spirit.

The personal description on the bottle is:

“Open your heart and mind allowing your authentic and creative energy to flow”.

Followed by the affirmation:

“I am free to be me”.

The Ingredients are:

Lemongrass, Bergamont, Cedarwood and Ylang Ylang.

Spicy and woody with an uplifting vibe. The lemongrass is subtle but strong. The touch of bergamot instantly generates feelings of relaxation and calm. The mist is combined really well with a scent that you will want to spray again and again.

You can use it:

When you need to feel awake yet relaxed and are looking forward to a restful break. Maybe even at the airport? The essential oil spray is fantastic to use when you want to create positive energy, have a good weekend and feel excited, rejuvenated and alive.

Highest Potential

Reach your potential with this amazing essential oil spray perfectly made to bring out the best version of yourself. I felt instantly alive, happy, awake and ready to start my day as soon as the mist had left the bottle and made its way to my crown.

Everything you were worrying about before is instantly removed from your thought, you will feel as though anything is possible and life is good.

“Remove any limiting beliefs, strengthen your confidence within and strive for the highest”.

“I am inspired to be the best version of me”.

The ingredients are:

Sweet Orange, Lime, Geranium, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang and Rose Otto.

Zesty. The lime hints stand out the most and linger perfectly on your skin. It smells sweet and tangy like sherbert or a sweet and sour lolly. The Rose Otto also stands out giving it a nice flowery scent. The Sweet Orange hints are crafted beautifully, helping you to feel alive and refreshed.

First thing in the morning or when you need to feel awake. If you want to kick-start your day with good intentions and take control then this mist is the perfect tool. You could even use the mist when you are feeling down, nervous or in need of a confidence boost.

(Cost for both mists mentioned above $30 AUS – International shipping is $15.00 AUS).

Essential oil travel kit 

Now you might want to get a collection of essential oils for travel! How are you going to take them all with you? Try an essential oils travel case like this one on Amazon, or chuck them in your handbag, completely up to you!

Loved this post on essential oils for travel? Be sure to pin the image below to save this article for later! 

Other articles you might like:

How to deal with your fear of flying 

The best digital nomad jobs for beginners 

Related posts:

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5 Favorite Essential Oils for Traveling and How to Use Them

Do you have a family vacation, summer trip, or even a weekend getaway planned? When on the road or in the air, my oils are always with me. I make sure to take the extra time when packing to include these 5 favorite essential oils for traveling.

While traveling is usually an exciting adventure, there may be a few unexpected issues that arise while away from home. Having my oils with me brings me comfort and piece of mind.

I love knowing that if an itchy bug bite, car sick child, or smelly hotel room comes my way...I have a natural solution ready!

Do You Bring Essential Oils With You When Traveling?

During a giveaway, we asked our fans: Do you bring essential oils with you when you are traveling?  The answers were multiple choice and they were:

We had 218 people vote, thank you for participating. Here are the results:

Do the results surprise you? I expected the majority would say they did but I didn't expect that 90% usually-always bring essential oils when traveling. That just shows how much we love essential oils!

5 Essential Oils for Traveling

Here are my favorite essential oils for traveling, plus reasons why I like to use them when traveling. Your list may be a little different to accommodate you and your family and that is OK. Use this list as a jumping off point and bring what YOU need!

Quick Tip: Keep you travel bag and suitcase fresh by placing a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a tissue and put it inside the luggage. You may need to let it dry so it doesn't transfer any oil residue on your clothing or items in your suitcase.

More Essential Oils for Travel

Besides peppermint essential oil, tea tree oil and lemon essential oil, there are more essential oils that could be helpful during traveling.

Here are more oils that people find helpful when traveling: eucalyptus, rosemary, myrrh, bergamot, chamomile, Clary sage, geranium, juniper berry, marjoram, Melissa, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, and sandalwood.

In addition, oils for relaxation and immune system are beneficial during the travel season.

Essential Oil Ideas for Travel

If you're looking for an energy boost, consider using lemon or grapefruit oil. These invigorating scents can help you feel more alert and focused, perfect for long days of sightseeing. Add a few drops to your diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle when you need a pick-me-up.

Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils and for good reason. Its calming and relaxing properties can be a great help when dealing with travel stress. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser or apply topically to your temples and wrists.

Another great option for travelers is peppermint oil. It can help relieve nausea and motion sickness, making it perfect for long car or plane rides. Simply dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to your stomach or inhale as needed.

Essential Oils Accessories for Traveling

Here are some other supplies to think about adding to your packing list:

Essential Oil Car Diffuser

I love having an aromatherapy car diffuser in my car, especially for road trips. Last weekend I was on the road with my family and due to lots of curvy turns, I was getting a little nauseated (so was my oldest son). I just added several drops of peppermint to my car diffuser clip and the issue was gone!

Aromatherapy Inhalers

Essential oils have strong scents so they could potentially offend others around you in a car or airplane. A personal inhaler is a good option, prefill with the scent you anticipate needing and carry it with you!

Roller Bottles

Have some essential oils blends you can't live without? Roller bottles are a great way to bring them on the go, especially if they are a part of your daily routine. Prefill with essential oil blends you or your family will need on your trip.

I have a medium size carry case that I can easily grab and fill with all my essential oil goodies when traveling, but not completely overdo it :)

Carry Case for Purse

I also like to have a travel case and small vials filled with my oils in my purse.

Carrier Oils for Traveling

To apply essential oils topically when traveling, you will need to have an essential oil carrier with you.You can bring whatever you prefer, here are the two I like to travel with.

My favorite everyday carrier oil is jojoba oil . It absorbs good, mixes well with essential oils and great for all skin types. I like to fill a recycled 15 ml essential oil bottle with my carrier oil I am bringing, that way it is compact and easy to carry. It also allows me to plenty of space two bring another carrier oil if I need. Here is my favorite jojoba oil brand:

Unscented Lotion

This is an another easy way to apply essential oils topically without leaving any greasy feeling. I like to use unscented lotion with my bug repellent essential oils, pain rubs, and after shower moisturizer. Here is my favorite from Plant Therapy , even my husband liked it (and he is really picky with lotion!):

5 Tips to Avoid Jet Lag While Traveling

Are you traveling soon and worried about jet lag? You're not alone. Millions of people suffer from jet lag each year. But with these five tips, you can avoid jet lag and make your travel experience much more enjoyable.

• Leave on your trip well rested and hydrated
• Use flight as time to rest
• Stay awake until an early local bedtime
• Use lavender essential oil before bedtime for a good night's sleep
• Apply lavender roll on to the back of your neck and temples or under your nose to calm nerves during a bumpy flight

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The Best Essential Oils for Travel – Stock your Essential Oil Travel Kit!

• September 10, 2019

Shanna Schultz

Inside this post...

Essential oils deserve a place in your carry on luggage when you travel.  You can use essential oils when you travel in so many different ways. They really don’t take up that much room.  Here are my top suggestions for essential oils for travel. Many of these are the ones that I pack for our family every time we venture away from home!

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The Best All Around Essential Oils for Travel

Some oils serve multiple different purposes. Here are a few oils that are powerhouses for travel because they can serve in multiple different roles and help with different needs during your trip:

Lavender Essential Oil: This is my kids’ favorite oil for sleep (they remember the giant lavender plants at this amazing farm we stayed at in Spain ). You can use lavender essential oil in so many other ways! Google “Uses for lavender oil” and you will see why lavender oil is often called the Swiss army knife of essential oils. This oil is super supportive for your skin. A MUST for your travel tool kit!

Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense is one of the best oils to support the skin (think sun or wind burn). It is super supportive of the immune system. It helps you focus (can you say “Sesquiterpenes?). I have even read that it can help with hangovers! Score!

Essential Oils for Jet Lag

Essential oils have a lot to offer as far as supporting normal sleep patterns.  Changing time zones can be one of the most challenging aspects of travel. This is especially true for those who are traveling with children.  Here are some essential oils for travel and supplements that can help support normal sleep.

SleepEssence:  This unique supplement from Young Living contains four essential oils and melatonin.  This is a great way to support normal sleep patterns while traveling! 

Peace and Calming:  This essential oil blend is like relaxation in a bottle.  Seriously. Put a few drops of this in your travel essential oil diffuser before bedtime and it will take away any stress that you feel from the trials of travel. It really helps you to calm your mind so you can drift to sleep. 

Valerian:  This is another superstar oil for helping you catch some zzz’s while traveling.  My experience with valerian has always been that its strength is in helping me calm my busy mind. It also has relaxing properties for the body as well.  

Kid Scents Sleepylyze:  This oil blend is specially designed for use with children.  It can help to support normal sleep despite a time zone change while traveling!

Here is an amazing resource from the Young Living blog that goes in depth about essential oils for jet lag and sleep. 

I am passionate about getting you up and running using essential oils to support your wellness goals. 

If you are interested in learning more about essential oils, click here to sign up and receive my essential oils quick start guide including:.

• An exclusive “Introduction to Essential Oils” mini class via video
• An “Essential Oils Basics” Cheat Sheet
• BONUS REPORT:  Why Essential Oils Don’t Work
• An invitation to an upcoming class, either online or in person

Essential Oils to Support Healthy Energy Levels While Traveling

The rigors of travel can take their toll.  Who wants to get to their vacation and not be able to enjoy it because you are exhausted just from getting there ?  These awesome oils and supplements can help you stay on your game!  

En-R-Gee Essential Oil: This blend of uplifting oils can help you to stay awake when you hit your mid afternoon slump.  You can apply it topically or put it in your portable travel diffuser! 

Peppermint:  Peppermint essential oil has a long history of use for promoting healthy levels of energy.  This is a great addition to your travel essential oil travel kit as it can also be used to support healthy digestion!

Ninxia Nitro:  This easy to pack super tube contains a healthy alternative to caffeine and energy drinks.  Stash a couple in your carry on bags to help you when you REALLY need a power boost.

Citrus Fresh Vitality:  The uplifting scent of citrus essential oils paired with fresh smelling peppermint is sure to give you a boost in the afternoon when you are traveling and you find yourself reaching for a coffee (it is also a great oil to carry to freshen stuffy hotel rooms!)

Essential Oils to Support the Muscles and the Circulatory System

Copaiba:  Copaiba has a long history of use by South American healers in supporting health in a wide variety of ways.   It is a calming oil and is especially supportive of the musculoskeletal system. 

Rosemary:  Rosemary is a powerful oil for supporting the normal function of the muscular system. 

Aromalife:  This is my first choice to support healthy, normal circulation.  This blend combines Helichrysum and Cypress which are two oils known for their supportive effects on the circulatory system.  It also has marjoram which supports healthy muscle function. 

Essential Oils for Immune Support While Traveling

Traveling can introduce your immune system to a whole host of new challenges.  Essential oils can support the immune system in its normal function so that it can effectively do its job keeping you well!

Thieves:  Thieves oil can be a powerful support pillar for the normal functioning of your immune system.  This is one of the best essential oils for travel. The oil got its distinctive name because it is based on an herbal formula used by grave robbers during the plague.  Thieves Vitality can be taken internally to support the body. Rubbing Thieves Oil on the soles of the feet is another great way to support your immune system during travel.

You can also get the power of Thieves oil in a plethora of other products that are super handy for travel including hand sanitizer, wipes, cough drops and a handy roll on!

Citrus Fresh Vitality:  Citrus Fresh Vitality is a blend of citrus oils and peppermint.  This is a great oil to drop in your water to sip on the flight. The citrus oils will give you an antioxidant boost while the peppermint is refreshing and energizing.  

Ninxia Red:  Ninxia Red packets are something that I always pack when we travel. Ninxia Red is a special blend of berries known for their high antioxidant values combined with essential oils. Ninxia Red is uplifting and can keep you on an even keel nutritionally when traveling. We love to take on when we get on the airplane to support health and wellness during the stresses of air travel.  

Essential Oils for Travel to Support Digestive Health 

Travel can introduce you to a whole world of new tastes and amazing foods.  If your stomach is anything like mine, it sometimes has a hard time keeping up.  These oils can help to support normal digestive function while trying new and unfamiliar foods while traveling.

Peppermint:  The many gifts of the peppermint plant are my go to for promoting digestive wellness. Peppermint Vitality can be taken as a supplement to support digestive wellness, and Peppermint Essential oil can be applied topically and provides a cooling sensation if you have eaten too much or the wrong thing. 

Digize Vitality: This will become a go to supplement in your Essential oils travel kit.  This super blend of essential oils has so many things in it, I am not even going to list them all.  What you need to know is that they are all in there to support your digestive system in handling all of the different dietary challenges that you will encounter during travel. 

Kid Scents Tummygize:  This blend is calming and relaxing and it can be applied topically to little tummies.

Calming Oils for The Airplane Ride

White Angelica:  White Angelica is a blend of 10 essential oils known for their relaxing, calming properties.  Floral oils give their mood boosting properties, citrus oils add in freshness and a touch of joy and oils like Spruce and Sandalwood give their grounding properties.  This is a must for anyone who experiences anxious feeling on the airplane!

Peace and Calming: This reliable oil to keep on hand for bring calm to any situation (including airplane rides).  It quickly imparts a sense of mental and physical calm. When I use it, it is almost like I can feel the stress melting off my shoulders.

Seedings Calm (for kids):  This Young Living oil blend is especially made for children.  It is made up of oils that are known for being safe for use with kids and is a great way to keep your little ones relaxed and happy for the flight. They also have an AWESOME linen spray to help the kiddos off to sleep during your trip!

Valor: I took out my bottle of Valor as we were getting close to landing on a flight that I was on recently.  The lady next to me appeared a little anxious, so I gave her a drop to rub in her hands and cup over her nose.  She said, “That made me relax almost instantly. That was amazing!” This is a must for tackling the many new experiences and unfamiliar locations that good travel brings, as it imparts a sense of courage.  

Essential Oils for Supporting the Musculoskeletal System during Travel

Travel brings with it a wealth of new sights and experiences.  Many times, it also brings a lot more walking than we are used to.  These travel essentials will help you to get back on your feet again after a long day of walking! 

Cool Azul Cream: This is just what you need to give your legs and feet a refreshing pick me up after a long day of walking.   Trust me, you will thank me.

Pan Away:  This amazing oil blend is one of my very favorites for supporting normal function of the muscles.  It is one of Young Living’s most popular oils and is one of the best essential oils for travel.

Deep Relief Roll On:  This essential oil comes in a convenient roll of to make it easy to use during travel.  It combines a number of essential oils that have a refreshing, cooling sensation for muscles. The perfect oil to refresh your legs and feet after a long day of adventuring!

Accessories for Your Essential Oil Travel Kit

Essential Oils Travel Diffuser:   A small, portable travel diffuser is a great way to use your essential oils for travel.  Use it in the morning to use refreshing oils to wake up in a different time zone. Use your essential oils travel kit with your diffuser to freshen up a stuffy hotel room.  This is a MUST have accessory when traveling.

Young Living Travel Kit:  You shouldn’t put up with toxic chemicals in the products that you use on your body at home.  Why should things be any different when you travel? This is a super convenient pack of travel sized, TSA approved personal care products without any harmful ingredients or toxins.

Roller Balls and Capsules:  Making rollers of your favorite travel oils blends is a great way to use essential oils for travel without bringing your whole bottle of oil with.  Rolling them on is also a very convenient way to use your oils (and then you can bring a few different varieties with and they won’t take up much room). Capsules make it possible to take the Vitality labeled essential oils internally without tasting them (some of them are SUPER good for you, but a little strong tasting.)

Essential Oil Case:   An essential oil case to hold your bottles and rollers makes it easy to keep track of all of your oils and keep them handy in your carry on bag.

Carrier Oil: You should always have some carrier oils with you in a small bottle with your toiletries. Coconut oil is great (and you can also use it to moisturize your skin). I also really love jojoba oil. You can use the carrier oil to apply essential oils to kids, and you need to have it in case you develop redness when you apply oils.

Travelling with Essential Oils

Essential Oils are very popular at the moment as alternative treatments for various conditions. If you are an advocate of Alternative Medicine and a fan of aromatherapy with essential oils, you’ll be happy to hear that travelling with them is easier than you think! There’s no reason to adjust your daily routine, just because you’re on an adventure. Keep reading, to learn more about the best oils to take with you on your trip and how to safely travel with them. Also, I’ve included a few product suggestions to make the whole process easier.

Flying with Essential Oils – 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for Airlines

If you’ve ever wondered “Can you bring essential oils on a plane?” I’m here to tell you that yes you can travel with your essential oils on airplanes as long as you follow the rules.

TSA rules on essential oils is the same as travelling with liquids and the days of boarding an airplane with large bottles of liquid toiletries are a thing of the past. Current US-based airline regulations allow each passenger to bring one clear (zippered) bag on board in their carry-on . This 3-1-1 compliant liquid bag cannot be larger than one quart bag in size and each container placed inside the bag must be 3.4 ounces/100 millilitres or less.

Bags such as makeup bags with magnetic clasps and regular Ziploc bags are not allowed for this purpose. The good news is that airline-compliant zippered bags are readily available online and quite affordable too.

Since a majority of popular essential oil manufacturers bottle their product in either 5 or 15-milliliter containers, there’s no reason to panic. As you can see, both of these sizes are below the individual bottle requirement.

If you find it necessary to transfer the oils into different bottles, in cases where you are mixing custom blends, it’s important to label each of the items accurately. This helps to reduce the possibility of being questioned by airport personnel, as your luggage makes its way through the security checkpoint screening process. Not to worry, the x-ray machine won’t harm your special oils!

If you are questioned by airport personnel. Simply explain that you use your oils for health-related purposes. That’s usually all of the explanation necessary.

If you are planning on carrying oil in checked baggage, rest assured that you can pack as many essential oils as you like. Just ensure that you’ve packed everything carefully in leak-proof bags with bubble wrap for protection.

My girlfriend Lancia uses an ordinary padded make-up bag with no organization I see her rummaging around in her little bag of “tricks” looking for the right essential oil for her needs. There are so many essential oil carrying cases on the market in a variety of sizes that I think I may pick up a proper case for her.

Here’s an interesting looking essential oil travel case that might suit your needs.

The information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

Create your own essential oils travel kit

Which essential oils should you pack for your trip? There are so many to choose from and recipes galore with combinations for everything from jet lag to the dreaded ear-popping when flying. If you’ve been using oils for a while, you already know which ones work best for you.

In the event that using essential oils is new to you, or you’re just having a hard time deciding which ones to take travelling with you, here are a few to consider.

Lavender Oil Lavender essential oil is probably one of the most versatile essential oils you’ll find on the market today. Seriously! Not only does it smell heavenly, which helps your body relax and get rid of stress, but it’s also fantastic for keeping insects at bay and aiding digestion.

TIP: Lavender is a great essential oil for travel anxiety.

Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is another excellent choice to take with you on your travels. It’s inexpensive and beneficial in so many ways. One of the most notable benefits of this particular oil is the fact that it kills germs and fights infections hence its use in hair care and skin care.

To quickly treat and disinfect an unexpected cut or scrape, try this. Add one drop of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply sparingly to the injured area and cover with a Band-Aid. Repeat once a day until the wound is completely healed.

TIP: It’s important to remember not to ingest tea tree oil under any circumstances. It can be toxic if swallowed.

Peppermint Oil Do you have a problem with motion sickness when you travel? If so, don’t leave home without peppermint oil. Blend a drop or two in a bit of coconut oil. Lightly massage it into your stomach. It typically doesn’t take long to notice a difference and it even helps with occasional gas-related issues.

Combat bad breath with a glass of peppermint oil-infused water. A couple of drops of food-grade oil is all it takes. Swish the peppermint oil-infused water around in your mouth, spit and rinse. Easy-peasy!

A few additional Essential Oil Blends

Read our article 10 of the Best Essential Oil Recipes for Travelling

• For a good night’s sleep – apply lavender and cedarwood to your feet
• For an energy boost – inhale orange and peppermint
• To ease congestion – apply peppermint or eucalyptus to your chest
• To ease aches – apply peppermint to the sore muscle
• For a relaxing bath – soak in Epsom salts and geranium or ylang-ylang oil

Essential Oil Accessories for Travel

If you have room to pack the following essential oil accessories, I wholeheartedly recommend it! They’ll help you get the most out of using your oils, while you travel.

Essential Oils Gifts Set Want to buy your essential oils in bulk? This set contains all three oils mentioned above plus eucalyptus oil, orange oil and lemongrass oil. Each ten-millilitre-size bottle is airline compliant.

Can you bring a diffuser on a plane?

It really is dependent on the airline but, yes you can bring a difuser on a plane and this mini USB (or battery-operated) TSA essential oil diffuser is perfect for aromatherapy-on-the-go. Heat and water are not required for you to enjoy the benefits of your favourite oils. Perfect for using essential oils in your hotel room and quiet enough not to disturb your travel mate.

I think this travel diffuser would also work well if you wanted to bring essential oils for cruise travel, but of course, only use it when you are in your cabin.

If you are really worried, though, you can always look at an Essential Oil Aromatherapy Nasal Inhaler.

Packing your favourite oils helps to keep you feeling great wherever your journey may take you. And remember, if you’re not currently reaping all of the benefits of essential oils, there’s no better time than now to get started!

Do you travel with Essential Oils? What are your favourite essential oils for travel?

Check out these additional articles: – Pack this! 4 Natural Remedies for Travel Ailments – 16 Awesome Airport and Airplane Travel Tips – Squeeze Pod Leak-Proof Travel-Friendly Toiletries Review – 10 Travel Size Beauty Products Everyone Needs

Mary Chong is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A food and travel writer, and founder of Calculated Traveller, when not working as a freelance graphic designer, Mary is either travelling with her husband Ray or planning the next big adventure.

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Best Essential Oils for Travel & How to Use Them

Essential oils have grown in popularity over the years, going from a simple room-freshening alternative to a nation-wide trend. It’s been deemed a more natural alternative for alleviating different physical ailments. Whether you’re a curious newcomer when it comes to essential oils or you’re a diehard Young Living (or DoTerra) fan, essential oils can be a great way to create a comforting routine while traveling.

We’ve made a list of our favorite essential oils for travel and what they can contribute:

Jet Lag & Travel Anxiety – Lavender Essential Oil

Jet lag can put an extra load of stress onto your trip, especially when you’re expected to hit the ground running. Lavender has been called upon for hundreds of years to soothe anxious minds and aid sleep and that’s why it’s one of our top essential oils for airplanes.

If you’re struggling to fall asleep or relax on a flight, try rubbing a bit of lavender on your temples.

When you get to your destination, put some lavender on your pillowcase before you go to bed. The familiar scent will help calm your jitters, set your mind at ease, and send you to sleep.

Read our other tips on beating jet lag or learn how to avoid jet lag prior to your travels.

Energy Booster – Peppermint Essential Oil

With a change in your routine and sleeping environment, getting up in the morning can be hard especially if you also have jet lag. A few drops of peppermint will perk you right up. Put some on a warm wet towel and inhale it for a boost in energy.

Have a hangover from a night of drinking with friends? Rubbing peppermint oil on your temples and stomach can help ease the pounding headache and nausea you wake up with.

Room Freshener – Citrus Essential Oil

Not all hotel rooms are created equal, and there’s no damper quite like a hotel room smelling of cigarette smoke or just smelling not quite right. Citrus essential oil such as wild orange or lemon essential oil can help eliminate the smells in a room and make you feel more at home.

You don’t need to bring an essential oil diffuser to freshen up your hotel room. If you have an extra spray bottle in your bag, spritz away! The energizing scent of citrus will make it feel more like home.

Sanitizer – Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil  has been touted as a versatile oil, helping with everything from acne to air purification. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it a useful oil to keep on hand at home or in a new city. It’s a useful oil for deep cleaning a new place of accommodation. Did you know you can also make natural hand sanitizer from tea tree oil? It’s also useful as an insect repellent when you’re out in the woods so you can ward off the insect bites. Talk about multiple uses from one small oil.

Immunity Guard – Thieves Essential Oil

Small, enclosed spaces like airplanes, trains, and cars can be a breeding ground for different bacteria. Our immune systems are more susceptible to what we’re exposed to when we’re traveling, and having something to help combat potential sickness can be key. If you’re feeling unwell before a flight, the first thing you should do is assess if you’re too sick to fly . If you’re good to travel, proceed with essential oils. If you have a sore throat or a cough, rubbing a few drops of diluted  Thieves essential oil  on your throat and chest can help you feel better.

Motion Sickness – Ginger Essential Oil

If you’re traveling in a car for long periods of time and get motion sickness easily, you’ll want to include this oil in your travel stash. Ginger  has been known for centuries to help nausea and vomiting, but it’s hard to access ginger on the road. Having some as an essential oil can help squelch any nausea that comes from motion sickness. Add a drop or two to a glass of water to help calm the tummy waves.

Essential oils can be a travel gamechanger, and they’re easily transported. With a carrier oil like coconut oil or sweet almond oil, you can use a variety of different essential oil blends for topical, aromatic and internal use.

Calming the Stomach – Chamomile Essential Oil

Traveling can wreak havoc on your digestive system, leading to nausea, indigestion, and stomach upset. Luckily, chamomile essential oil can be your knight in shining armor. Known for its calming and antispasmodic properties, chamomile oil can help soothe a troubled stomach.

Simply add a few drops of chamomile oil to a portable diffuser and inhale the calming aroma. This can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation, which can indirectly improve digestion. Alternatively for topical application, dilute chamomile oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil (at a 1% dilution for adults) and massage gently onto your stomach.

Headache Relief

Headaches can put a damper on your travel plans. Frankincense essential oil , known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, can be a natural remedy for headache relief.

Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a diffuser or steamer and inhale the soothing vapors. This can help reduce inflammation and ease headache pain. You can also dilute frankincense oil with a carrier oil (1% dilution for adults) and massage gently onto your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck.

Muscle Tension Relief – Wintergreen Essential Oil

Those long travel days can leave you feeling stiff and achy. Wintergreen essential oil , with its potent anti-inflammatory properties, can be a lifesaver for muscle tension relief.

Dilute wintergreen oil with a carrier oil (0.5% dilution for adults) and massage it gently onto sore muscles. And when you reach your destination, run a bath and add a few drops into your bathwater for a muscle soothing soak.

What’s your favorite travel essential oil?

With any essential oils, it’s important to use caution. The information on this page is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have any kind of skin reaction or skin irritation, please discontinue immediately and seek the help of a medical professional.

For more information on safe essential oil usage, we recommend Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals .

Essential Oil Travel FAQs

Can i take essential oils on a plane.

Yes! As long as your essential oils fall within the TSA 3-1-1 rule (your liquids have to be less than 3.4 ounce each, they have to all fit in 1 quart-sized plastic bag, and you can only have 1 plastic bag). If you’re worried about your oils spilling, you can always bring an essential oil travel case .

How do you use essential oils on the go?

It’s best to carry essential oils that have little rollers. If your oils don’t have rollers on them, you can always purchase your own travel-size rollers for easy application. This travel case comes with refillable essential oil rollers .

What essential oils are good for jet lag?

Lavender is a great essential oil to carry for jet lag. It can calm you quickly and help you fall asleep at night.

Are essential oils safe for children?

Generally, essential oils are not recommended for children under the age of 3. Their respiratory systems are still developing, and strong inhalants can cause irritation.

Even for older children, essential oils must always be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil before topical application. Safe dilution ratios for children are typically much lower than those for adults (around 0.5% dilution).

Some essential oils are particularly strong and can be harmful to children, even when diluted. These include tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, and wintergreen oil.

Essential oils are never safe to ingest, regardless of age. Keep them out of reach of children and supervise them closely when using diffusers.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. We take our recommendations very seriously, and we may receive a small commission from certain sales (without any extra cost to you). This helps us continue to create free, high-quality content to serve you better.

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7 min read / 4 May 2023 / Laura Garvin Gomez

Essential Oils for Travel: The Ultimate Guide

Discover how to use essential oils to enhance your travel experience and address common travel-related issues with this comprehensive guide.

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• Learn about Essential Oils
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Using essential oils for travel is just as popular as applying them at home, helping people to manage physical and psychological conditions on their journeys.

From calming an upset tummy or managing motion sickness to warding off insects and combating travel fatigue, essential oils can be your best friend no matter where you are.

As we head further into spring and summer, many of us are planning our summer holidays, weekend breaks and day trips, so having an alternative medicine to hand could be a lifesaver. We’ve put together an ultimate guide to using essential oils for travel, keeping you covered for journeys by land, sea or air.

Are essential oils allowed on planes?

The short answer to this question is that yes if travelling from the UK, essential oils are allowed on planes, although there are some rules you must follow. Keep the following in mind if you are thinking of using essential oils for plane travel:

• It must be kept in a container that holds no more than 100ml.
• You will need to place it in a transparent, resealable plastic bag that holds no more than a litre and is around 20cm x 20cm in size.
• This must also be kept inside your hand luggage, with no knots or ties.
• The bag must be shown at airport security.

Each person travelling is allowed no more than one plastic bag. If the container is larger than 100ml, it is unlikely that it will pass through security, even if it is not full.

Essential oils purchased at duty-free can also be carried onto the plane as long as they are sealed inside a security bag along with a visible purchase receipt.

Outside of the UK and EU, there may be different rules in place, so you should check this on the relevant government website before you fly.

Can I travel by car with essential oils?

You may want to use essential oils for travel sickness if you struggle to cope with the movement of the car on your journey.

Before you start your journey, it’s a good idea to invest in an essential oil travel case. There will likely be lots of bumps, jumps and dips along the way, and the case will keep the oil containers protected.

It’s a far better option than placing them into the glove compartment and hoping for the best. The last thing you want to have to contend with after a long road journey is a major clean-up operation.

Another good idea is to use a travel essential oil diffuser. These compact portable diffusers can be a great help on your journeys, calmly emitting your favourite scent to help you relax and de-stress. They are powered by USB (which is included in most car builds) and can emit the vapour for anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours at a time.

What essential oils work well for seasickness?

Sea sickness can happen to anyone on a boat, no matter how seasoned a traveller you are, especially in choppy waters. Travelling with an essential oil or two can help calm the queasiness, so you don't spend half the journey rushing back and forth to the toilet.

To manage motion sickness, you could try ginger essential oil , which research has found to be effective in dealing with nausea. You can inhale it through a diffuser , or rub it into pressure points on your forehead and wrists – some people also rub it onto their stomach if they are starting to feel sick.

If you are travelling by boat, be it for a short journey or a week-long cruise, it’s a good idea to store them in an essential oil travel bag. It’s a handy little accessory that will keep them safe and secure on the roughest of waters, helping to prevent spillages and wastage, so you always have enough when you need it most.

What are the best essential oils for travel?

You’ll likely already have a selection of essential oils that you can rely on to manage changes to your physical or emotional state. However, if this is your first time looking into essential oils, or you want to try something different, the following may be able to help:

• Use sage oil to freshen things up: Sage essential oil has a clean and refreshing scent, and it also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Mix it with a carrier oil and you can use it to wash off your hands, spritz onto your face or to treat minor scabs and wounds. If the journey has made you sleepy, or you have jet lag, it can also work as a stimulant to fend off any drowsy feelings.
• Settle your stomach with some peppermint oil: Many people use peppermint essential oil to manage stomach and bowel conditions as it is classed as an antispasmodic (which can help to ease gut issues). If you are experiencing cramps, bloating or increased flatulence, try inhaling a few drops of peppermint oil from a tissue or handkerchief. It can also calm the stomach if you are struggling with travel sickness during or after your journey.
• A few drops of tea tree oil could keep you bug free: If you are travelling to a tropical country or even on a day trip on a particularly hot day, tea tree essential oil can prove to be an effective insect repellent. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, with some studies showing that it can be used to ward off mosquitos. If applying topically, always mix with a carrier oil , as the oil is highly concentrated.
• Lemon essential is a must-have for all types of travel: There are quite a few things you can use lemon essential oil for if you are on your travels. For example, add a few drops of the oil to your travel diffuser (or apply it to the soles of your feet) and it can help to ease seasonal allergies, asthma and minor respiratory issues. The bright, fresh tones of the oil can also work wonders if you are feeling fatigued after your journey and for dealing with any nausea you might experience.
• Protect your skin from the sun with jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is extremely versatile and can quickly become your best friend no matter where you are travelling to. Because it’s a carrier oil , you can apply it directly to your skin to enjoy its moisturising benefits, and if you have caught a little too many rays for a day the oil works very well on sunburn. Use it to take off makeup during or at the end of the day, and it can also be mixed with a host of other essential oils you bring along for the ride.

Essential oils can be a valuable addition to your holiday or day trip, giving you a sense of normality no matter how far away from home you may be. They offer the perfect natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter medicines that contain harsh ingredients and can quickly get you back to normal so you can enjoy the rest of your break. If applying them topically, be sure to mix them with a carrier oil to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction and carry out a patch test if you are a first-time user.

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The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.

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5 Must-Take Essential Oils for Travelling

August 7, 2023 by Emma Carter 3 Comments

Are you going on a trip soon? Do you have a vacation, a cruise or simply a short weekend getaway coming up? Don’t leave your essential oils at home! Travelling with essential oils is easier than you think! Your oils will come in handy in many different situations away from home.

How? Essential oils are so versatile. They can keep you refreshed during long flights, help with travel anxiety or travel-related headaches. You can use them for bumps and scrapes , to soothe an upset stomach, or to help you sleep .

Why not pack some essential oils into that suitcase or weekend bag? It’ll make any hotel room feel like home away from home!

Why Essential Oils for Travel?

1. lavender, 2. peppermint, 3. frankincense, 4. tea tree, use a hard-top carrying case, stock your purse with personal inhalers, diffuse anywhere, can you take essential oils on an airplane, travelling with kids, final thoughts.

Essential oils are becoming a popular alternative in the world of personal wellness. Many health conscious men and women trend to go back to the fundamentals of nature, making aromatherapy one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine ¹ .

Essential oils are thought to have some rather powerful medicinal and therapeutic results. Many individuals use them at home on a daily basis. It’s no wonder you don’t want to give that up when going on a trip.

For me, essential oils are an indispensable part of my travel kit . Not only do they smell great and help to freshen up a hotel room, but they also have a host of other benefits.

When I travel, I carry a selection of oils with me in this handy hard-top carrying case. Get it Here

Lavender oil, for example, is known for its calming properties and can be helpful if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, can help to relieve headaches and nausea. And tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and can be used to disinfect surfaces or treat minor cuts and scrapes. So whether you’re looking to boost your mood or keep your skin healthy while on the road, essential oils are a must-have!

5 Best Essential Oils to Travel With

Therapeutic essential oils can enhance the mind, body and soul. They also support attitude and emotions . While travelling, you need support in all those areas.

Whenever we travel, I make sure I’ve packed these 5 favorite essential oils:

Lavender oil from Plant Therapy Get it Here

Lavender essential oil is a staple that every household should have on hand. It is a very universal oil that you can use in many ways even when away from home .

Many individuals are using lavender oil in different areas of their life already. It truly is one of the most versatile essential oils available. Many call it the “Swiss Army Knife” of oils.  It is good for just about anything, from soothing skin after sun exposure , to sleep and relaxation, or  first aid  on minor cuts and bruises. Use lavender in a carrier oil for a soothing back massage to aid pain and inflammation. The lavender oil will help to relax the muscles and ease tension. Lavender also helps keep bugs away and you can use it in a DIY bug repellent spray .

If you only bring one oil on your trip, I recommend it is lavender!

Peppermint Essential Oil Get it here

Peppermint essential oil is a very fresh oil that you can use for nausea , upset stomach, sea sickness or motion sickness. It can also increase mood and energy.

Inhaling essential oils provides both physical and mental advantages. Take a quick sniff straight out of the bottle to uplift your spirits or make your tummy feel less queasy. You can also use Peppermint oil topically to fight headaches that may arise during travel. I always use peppermint oil to fight the tiredness that comes with jet lag or a change in time zones.

Peppermint is a great oil to bring in a roll-on bottle or personal inhaler as well. Roller bottles allow for safe, quick and easy application, especially when treating a headache.

Frankincense Oil Get It Here

Traveling can be tough on the skin, so I like to pack an extra dose of Frankincense essential oil to add into my nightly skin care and facial care routine. It protects your skin and gently encourages healthy skin cell production. I also use it to keep on top of age spots and wrinkles.

If you tend to get nervous or anxious during travel, Frankincense oil can calm the spirits and aid you in feeling more secure while away from home. Some people also swear by Frankincense essential oil for headaches – whether you have stress related, tension headaches, or a full-blown migraine.

Tea Tree Essential Oil from Plant Therapy Get It Here

Tea tree essential oil is usable in a lot of diverse ways. It can help in cases of bug bites or infections from scrapes or cuts . It’s also a great remedy for acne, pimples and blackheads that may appear due to travel-related stressors such as dry air, indoor air, or too much caffeine.

Tea tree oil also supports a healthy immune system . Inhale it as preventative maintenance, to keep your immune protection firing at full force. You may be exposed to crowded rooms or confined small spaces with more germs around than you’d like to see!

Lemon oil Get It Here

To complete your set of top 5 essential oils for travel, I recommend you include lemon essential oil. It is detoxifying and uplifting, and you can use it to disinfect and clean any surfaces you’re about to touch where you might be worried about the spreading of germs. Lemon essential oil is also great for belly aches and indigestion, plus it can alleviate nervousness. Using lemon essential oil during travel can lower stress and complement your feel-good vibe. It’s a very happy, positive and uplifting oil.

If you’re traveling to a sunny destination, be aware that citrus oils are phototoxic , so please ensure no sun exposure within 24 hours of applying lemon oil topically.

How to Travel with Essential Oils

There are a few things you can do to help keep your oils safe and organized as you travel . Also, a few new & creative ways to use your oils on-the-go. Let me show you my tricks!

This Hard Top Carrying Case fits up to 10 Essential Oil Bottles or Roll-On Bottles Get It Here

To start, I recommend you use a hard-top carrying case ( such as this one here ) for your essential oils. As opposed to its soft-top sister styles, these hard-top carrying cases are made to endure more impact while keeping the oils protected and safe. You don’t want to risk your oils while you’re on the go or your luggage may thrown around by airport staff.

The hard-top carrying cases are also super handy for easy access . You’ll always know where your kit of oils is and won’t have random bottles of oil rolling around in your luggage.

Prepare your Personal Aromatherapy Inhalers ahead of time Get It Here

If your trip is a short weekend getaway or business trip, prepare yourself a set of personal inhalers so you can leave the main oil bottles at home. I prefer to travel as light as possible!

Having the inhalers ready also means you don’t have to worry about diluting or diffusing your oils when in a rush.

Mini Portable Diffuser Get It Here

If you like to diffuse your oils, especially at night, there are some nifty small-sized aromatherapy diffusers that pack easily and lightly for travel, like this Mini Portable Diffuser here .

Its compact, lightweight, and easy to operate! Enjoy your favorite essential oils anywhere you go.

• See also: Best Portable and Battery-Powered Aromatherapy Diffusers

Taking essential oils on an airplane is subject to liquid restrictions.

If your travel plans include airplanes, airports and flying, know that you can only take what will fit into the 1 quart-sized zip lock bag for liquids in your carry-on   ² . All carry-on liquids must be under 100 mL each, and as a total be shown in the clear 1 quart plastic bag when going through security. This clear plastic bag allows for 1 quart (= around 946 mL) of liquids in your carry-on, divided up between any liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, or pastes you may also wish to carry with you. Discount airlines may have stricter rules ³ .

There really are no issues traveling with oils, since most bottles are 10 ml – 30 ml in size.

For easiest use while on-the-go, pack personal inhalers or rollers to carry in your purse or carry-on luggage.

In your checked luggage , you can have as many oils as you wish or need. There are no further restrictions in regards to amounts, size, or total amounts for the checked bag(s). I have a zippered case and I travel with up to 30 oils in my checked luggage at any given time.

TIP: Put a piece of electrical tape around each bottle topper to secure them from leakage.

Best roll-on set for travelling with kids Get It Here

Travel Bug is a set of pre-diluted roll-on essential oil blends designed to keep your little ones healthy and happy during any trip! With this set, you’ll have a roller bottle ready for many of the most common kids’ ailments.

Aromatherapy has made essential oils popular for a wide number of uses. People don’t want to leave their holistic wellness behind when traveling.

Pack an easy aromatherapy kit for your travels and store it in a cute case for easy access. Using essential oils while on a trip or cruise immediately makes me feel like a piece of home is here with me. I love using oils on the go!

If you’re just starting out, know that it doesn’t have to be hard or costly to discover excellent quality essential oils. Browse my guide to the Best Essential Oil Brands to get started with an oil company that’s right for you and your family.

¹ Aromatherapy Market Size, Trends | Industry Analysis Report 2014-2025: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/aromatherapy-market ² Liquids Rule from the Transportation Security Administration:  https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule ³ How to easily get through TSA Airport Security: https://upgradedpoints.com/tsa-airport-security/

Reader Interactions

Cheri Mello

July 7, 2022 at 2:15 pm

GREAT HINTS 👍🏼♥️I’ve NEVER though of TAKING EO’s With me 😳❗️G-d♥️Bless

February 22, 2019 at 4:51 pm

I am a newbie to this entire essential oil world so I truly appreciate your articles. I have contacts with both doTerra and Young Living but as a beginner I hesitate to spend that kind of money. I also question the sales method. I have ordered 2 starter kits and a diffuser from amazon-this is easiest for me living in Canada, so thanks for that direction

February 20, 2019 at 4:39 pm

Great tips and suggestions!

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The Best Essential Oil Diffusers

By Shannon Palus

We spent more than four weeks testing 17 diffusers, and our favorite is the Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser .

It puts out a strong stream of mist, has a larger capacity and smaller footprint than much of the competition, and, while affordable, has a clean design that looks better than others at its price.

Everything we recommend

Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

The best essential oil diffuser.

The Urpower produces a strong stream of mist, lasts longer between refills, looks better, costs less, and has a smaller footprint than similar competitors.

Buying Options

Asakuki 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser

Larger size, longer runtime.

With as strong a stream of mist as our pick, this diffuser has a larger tank you won’t have to refill as often. However, it takes up more space, and the faux-wood look isn’t for everyone.

Urpower 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

An equal 500 ml option.

This 500 mL model is nearly identical to the Asakuki.

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

A smaller, stylish option.

This compact model is the most attractive diffuser we recommend, but its smaller tank doesn’t last as long and its stream of mist isn’t as powerful as our pick’s. It’s also far pricier.

Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser

The best nebulizer.

If your top priority is a strong smell, go with a nebulizer. It’s pricier than our top pick and harder than ultrasonic models to clean, but unbeatable at filling a room (or a few) with scent.

The Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is a simple white plastic cylinder in a field crowded with funny shapes and (very) faux wood. It’s one of the least expensive diffusers we looked at, working better than models four or five times the price. The medium-size tank provides water for seven hours of a strong stream of mist (though you’ll need to add more oil during that time for continued scent). It lights up in seven colors, offers a timer function, and has LED indicator lights that aren’t as distractingly bright as those on much of the competition. It’s easy to wipe out with a cloth to keep clean.

If our top pick is sold out or you’d like a slightly bigger tank, we recommend the Asakuki 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser (or the nearly identical Urpower 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser ). We recommend whichever you prefer on price or aesthetics, and both have a strong, rich, stream of mist that’s on par with that of our pick. At around double the tank size of our pick, 500 mL diffusers requires fewer refills—and in fact, these diffusers are the only style we tested with a unique low-output mode that can run for up to 16 hours. However, a model at this size also takes up more space. They both have a faux-wood base, which some people will find a little tacky. Both light up in seven colors, have a timer similar to our pick’s, and are easy to wipe out between uses.

If you’d prefer a diffuser that looks a little nicer and don’t need to diffuse scent in a large space, we like the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser . With a porcelain shell in a few neutral colors, it’s the only stylish diffuser we tried that both features a strong stream of mist and is easy to use. It’s one of the only diffusers we tested with a truly subtle indicator light (positioned on the back of the unit), making it the best choice if you’d like it to run while you’re sleeping in a dark room. The tank is on the small side, so you’ll have to refill more often, and while it’s easy to wipe out, two layers of lid make cleaning and refilling slightly more annoying than with our top picks. It’s also pricier (but could make a better gift).

If you want a device that does the best possible job of dispersing scent to multiple rooms at once and you don’t mind spending more money, the Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser is a nebulizer that mists pure oil, unlike our other picks, which are ultrasonic. ( Here’s a detailed explanation of the difference. ) The lights on this diffuser are dim compared with those on our top pick and runner-up, and there’s no cool mist to stare at. It’s less expensive than others of its kind, prettier, and far quieter (nebulizers typically make very loud grinding or buzzing sounds). The Raindrop runs for two hours, dispersing oil intermittently, and an automatic shutoff helps avoid overdoing the smell. Like all nebulizers, it’s annoying to clean.

The research

Who should get this, how we picked and tested, our pick: urpower 2nd gen 300ml aroma essential oil diffuser, flaws but not dealbreakers, runner-up: asakuki 500ml essential oil diffuser or urpower 500ml aromatherapy essential oil diffuser, also great: vitruvi stone diffuser, also great: organic aromas raindrop 2.0 nebulizing essential oil diffuser, how diffusers affect air quality, the competition, cleaning your diffuser.

If you want your place to smell nicer, a diffuser is a solid alternative to candles. Since a diffuser can’t catch fire, you can leave it on in one room while you’re away or sleeping. Unlike with candles or more passive scent dispensers, like Glade PlugIns, you can vary the scent just by choosing a different oil. A diffuser will also make any bath feel a little fancier.

But diffusers do come with a few annoyances: Unlike candles, diffusers take a couple of minutes to set up, and they need cleaning every few uses. And if you have small kids, pets, or respiratory problems, there are reasons to consider skipping a diffuser.

No studies we saw explicitly look at the effects of using an essential oil diffuser on symptoms of asthma, write experts on the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology’s website. But it's good to exercise caution if you have asthma: “Anecdotally, there have been reports of respiratory symptoms in asthmatics and non-asthmatics due to a variety of diffused essential oils,” the AAAAI experts write.

If you have small children, a diffuser comes with additional considerations. Plan to store your essential oils out of reach, as they smell good enough that kids might assume they are also tasty. Many oil bottles lack childproof caps, and many oils can be harmful even if ingested in only small amounts . In one case, 4 mL of wintergreen proved almost fatal . And ingesting citrus and cinnamon oil can cause painful irritation, said Nena Bowman, the managing director of the Tennessee Poison Center.

Likewise, if you have pets, keep essential oils out of reach from them, too, and diffuse them with caution. While the biggest danger comes when owners apply oils to their pets (which you should not do at all), you’ll want to avoid putting certain oils in the air too. In the post “ Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets? ” Wirecutter senior staff writer and pet owner Kaitlyn Wells lists which specific oils to steer clear of. Experts she spoke to advised against using a diffuser in the same room as a pet, as the oil can settle on their fur. If you have a bird, skip the diffuser altogether: Birds’ lungs are sensitive.

Search for “essential oil diffuser” on Amazon and you’ll get pages upon pages of devices that are all slight variations of one another—many with buttons that look identical. The company that makes our top pick even confirmed that some of the manufacturers get their diffuser parts from the same place.

Despite the similarities among models, there are two distinctly different types of diffusers overall: Ultrasonic diffusers and nebulizers. Ultrasonic diffusers are the more popular type in part because they’re more affordable and they put out a more subtle scent, using a vibrating diaphragm to turn a solution of water and oil into fine, cool mist.

Nebulizers, which diffuse concentrated oil by blowing compressed air through it to turn it to mist, produce a stronger smell, and they are less popular perhaps because they usually cost more and can make more noise.

One other thing to note about types: The word “ultrasonic” applies to some humidifiers as well, but oil diffusers are not humidifiers—even though diffuser manufacturers sometimes advertise them as such. If you were to run (and refill) an oil diffuser continuously, it would distribute around 1,000 mL of water over 24 hours. Good humidifiers (like our picks ) have much larger tanks and humidity sensors that can distribute far more water over a longer period without needing to be refilled—and they are better able to maintain properly humidified air in your home.

We have picks of both types of oil diffuser, but the majority of our picks are ultrasonic, and the features you typically see on ultrasonic models guided our selection criteria. Here are the factors that set the best models apart, in order of importance:

• Tank size: The size of the tank, more than any other detail, determines how you’ll interact with the diffuser. Ultrasonic diffuser tank sizes range from 100 to 500 milliliters; the best diffusers balance the benefits of a bigger size with a small footprint. Generally, larger tanks mean thicker mist and longer runtimes without needing refills. A larger tank tends to work a bit better for a larger space.
• Power: Regardless of tank size, we wanted to see a strong stream of mist. We’ve observed that impacts how effective the diffuser will be overall and how interesting it will be to look at (a piddly stream of mist isn’t very exciting).
• Material: This is a displayed object, so aesthetics matter. Most people will opt for the common semitranslucent white plastic options, but you can find oil diffusers in other materials, like ceramic, porcelain, fake wood, or even real wood. Generally, better materials tend to appear on pricier, smaller models.
• Lids: The easiest to use (and clean) diffusers have just one lid. Fancier diffusers made from materials other than plastic often have two layers of lids—one functional and one decorative. This can be annoying to clean but it’s not a dealbreaker, especially if your diffuser is going to be more of a set piece on a mantel for occasional mood-setting than a product in constant use.
• Timer: Many medium and large diffusers have a timer that will turn off the diffuser after one or a few hours. This function allows you to run the diffuser several times without refilling the water. (You should empty and wipe out your diffuser every few days if you’re not using up all the water.) It’s a nice feature but not necessary.
• Intermittent diffusing: It’s nice when there’s an option for the diffuser to mist or spray oil for a set amount of time and then rest, diffusing intermittently; this pattern keeps the diffuser going longer on a single fill.
• Lights: Most ultrasonic diffusers light up in some fashion or another, often in a rainbow of colors. The colors can be relaxing or a little cheesy, depending on your tastes. Luckily, they can almost always be turned off.

With these criteria in mind, we shopped among hundreds of oil diffusers for sale at popular retailers. We eliminated dozens of diffusers that didn’t meet our criteria and eliminated a few more (with glowing Amazon reviews) after running the URL through Fakespot , crossing off any with a Fakespot rating below a C. This left us with 13 diffusers to try firsthand in our first round of testing.

I then spent four weeks using a selection of ultrasonic diffusers and nebulizers around my apartment. We quickly eliminated a few for having undesirable design elements like taking up a lot of space or having buttons that we found impossible to navigate without looking at the manual.

We observed the diffusers running side by side to visually compare the size and height of the streams of mist, the key factors in how well they ought to distribute oils. Then, we ran the diffusers for several hours to confirm whether they effectively made the room smell like essential oils. (Scientifically measuring the exact effectiveness of each diffuser was beyond the scope of our review, but we found observing plume size and taking subjective notes on smell generally gave us a clear picture of which units worked better than others.)

To discover everything that could possibly be annoying about a diffuser design, I rotated them through every location I could think of: kitchen counter, living room next to the litter box, guest room, bookshelf, atop the toilet tank, on a coffee table in my bedroom while I slept. I also used the diffusers at night in a dark room to see how bright the LED indicator lights were.

I paid attention to the noise level from nebulizers. When any nebulizer is on full blast, it produces a buzzing sound. The best ones allow you to turn them down so that this sound becomes nearly inaudible (but that makes the stream of mist weaker, too).

The Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser produces a stronger stream of mist than most diffusers we tested. Compared to other models we looked at, its tank size is larger, its price is lower, its footprint is smaller, and it has a clean and simple design. Other handy features aren’t unique or essential but set the Urpower apart anyway—there’s a 3-option shutoff timer, lights that can cycle through seven colors, and LED indicator lights that aren’t too bright or annoying. Plus, it’s pretty quiet. While you can get an equally strong diffuser with a sleeker appearance for more money, we think most people will be pleased with the Urpower 300ml.

The 300 mL tank is three times the size of those in most other diffusers at the same price, allowing this model to continually produce mist for seven hours—over twice as long as many competitors with smaller tanks. In addition to the ability to run until it’s empty (and then automatically shut off), the diffuser has three timer options to run for one, two, or three hours, a common but not universal feature.

The stream of mist from our favorite diffuser is tied for the strongest we’ve seen from any unit, both in volume and in plume height. Most units produce mist at a fraction of the rate that this one does. That stream translates to a scent that’s more noticeable than much of the competition. It’s also just pleasant to look at.

You get seven options for light colors and two brightnesses for each color, as well as the option of no light. The small yellow-green LED indicator next to the mist button sticks out less than the red and green light on several of the other units we considered.

This model’s cylindrical white plastic design was one of our favorites in a field filled with strange shapes and very fake plastic wood, taking up half the footprint of many other models (including some with smaller tanks). It doesn’t draw attention to itself, and it’s easy to wipe out with a damp cloth between uses, especially compared to units with a second, decorative lid.

The top of the diffuser snaps snugly into the base, so you can pick up or rotate the whole diffuser by the lid. This design also may make it a little harder for kids to open the diffuser and mess with the water, but it also means it’s harder for adults .

Our favorite diffuser is also one of the most affordable. You’ll be hard pressed to find any diffuser that’s more than a few bucks less expensive, and you could easily spend three or even five times the price on a unit that’s not as effective. Like most ultrasonic diffusers, this one is quiet, though you can hear a small whirring sound if you put your ear really close.

How the Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml  Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser has held up

Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve reports that after over 3 years, her Urpower diffuser still works perfectly and “the color-changing lights are a fun extra on my desk.” Even though it needs regular cleaning, she says it’s “pretty unfussy, even when I haven’t used it in a while and it needs extra attention.”

We had the following problem with nearly every ultrasonic diffuser we looked at: Since the device has just two buttons, you don’t get a simple on/off switch for the mist or for the lights; you have to cycle through every option to shut off either function. On the Urpower 300ml, this design is particularly annoying for the light, since you have so many options. The buttons beep when you press them, and you have to hold down the mist button for a second before the stream of mist begins. I found this annoying at first, but it wasn’t an issue after I knew the trick.

The Urpower 300ml also makes a beep sound when it shuts off. If you want to fall asleep while using this diffuser and are a very light sleeper, the noise might be too loud, as it was for this Amazon reviewer .

The lid can be a little tricky to get on and off the base for some people. “The lid fits over the base with water just fine but once you have it on it takes a bit more force than I think it should to try to get the arrows to line up at the bottom,” one reviewer writes .

While this diffuser has a neutral design compared to much of the competition, it is noticeably made of plastic. You can find diffusers made of much more attractive materials.

The Asakuki 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser produces an equally strong stream of mist compared to our pick, but with a larger tank, it lasts even longer—up to 16 hours on its weakest setting, and around 10 hours on the higher settings. It lights up in seven colors and has LED lights that are a bit more subtle than our top pick, and it’s just as quiet. However, it takes up more space than our top pick, and the faux-wood base looks, well, pretty faux. We tested this side by side against the Urpower 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser , confirmed the two are nearly identical, and we recommend whichever you prefer (either based on price or aesthetics). At the time of writing, both models are available in similar faux wood options.

A 500 mL tank is five times the size of most other diffusers at the same price, and nearly double the size of our top pick. Both the Asakuki and Urpower diffusers have three timer options to run for one, two, or three hours. Unlike all the other diffusers we tested, these models have an option to produce a weaker stream of mist for up to 16 hours, making these the only diffusers we recommend that can run continuously all day.

The Asakuki includes seven options for light colors with two brightnesses each, or you can run the unit with no light at all. The indicator light is weaker than that of our top pick, a plus if you’ll be running the diffuser while you sleep. The same goes for the Urpower.

The design of this diffuser isn’t our favorite: it’s larger and flatter than our pick, taking up more space and standing out a little more (and not in a good way). The plastic is a bit shinier, too. The faux-wood base is potentially an eyesore, and might not suit everyone’s tastes. We think either could work at anyone’s home as long as they’re okay with the bigger footprint—and with a larger tank and longer runtime, a 500 mL diffuser could be particularly well-suited to a business (like, say, a yoga studio) where it could run all day on a low setting.

The lid on these diffusers doesn’t snap onto the base, making it a good choice if you have trouble gripping or twisting. However, it’s less secure than our pick’s lid, which is a concern if you have curious children who want to get a look inside.

How the Asakuki 500ml and Urpower 500ml Diffusers have held up

One of our senior staff engineers has been using a Asakuki diffuser for several years and reports that it’s still working perfectly, even with consistent, regular use.

If you want a diffuser that’s very good looking, we like the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser . The stream of mist is stronger than that of most other small, stylish diffusers, though not as strong as our top pick’s, and the Vitruvi only runs continuously for three hours on a single fill. It has a porcelain shell and comes in several understated colors, including black, white, blush, sage, and terracotta. A small ring around the bottom can light up, for some subtle mood-setting. The LED indicator lights are small and placed on the back of the unit, making this the best choice if you’d like to run the diffuser in a dark space.

At 100 mL, the tank is one-third the size of our top pick’s, and you’ll have to refill it more often if you’d like it to run continuously for more than a few hours. This diffuser has an option for intermittent diffusing, which our pick lacks; on this setting it can run for seven hours. I personally don’t like this setting as much, as the continuous stream of mist makes for a nicer ambience.

There’s only one light option on the Vitruvi: a small ring of yellow around the bottom. It’s more elegant than the multi-colored light options on our picks (though perhaps not as fun).

The conical design and stone-like texture of the porcelain shell make this diffuser the most pleasing to look at even when it’s not running. Our pick is an appliance; the Vitruvi is more of a small sculpture.

The two lids, one plastic and one stone, are annoying to remove to refill the unit or clean it out. Otherwise, the diffuser is easy to wipe out between uses.

Between the smaller size, the elegant appearance, and the annoyance of the two lids, we think this diffuser could be a good fit if you don’t expect to use it on a daily basis and would prefer something attractive that you could display on a shelf or mantel as a functional complement to your decor.

If you want a stronger aroma and are willing to accept a more difficult cleaning process, we like the Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser . Of the five nebulizers we tested (which were all great at diffusing), the Raindrop 2.0 is by far our favorite for aesthetic reasons. On low settings it’s just as quiet as an ultrasonic diffuser (most nebulizers are loud), and it’s the prettiest diffuser we tested overall. Unlike other nebulizers, it has neither a ton of buttons to mess with nor too few options to control your experience.

This diffuser is strong—capable of dispersing enough scent to fill a whole apartment. It runs intermittently for two hours on about 20 drops of oil. The Raindrop 2.0 disperses oil for two minutes and then turns off for one minute; while some other nebulizers offer the option to customize the length of their puffs, we didn’t find that necessary, since we could still adjust their strength. If you want the Raindrop 2.0 to run longer, you have to reset it, but two hours should be long enough to scent a room and have the fragrance last a bit. While other nebulizers can run until you shut them off, we found them to be noisier and more expensive.

The Raindrop 2.0 has a dial to control the amount of mist that comes out. And while the diffuser does make noise, it’s not very loud unless you have it misting on full blast. You’ll need to clean it about once a week (and between oil if you’re using thick oils like sandalwood). That’s more cleaning than nebulizers with fewer glass parts would require—and a more difficult overall cleaning process than ultrasonic picks—but we think the appearance, price, and low noise levels of the Raindrop 2.0 more than make up for the chore.

The Raindrop 2.0 comes with either an opaque black base or a wood base, with a grippy material on the bottom to keep it stable. In our tests, the touch-sensitive button to turn the light on and off was too easy to press by mistake when we turned the device on, and sometimes it took a couple of taps to turn off. This was annoying, but not a dealbreaker.

The fine mist this diffuser sprays might get on whatever you have sitting nearby, as one Amazon reviewer notes , so make sure to put nothing near it that you can’t wipe down.

In late fall 2020, we looked at how essential-oil diffusers (and a nebulizer) affect indoor air quality. We tested multiple high-quality pure essential oils and blends from Doterra, Plant Therapy, and Young Living, using the Urpower 300ml , Asakuki 500ml , Vitruvi Stone , and Urpower 2nd Gen 100ml diffusers and the Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 nebulizer. The test space was Wirecutter senior staff writer Tim Heffernan’s roughly 200-square-foot bedroom, and he measured how the machines affected the number of airborne particles using the same Aerotrak 9306 particle counter that he uses for our guide to air purifiers . He closed the windows and shut off his apartment’s ventilation system during the tests, and filled the diffusers with distilled water, to ensure that no dissolved minerals made it into the air and affected the results. The oils were added in the quantities recommended by the manufacturers.

As expected, all the machines raised the number of fine particles in the air—after all, they work by doing exactly that. The numbers here show the increase in particles of 0.3-micron diameter (0.3 micron being the HEPA test standard):

For each test, Tim ran the particle counter for five minutes with the diffuser or nebulizer off, to get a baseline reading of the air quality in the room, and then ran them for 30 minutes on their highest or continuous settings. He placed the diffusers and the nebulizer on his bedside table (a typical location for these things), with the particle counter a few feet away on the headboard. After 15 minutes, he moved the particle counter to a second table on the far side of the bed, about 8 feet away, to see if distance affected the airborne particle count.

There are two main takeaways from our findings. First, the nebulizer showed a much greater increase in particulate levels in the air than the diffusers. That’s not surprising: Nebulizers create a fine mist of pure essential-oil droplets, while diffusers create a mist composed mostly of water, with a small amount of essential oil mixed in. (Most diffuser makers recommend about 4 or 5 drops of essential oil per 100 milliliters of water.) The water rapidly evaporates and, as a result, does not show up in the particle counts; what’s left over are the relatively sparse oil droplets.

Second, the diffusers created a fairly uniform concentration of airborne particles throughout the room, while the nebulizer concentrated them in its immediate vicinity—note the dropoff at minute 20, when Tim moved the particle counter to the far side of the bed.

The question is: Does any of this matter? It’s well-established that fine particles of soot, smoke, and dust have negative health impacts when inhaled, but what about fine droplets of essential oils?

Tim spoke with Sachiko Koyama, an olfactory biologist at Indiana University and co-author of a comprehensive review of the ways essential oils’ impacts on the body are affected by the mode of delivery (by inhalation, topically, or by ingestion). In general, she said, aromatherapeutic uses of essential oils can be considered safe, because the oils themselves are not inherently dangerous when inhaled and because their concentration in the air is low. Koyama also noted that much higher concentrations are used in the established practice of smell training , which may help to restore a sense of smell to people who have lost it (including some COVID-19 survivors ). Koyama did note that some people are allergic to components found in essential oils, and that overexposure to essential oils may create sensitivity to them in people who previously were not negatively affected. As noted above, in “ Who should get this ,” there are also anecdotal reports of essential oils negatively affecting the breathing of asthmatics and non-asthmatics alike. Ingesting essential oils can be injurious and even fatal, so keep them out of the reach of children. And as Wirecutter’s Kaitlyn Wells reports, some airborne essential oils can be dangerous to pets . But all that noted, “if you don’t have a specifical allergy,” Koyama said, “for most people I don’t think it will cause a problem.”

In 2021, we tested the Canopy Diffuser . It’s different from all our picks in that, rather than being ultrasonic or a nebulizer, it evaporates oils directly. You soak oils into a little puck of diatomite, a finely porous natural mineral made of the shells of tiny sea creatures; a fan blows air past the puck, evaporating the oil. It’s a neat system in theory because it requires no cleaning beyond an occasional wipe-down. But in practice, we found the production of aroma very weak. We also don’t like that this model comes with only one puck—you need to purchase separate ones if you want to switch scents regularly. And the “diffusion well,” a larger diatomite puck that sits inside the machine and delivers up to three weeks’ worth of continuous aroma, can work only with 5 mL bottles, as the common ⅓-ounce (10 mL) bottles are too tall and prevent the cover from reattaching to the machine.

The Kumi Stone Diffuser was demoted from an also-great pick due to supply issues in late 2022. If you happen to find one, it’s a great device and a clone of the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser —they’re such dead ringers in appearance, functions, and materials that it’s clear they come off the same assembly line—or at least their component parts do. (This isn’t speculation: The common origin of diffuser components is something that a source confirmed.) The main difference between the Kumi Stone Diffuser and the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is price, as the Kumi typically costs less than half as much. Our testing revealed that the same drawbacks we identified in the Vitruvi apply to the Kumi, as well: At 100 mL, it doesn’t have a large capacity, doesn’t add scent to a space larger than a bedroom, and runs dry within eight hours. In addition, it comes only in white, whereas the Vitruvi diffuser is available in various earthy colors. The Kumi diffuser has three output settings (high, low, and intermittent) and three light settings (bright white, low, and off for sleeping).

We used to recommend the Vivitest Ceramic diffuser as a dupe for the Vitruvi Stone; they look nearly identical, and are made from the same materials, but the Vivitest costs a fraction of what the Virtuvi does. However, in early 2023 we saw that both satisfaction with the product and the seller had significantly dropped for the Vivitest. In particular, many buyers complained that the Vivitest simply stopped working for them after about a year of use. Though we didn’t have any issues while testing it ourselves, we have removed our recommendation until we can inspect it further.

Of all the diffusers we looked at, the 100 mL Stadler Form Mia Aroma Diffuser is the most understated and design-conscious, with a matte finish, no mood light, and just one button. Next to the competition, however, it offers a weak stream: This diffuser takes a while to disperse oil, and sometimes it’s hard to see the mist at all, which makes it less visually interesting.

The Stadler Form Jasmine is the larger version of the Mia. It has an option to run in intervals, 10 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for 24 hours. While the mist stream is stronger than the Mia’s, it’s still weaker than that of our picks. Also, one Amazon reviewer notes that the LEDs are strong: “Wow the lights are like a lighthouse beacon in the night.”

There is a 100 mL version of the Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser , another popular model from a manufacturer that leads the space. At that size, you have a lot more design options, and we felt we could recommend something more attractive than this model’s plastic finish—that led us to the Vitruvi , our also-great pick, as well as several other stylish small diffusers we considered and dismissed.

We like that the Now Solutions Real Bamboo Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser is made of real wood. Plus, at the time of testing, Fakespot gave the Amazon reviews a B and since then it has risen to an A , uncommon among diffusers. It has an option for intermittent diffusing as well as a timer—a combination that we didn’t see on any other ultrasonic diffuser. However, the stream of mist is weaker than our top picks, and it doesn’t look as elegant as the fancy diffuser we like.

Though they are slightly different shapes, the InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser is functionally identical to our former runner-up pick, the 120 mL Urpower. But this model costs a couple dollars more and has a slightly smaller tank.

Of all the diffusers we considered, the Diffuser World Aroma-Ace , a nebulizer, is the most industrial-looking: no wood (real or fake), no colorful lights. In our tests it was also louder than anything else we looked at by far, emitting a grinding, buzzing sound as it dispersed oil—it sounded kind of like a refrigerator with a worn-out compressor . (Diffuser World sells a “silencer” attachment that is supposed to dampen the sound, but we found it didn’t work that well.) The Aroma-Ace does have one of the best timers: You can adjust the amount of time it sprays oil as well as the amount of time it rests (between a few seconds and 20 minutes). As with the other nebulizers we saw, you can adjust the amount of oil it sprays, too. Unlike many nebulizers, the Aroma-Ace comes with two atomizers, so you can switch oils without having to clean the system. The unattractive design also doesn’t seem as easy to break as the glass nebulizers we tested.

The Muji Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser from the popular Japanese retailer Muji costs more than the competition yet doesn’t offer any clear benefits. Muji’s diffusers are similar in design to many of the inexpensive models we looked at, though they don’t give you the option to change the light to a different color. After a quick visit to a Muji store to see these in person, we dismissed them.

In previous years we tested the Diffuser World Aroma-Express and the Diffuser World Aroma-Infinity , both of them nebulizers. The Aroma-Express has no option to diffuse oil intermittently, which we found to be an important feature for nebulizers. It also made a grinding noise as it ran. The Aroma-Infinity does have an option to diffuse oils intermittently, but it’s not worth the price for most people. As of late 2022, they seem to be out of stock in most places.

In past versions of this guide we also tested: The InnoGear 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser and the Welledia Pleasant Essential Oil Glass Nebulizing Diffuser, both of which are now discontinued.

Manufacturers often recommend cleaning out ultrasonic diffusers once every few days or uses so that oils don’t build up and nothing can grow in the stagnant water. The maintenance instructions for our top pick recommend using a little fragrance-free dish soap (our top pick for dish soap fits the bill). To get it really clean, Essential Oil Haven suggests running it in a well-ventilated space for a few minutes with water and a few drops of white vinegar every so often. If you’re switching oils between uses, wipe out the diffuser with a damp cloth.

The maintenance instructions for our favorite nebulizer recommend cleaning the device with rubbing alcohol once a week (or cleaning it immediately after running it with a thick oil like sandalwood). If you’re switching oils, clean it between uses. Every once in a while, soak it in hot water with dish detergent to get it really clean.

One more note on the topic of cleanliness: We used tap water while testing the ultrasonic diffusers, even though many people and some companies suggest using distilled water because the minerals in tap water get propelled into the air along with your oil. The EPA says that it’s perfectly safe (PDF) to use tap water in an ultrasonic humidifier (which puts a lot more water into the air than a diffuser). As we note in our humidifier guide , however, tap water can produce a fine, white dust near the device. I did not notice this dust during diffuser testing, possibly due to the diffusers’ much smaller output than humidifiers.

This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Christine Ryan.

Amanda Z. Naprawa, Essential Oils: What You Should Know , Berkeley Wellness , March 1, 2016

How to Clean Your Essential Oil Diffuser , Essential Oil Haven

Weekly Five, Essential oil diffuser review , YouTube , August 4, 2015

Diana Balekian MD, Aidan Long MD, Dennis K. Ledford, MD, FAAAAI, Essential oil diffusers and asthma , American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology , December 1, 2015

Sachiko Koyama, phone interview , December 10, 2020

Meet your guide

Shannon Palus

Shannon Palus is a former Wirecutter senior staff writer. She tested countless health and wellness products from 2016 to 2018.

Further reading

Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?

by Kaitlyn Wells

Essential oils can be toxic to pets. Don’t apply any directly to an animal’s skin, and avoid using an active diffuser in the same room as your pets.

Lavender Oil Might Help You Sleep, but Be Careful Which Essential Oils You Buy

by Arianna Flores

You’ll find plenty of oil mixes and sprays marketed as sleep aids, but not all of them are created equal. Here’s what you need to know.

Everything You Need for the Perfect Couch Nap

by Jackie Reeve

Whether you’re stuck on the couch for a sick day or taking a quick afternoon nap, here are all the essentials you’ll want to have nearby.

50(ish) Splurge-Worthy Wirecutter Picks to Upgrade Your Bedroom

by Gabriella DePinho

On the hunt for a timeless bed frame or luxe linen sheets? Here’s a selection of our favorite investment pieces to jazz up your sleeping space.

8 small travel essentials that make a big difference

Foot hammocks and facial sprays add comfort to long flights

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When flying, the most important thing is getting to your destination safely — but if you can make it from point A to point B comfortably, that's even better. Set yourself up for success by packing carry-on items to make life in the air a breeze. Here are eight small yet mighty travel essentials. 

Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol 

One spray is enough to have you feeling refreshed

Airplane cabins have notoriously dry air, which can be bad news for your skin. Spritz your way back to hydration with Aesop's vegan Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol, a refreshing rose petal-infused mist. Spray it as often as necessary and be sure to take a deep breath in to savor the fresh floral and citrus scent. 

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Basic Concepts airplane foot hammock

Give your feet a break with this comfortable hammock

Get ready to kick up your feet and relax. It only takes seconds to get this padded hammock set up; hang it around your tray table, adjust the straps to the desired length and voila! You have yourself a foot or leg rest to make the cramped airline seat feel more luxurious. This position can help reduce swelling and alleviate backaches.

$14.99, Amazon

Hammacher Schlemmer The In Flight Hanging Organizer

This hanging organizer keeps everything you need handy 

Instead of digging around in your carry-on or trying to stuff all your things into the tiny seatback pocket in front of you, keep your books, magazines, iPad and laptop in this roomy organizer. It hangs from your tray table hook and has six pouches to hold all your flight essentials. If things get bumpy, zip it up to ensure everything stays put.

$59.99, Hammacher Schlemmer

Comrad compression socks

Say goodbye to swelling with these compression socks

Think of compression socks as hugs for your legs. These socks gently and continuously squeeze your calves, increasing circulation and preventing blood from pooling — making them a game changer for anyone who experiences mild to moderate swelling and leg pain on an airplane. Comrad's unisex compression socks are made of breathable material, offer a medium 15-20 mmHG of graduated compression and come in more than a dozen colors and patterns. 

Starting at $27.99, Amazon

Origins Peace of Mind On-The-Spot Relief

The name says it all

Maybe flying makes you nervous, or the plane hit a rough patch of turbulence that shook you up. Instead of downing several glasses of wine, try Peace of Mind On-The-Spot Relief, a sensory treatment infused with a blend of peppermint, basil and eucalyptus oils that you can rub onto the back of your neck or temples for a calming effect. The bottle fits in your pocket, making it easy to grab when you need to de-stress.

$19, Origins

Cincha travel belt 

The Cincha travel belt keeps your bags in place

Your tote or weekender is staying put with the Cincha Travel Belt. This elastic belt secures your personal item to your wheeled carry-on so you no longer have to worry about it slipping, sliding or falling off as you rush through the airport to board your flight. These come in a variety of fun colors and patterns to jazz up any luggage, like purple and blue stripes and traditional leopard.

$39.99, Cincha

Jisulife portable handheld fan 

No air nozzles on the plane? No problem.

This tiny, two-speed portable fan will help you stay cool even when the cabin is stuffy. It has a flashlight and can run for 14 hours, plus it doubles as a power bank in case your phone runs out of juice. The rechargable fan does make a little noise, but it should not disturb your fellow passengers. 

$17.99, Amazon

BlueHills premium soft travel blanket

Curl up with this lightweight BlueHills travel blanket

Even on the shortest flights, you probably want to get cozy — it gets cold up at 30,000 feet! This lightweight, machine-washable plush blanket is big enough to keep you toasty without encroaching on anyone else's space. It comes with a zippered carrying case, and when the blanket is tucked inside you can also use it as a travel pillow. Win-win.

$29.99, Amazon

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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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Aromatherapy Oils May Help Older Adults Fight Dementia

W hen the way that you make sense of the world around you begins to falter, it can be confusing and frustrating, to say the least. Dementia can affect the most fundamental parts of human cognition - including memory , language , and even the ability to make simple decisions like what you want for breakfast.

Today, there is still no cure for the condition, but a handful of prescription medications can lessen symptoms. Another, more controversial, treatment is aromatherapy. Some research has found that essential oils can help calm down dementia patients. There is also evidence that certain oils may even improve cognition. Though the body of work behind these treatments is still growing, early findings suggest that aromatherapy may be a non-invasive way to give patients some kind of relief.

"They have been used for such a long time," says Snezana Agatonovic-Kustrin, a chemist at I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University in Russia who has conducted research on essential oils and dementia. "But no one looked into the details."

Which Essential Oils Are Good for Dementia?

The two most-studied essential oils for dementia treatment are lemon balm and lavender. Earlier this year, a Taiwanese research group published an investigation into how patients at a daycare center for dementia responded to daily aromatherapy with these two oils. The scientists found that the patients who received aromatherapy were significantly less agitated.

Other emerging research backs up the benefits of such scents. Another study out of Japan, published in the journal Psychogeriatrics, found that aromatherapy using lavender , lemon, orange, and rosemary essential oils significantly improved dementia patient's cognitive function. Meanwhile, a pilot trial with Spanish sage oil on 11 dementia patients in the United Kingdom showed a significant improvement in cognition, as well.

Other oils have been tested on in vitro cells or in rodents, but have yet to make it to human trials. Bergamot, Rosemary , and the oil of a middle-eastern shrub called Ferulago angulata have all shown promise in these experiments.

Still, other essential oils have yet to be tested at all, but nonetheless have properties that researchers expect might prove useful for dementia patients. These include eucalyptus, cypress, and thyme .

Read More: How To Prevent Those With Dementia From Dehydration

What Scientists Don't Know About Aromatherapy and Dementia

Aromatherapy as a treatment for dementia has yet to be tested on a large scale. A 2020 review of the research behind aromatherapy for dementia stated that "in order for clear conclusions to be drawn, better design and reporting and consistency of outcome measurement in future trials would be needed."

So, the evidence isn't exactly clear, but the work that has been done is certainly promising. Currently, researchers can confidently say that some patients, in some situations, experienced relief from aromatherapy.

"It won't heal the patient, but it will help," Snezana Agatonovic-Kustrin says.

Read More: The Best Dementia Treatment For All Ages in Life

How Do Essential Oils Help Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients?

For some people, essential oils might sound like a fringe, hippie-dippy treatment. But the way they function in your brain is actually similar to drugs like Donepezil, a prescription for Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.

How, exactly, can aromatherapy benefit our brains? The story starts with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps govern memory. Alzheimer's disease is thought to stem from a loss in function of the neurons that produce acetylcholine. To counteract this, drugs like Donezapil boost acetylcholine levels by blocking up an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase that breaks down the neurotransmitter.

There is evidence that essential oils can do, essentially, the same thing. Separate studies found that both lemon balm and lavender slow down acetylcholinesterase's ability to break down acetylcholine. Other essential oils, including key lime and stinkwort, have a similar effect. These may be good candidates for clinical trials in the future.

Of course, this is just one theory about how essential oils work in the brains of dementia patients. Another is based on the fact that many essential oils are antioxidants - molecules that protect your body against harmful " free radicals " that are produced when we are exposed to tobacco smoke, X-rays, and air pollution. Yet another theory posits that essential oils stimulate the aging brain through a process called " olfactory enrichment ."

Read More: Is Alzheimer's Disease Genetic: Could It Run In Your Family?

How Do Essential Oils Travel From the Air to Your Brain?

For essential oils to have a chemical effect on a human brain, they have to get there first. Luckily, most essential oils are exceptionally good at passing through the human body. It all comes down to two factors: For starters, the molecules that make up essential oils are quite small. Plus, essential oils are what chemists call "lipophilic" - meaning they like to glom on to the fats that make up cellular membranes throughout the human body.

Agatonovic-Kustrin explains that these properties allow essential oil molecules to enter the bloodstream through the tissues inside your nose when inhaled. However, it is probably even more effective to rub essential oils directly on the skin; essentially, exposing the oils to more surface area leads to a greater concentration in the blood.

"Once they get into the bloodstream, they can then penetrate into the brain," Agatonovic-Kustrin says. "Some passively, because they're small and lipophilic. Some probably even by active transport."

Read More: What Science Says About the Potential Healing Effects of Essential Oils

Could Essential Oils Be Used to Treat Other Conditions?

Because of these properties, essential oils could prove to be exceptionally useful in the treatment of neurological conditions, in addition to other medical applications. Studies have even found them to be effective at boosting the effects of topical drugs .

Still, research on essential oils remains hard to come by. Agatonovic-Kustrin thinks that some of this may be due to a bias against traditional medicine in the research community. "It's really hard to find funding. It's always a struggle," she says. "Most of the research I have done just because I was curious."

Agatonovic-Kustrin hopes that the insights from her and her colleagues' work will drive interest in further research into essential oils. What little we know about these ancient molecules certainly opens the door to future research questions. One day, perhaps, lavender and lemon balm will sit on the shelf next to pharmaceuticals in hospital supply closets.

Read More: Essential Oils Could Impact Your Memory and Reaction Times