THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SUMMER ROAD TRIPS

Summer is the perfect season for taking road trips to a familiar or a completely new and unknown destination. Driving away from one city and being surrounded by long-winded roads, trees, and rolling hills while playing your favorite music is what makes getting from Point A to Point B and beyond an adventurous journey. Prior to starting the engine, you may have all your bags stored in the trunk, your snacks packed in a cooler, loved ones in the passenger's seats, and your route saved in Google Maps. However, with so many miles ahead of you, a few bumps here and there are bound to occur. Anything from fatigue, stomach aches, headaches, frustration, impatience, odors, and stuffy air are all possibilities when travelling long distances by car. In everyday life, Essential Oils are versatile and are diffused for a variety of purposes, such as supporting your mood, promoting a certain state of mind, and freshening the air that you breathe. Essential Oils can come in handy as a natural remedy to help alleviate some of the common discomforts associated with lengthy travel and maintain the pleasantness of your well-deserved vacation.

WHY ESSENTIAL OILS ARE 'ESSENTIAL' FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

When we think of Road Trip necessities, some might not immediately think of Essential Oils as part of their must-pack items for the long car rides and hours of sitting. However, the reason Essential Oils are so integral to aromatherapy is because their scent profiles are reputed to have an effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Oils such as Lavender, Chamomile Roman, and Cedarwood can be blended or diffused individually to help one relax and potentially promote a good night's sleep. Meanwhile, Peppermint, Basil, and Rosemary Oils exude soothing properties, but are also energizing and invigorating. Citrus Oils, including Lemon, Grapefruit, and Orange, are believed to enhance the mood and inspire positivity, while also eliminating airborne bacteria. In the home, the office, and in sacred spaces, Essential Oils are diffused to achieve specific results in mood and air quality, and thus, the inside of a car should be no exception.

Whether you're travelling with friends, children, family members, or even acquaintances, road trips require a great deal of patience, focus, organization, and flexibility. While Essential Oils may not guarantee a smooth trip without any hiccups, they can potentially provide natural solutions and support for a memorable vacation!

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR LONG CAR RIDES

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - Known for its exotic, floral scent, Ylang Ylang is believed to bring harmony to the mood and environment. It can encourage alertness and mental clarity while creating a sense of peace and calm. Ylang Ylang has a soothing yet invigorating effect that is less likely to induce drowsiness.

Rosemary Essential Oil - In aromatherapy, Rosemary Essential Oil can support healthy respiratory function while stimulating the senses and alleviating fatigue. Rosemary may also come in handy during unpleasant road trip discomforts, such as motion sickness and stomach aches.

Peppermint Essential Oil - Active components such as Menthol and Menthone are responsible for this versatile oil' clean and sharp aroma. When diffused in the car during road trips, Peppermint Oil is energizing and invigorating to the senses, while also calming overactive nerves. For especially hot days on the road, Peppermint's cooling effects can provide relief alongside the car's air conditioning. Find out more about peppermint oil uses. 

Lemon Essential Oil - The road ahead is bright with "liquid sunshine"! A reputed mood enhancer, this brilliant citrus oil is uplifting and energizing, perfect for travelling with loved ones. Lemon Essential Oil is also believed to alleviate airborne bacteria, which can make a difference in a stuffy vehicle.

Basil Essential Oil - Another stimulating yet calming Oil, Basil's uplifting qualities promotes focus and provides relief from headaches. A fresh aroma that is equal parts floral and herbaceous, Basil can alleviate any foul odors that can crop up from being cramped in a car. Basil's aroma is also believed to be repelling to insects, which may come in handy for trips into the deep woods.

Grapefruit Essential Oil - Citrusy, tart, and sweet, Grapefruit Oil can ease symptoms of stress, anxiety, frustration, and restlessness that can occur during long car rides. It also inspires a surge of energy in the air for a road trip pick-me-up.

Vetiver Essential Oil - Another grounding, calming Essential Oil that will also keep you alert and awake. This earthy oil has a balancing effect that can soothe symptoms of stress and anxiety to balance emotions. Since this oil has a strong, earthy aroma, it can easily be blended with citrus oils or Ylang Ylang to balance it out.

TIPS FOR DIFFUSING ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE CAR

New Directions Aromatics carries the CarScenter Electric Diffuser that is easy to use and distributes the oils evenly and effectively. It comes with 5 refill pads that can be reused until it discolors, eliminating the risk of spilling a bottle in the car. Simply add 2-3 drops of your choice of oil or blend to one pad and place it in the diffuser. Attach the diffuser into the cigarette lighter. The small light on the top will activate when it is plugged in correctly. It will take about a moment for the device to activate and for the Essential Oils to fragrant the air. One can also first blend the Essential Oil in Diffuser Oil Base to avoid strong and heady scent or aroma.

For a DIY option, glue one cotton ball to a single clothesline clip. Then, apply a few drops of your oil or blend of choice and attach the clip to the air vent of the car. If you're feeling creative, you can add felt and cut our fun patterns.

When choosing Essential Oils to accompany your road trip, it is important to ensure the oils are suitable for every passenger. Allergies, cautions, and preferences must be considered before diffusing any oil in a packed car for long periods of time. For passengers who are pregnant, Essential Oils may not be safe to diffuse into the air. Avoid oils that are too strong to be diffused into a small space. Protect the safety of the passengers and encourage the driver's concentration and alertness by refraining from relaxing oils such as Lavender, Chamomile Roman, and Cedarwood which can cause drowsiness or sleepiness.

To alleviate stuffiness in the vehicle, encourage air flow by running the air or keeping the window slightly open. This can also help if you don't like the aroma of a particular oil or blend, just be sure the car is aired out before diffusing a new oil.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR ALL YOUR ROAD TRIP NEEDS

Energize the Driver (source: Aroma Tools)

• 1 drop Bergamot + 1 drop Peppermint
• 1 drop Rosemary or Basil + 1-2 drops Lemon

Nausea Stops Here (source: Aroma Tools)

• 1 drop Ginger + 1 drop Peppermint, Orange, or Lemon

Bright Road Ahead (source: Aroma Tools/ Roots and Boots)

• 1 drop Lemon + 1 drop Grapefruit + 1 drop Orange
• 1 drop Frankincense + 1 drop Grapefruit + 1 drop Douglas Fir
• 1 drop Breathe Easy (Synergy Blend) + 1 drop Orange Sweet + 1 drop Lime
• 1 drop Rosemary + 1 drop Lemon

Stay Awake (source: Roots and Boots)

• 1 drop Peppermint + 1 drop Lemon + 1 drop Orange Sweet
• Invigorating Synergy Blend
• Vitality Synergy Blend
• Pillager's Potion Synergy Blend

Razor Sharp Focus (source: Aroma Tools)

• 1 drop Basil + 1 drop Peppermint and/or 1 drop Lemon
• Mental Clarity Synergy Blend

Simmer Down (source: Aroma Tools)

• 1 drop Ylang Ylang + 1 drop Bergamot + 1 drop Lemon (or other citrus oil)
• Relax Synergy Blend
• Breathe Easy Synergy Blend

Bellyache Relief (source: Roots and Boots)

• 1 drop Peppermint + 1 drop Ginger + 1 drop Lemon
• Breathe Easy Synergy Blend
• Relief Synergy Blend

OTHER WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE CAR

For topical applications, bring a travel-size Carrier Oil to dilute Essential Oils on the go. When digestive issues strike, use your Essential Oil and Carrier Oil mixture and rub onto the stomach to ease any discomfort. NDA's Amber Glass Roller Bottle is an efficient way to distribute your favorite Essential Oil blend in a pinch. To take the guess work out of your roller bottle blend, choose from our line of Roll-On Synergy Blends that are pre-diluted.

To reap the aromatherapy benefits, the oils can be inhaled directly in a few different ways. NDA's Aromatherapy Inhaler allows you to breathe in your favorite scents in a few easy steps. Simply apply your Essential Oil or blend of choice onto a cotton pad, place the cotton pad into the inhaler, and secure the seal cap at the bottom. There is a small opening at the top to access the scents. Inhale/breathe in as often as desired and screw the top tightly to keep the scent contained.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ROAD TRIP

• As exciting as driving to a new destination can be, the car ride itself can be mind-numbingly dull. To beat boredom, bring audio books, travel games, your favorite playlists, coloring books (including adult coloring books), journals, and magazines to pass the time in a meaningful way.
• To limit the amount of bathroom stops you'll have to make, keep your intake of caffeine to a minimum. If you are travelling with children, avoid sugary drinks so they don't become hyper.
• Bring along healthy snacks in a cooler. Some options include raw veggies, berries, rice or quinoa crackers, coconut chips, dried fruits, and cheese sticks.

We wish you safe travels and a fun, memorable road trip!

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

As with all NDA products, the Essential Oils and Synergy Blends mentioned are for external use only. Although it is rare to experience adverse effects from using Essential Oils, possible symptoms of negative side effects include rashes and/or gastrointestinal distress (such as stomach pain, nausea, and hyperacidity).

Pregnant women are strongly advised against using certain Essential Oils due to their potential emmenagogue effects. If you are pregnant or nursing and insist on using these oils, it is recommended that you seek the medical guidance of a physician prior to use. The oil should always be kept out of reach of children.