I was first introduced to the remarkable benefits of essential oils on my Harmony of the Seas cruise a few years ago. When we arrived to Barcelona at the start of the cruise, I developed a bit of a cold and by the time we boarded the ship the next day, I had a full blown head cold. I was miserable.
Given the newness and grandeur of the ship, I had a “treat yo’ self” moment and decided to purchase a spa package for the week. While giving me a tour of the Thermal Suite, the associate recommended I try the steam room for my cold. I had nothing besides Advil, so I figured it was worth a shot. I came back later in the afternoon and spent some time in the aromatherapy steam room, trying to breathe. Within a few minutes, I felt my sinuses open up and my breathing become deeper. The eucalyptus and the steam worked like magic! Within 24 hours I felt better and the steam room became a part of my daily routine onboard. Impressed with my recovery, I wanted to educate myself on the benefits and uses of essential oils.
I’m a big believer in holistic health and if I can take a natural approach to something first, I will. Over the last few years I have been experimenting with a number of essential oils and have found a few that fit right into my wellness regime. They are my essential, essential oils, that I can’t live without at home or when I travel.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus might actually be bae. It’s easily my most used essential oil and the one I always have with me when I travel. Wether I have a cold or feel one coming on, it’s my first line of defense to fight it off. I typically use it by sprinkling a few drops in the shower before I turn on the water. To activate the steam, I shower with water as hot as I can stand it. The steam works quickly as a decongestant and also relaxes tense muscles. When I’m home, I like to run the diffuser with eucalyptus as it helps to purify the air of bacteria.
Lavender
Of course lavender smells amazing but its calming properties can’t be beat. Getting my body and mind to relax before sleep is always a challenge, but a light mist of a sleep spray over my pillows and sheets before bed and I am asleep before I even know it and I wake up actually feeling rested.
I also credit lavender for helping me to get over my travel anxiety/ fear of flying. (The one I had prior to becoming a flight attendant, obviously.) I would spritz a bit of lavender on my pressure points and on my travel blanket/pillow and take a deep breath. I would feel calm and even get a decent amount of sleep on long haul flights. Even though flying doesn’t freak me out like it used to, it’s still my favorite way to relax ahead of a long flight. I recommend it all the time to all my nervous fliers as natures Xanax.
Garlic
Ever since flying became my job, my ears have become troublesome. It’s a sometimes thing so as a precaution, I always kept a bottle of OTC earache drops with me. Earlier this year, I developed a nasty ear infection and soon found out that the drops I relied on, actually made the infection worse. I did some research to find a natural solution and came across the antiviral and antibacterial benefits of garlic oil. On my next Whole Foods run, I made sure to pick up a bottle. To say finding garlic oil has been a blessing would sound dramatic, but it really has been. Whenever I feel a bit of discomfort in my ears, I put a few drops in at night, let it “steep” for a few minutes and then let it drain out. By morning, I am pain free and my ear feels clear.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg oil was actually introduced to me by my parents. Originally from Grenada, the island is known as “the Island of Spice” specifically for its nutmeg production. (The nutmeg is even on the national flag!) While prized for its culinary uses, nutmeg also has a number of medicinal purposes as well. In Grenada, nutmeg is typically found in a spray and it’s my number one go-to for relief from muscle strains/tension. It’s also a godsend when it comes to migraines. A few spritz rubbed into my forehead with a cold, wet washcloth placed on top and I can feel the migraine dissipate within an hour. It has a strong scent but when it comes to relief, it’s worth it. When people go back “home” or come to visit, nutmeg spray is the one thing I always request.
Tea Tree
Probably the most multi-purpose of the essential oils, tea tree oil is one of the most versatile oils I have found. A few of the ways I use tea tree oil in my day-to-day life include in shampoo/conditioner to treat dry scalp, to remove ingrown hairs, as a mouthwash, and to clean cuts. Other ways I’ve heard others use tea tree oil include to treat acne and as an all-natural household cleaner. Needless to say, it’s one of my staples.
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