Summer season is upon us – and many people are preparing for their annual vacation! However, travel can sometimes bring about some unwanted side effects that may detract from the enjoyment of your vacation if you aren’t prepared.

Here are three simple aromatherapy recipes that you can prepare for your vacation – and have handy in case you need them!

Amounts quoted are for a healthy adult; adjust as necessary for babies and children, in pregnancy, for the elderly, or if you have an ongoing or serious medical condition.

#1 Aromatherapy Travel Recipe for Jet Lag

Jet lag affects many travelers who cross one or more time zones when flying to a vacation destination. Here’s a quick and simple aromatherapy recipe to help to relieve the symptoms of possible jet leg on long haul destinations this summer:

• 36 drops of grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) essential oil

• 4 oz white lotion base.

Apply to the temples in the morning and up to three times during the day to help you to stay alert and to adjust to the different time zone.

#2 Aromatherapy Recipe for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can affect you if you are traveling by plane, train, boat, or car – and you don’t have to be traveling far to suffer from motion sickness. To help relieve the feeling of nausea, consider the following aromatherapy recipe:

• 3 drops peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil

• 4 drops lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil

• 0.15 oz balm base*

* for information on how to make the balm base, consult Authentic Aromatherapy, page 95.

Apply to temples and wrist pulse points; inhale as needed. Note: this recipe is contra-indicated for babies and children under 5 years of age, and in pregnancy. In addition, be aware that lemon essential oil is photo-toxic; do not apply prior to going out in sunlight.

#3 Aromatherapy Recipe for Sunburn (After Care)

You should always protect yourself from the damaging heat of the sun but, in case you are caught out, here’s a soothing aromatherapy recipe to help relieve the effects of sunburn:

• 20 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil

• 16 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil

• 4 oz white lotion base.