During a break from my Aromatherapy studies in London, I set out on a trip with my girlfriend to Egypt. I d always been fascinated with Ancient Egyptian culture and impressed by their diverse knowledge and documented use of essential oils. Not only were essential oils sourced and used for the sensual pleasure imparted through perfumery, they also played a paramount part in ceremonial worshiping and for general health and wellbeing. To my surprise I was about to find out how resourceful a few essential oils could be.

We arrived at Cairo Airport in the wee hours of the morning excited and apprehensive about our new adventure. Little did we know about bungling taxi drivers in Cairo. It didn t help that the only directions we had for accommodation was our out-of-date Lonely Planet guide. An hour of hap hazard driving and we finally arrived at a place that the driver, very convincingly, told us was paradise! Yeah, right…

Now I know for a fact that the Ancient Egyptians took cleanliness seriously. There are even ancient records of an essential oil deodorant recipe dating back to 1500BC. For those Egyptians who were quite decadent, bathing more than once a day in different temperature baths with perfumed oils was one of a number of beauty-enhancing rituals. But of course that was Ancient Egypt, which on comparison bared little resemblance to our paradise accommodation in modern day Cairo. Cleanliness was obviously not a priority, not by any means… no siree!!! Anyway we were exhausted and decided to stay regardless. After a weary day we both looked forward to a restful night sleep only to discover that our beds would reveal another not so pleasant surprise bed mites …aghhh!

Fortunately, I brought some essential oils on the trip and pulled out my trusty bottle of (antiseptic, insecticidal, parasiticidal, deodorising, sedating) French Lavender and put a few drops on some tissues that we placed strategically in the bed. Egyptian mummies had the right idea, ritually embalmed in Frankincense and Myrrh and firmly wrapped in bandages…nothing gets in and nothing gets out.
Essential oils are a must when travelling. Fortunately for a little forethought we survived sharing trains with farm animals, overcrowded bus trips with lunatic drivers and need I say almost disappearing into the desert by camel…. but that s another story.

Your essential oil travel kit should contain: lavender, chamomile, geranium, peppermint, ginger, tea tree and thyme.

Angela Power has a background spanning 25 years as a health professional profiling a career in medical nursing for over 15 years and as a Natural Therapist since 1988. She has been practicing aromatherapy for over 18 years and enjoys writing articles on essential oils and their uses and benefits. She is renowned for her ability to provide knowledge through her real life experiences and her website, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils at the Garden Apothecary provides numerous articles on information regarding the benefits of aromatherapy and the therapeutic use of essential oils.

Related post

Essential Safari Clothes For Your African Trip
Essential Safari Clothes For Your African TripBy Bruce Whittaker Taking the right safari clothing with you to Africa is one of the more importa...

Luxury Cruises - A Spa Vacation for Prime Time Women
Luxury Cruises - A Spa Vacation for Prime Time WomenBy Cheryl Pipitone You and your girlfriends deserve the best in a luxury cruise. After work...

Essential Tips On Hiring a Car In Spain
Essential Tips On Hiring a Car In SpainBy Mark Eastwood These are a few things you should know before you hire a car in Spain: * What s includ...

How Insect Repellent Works
How Insect Repellent WorksBy John Grimes If you are heading outdoors, you know how aggravating bugs can be. The answer, of course, is to use in...

U.S./U.K. Airline Carry-On Restrictions Are Now In Effect
U.S./U.K. Airline Carry-On Restrictions Are Now In EffectBy Constance Parker-Street On August 10, authorities in the United Kingdom announced t...