Take an Aromatic Adventure – Best Vacay Idea Ever!

By Caryn Gehlmann

When we’re on vacation we’re told to enjoy the sights and sounds, but what about the smells? A few weeks ago my sister Sue reached out to tell me the amazing experiences she had enjoying new aromas as she traveled the country in her RV. Take an aromatic adventure… I just love that idea! So I interviewed my Sue, who is also a Clinical Aromatherapist, to get inspiration on how to have our own aromatic adventure, whether we’re traveling across the country or are in our very own backyard!

Tell us a little about your background in aromatherapy.

I worked in the dental field for 3 years and then became a stay-at-home mother of three. With the support of my sister Caryn, In 2007, I began learning about essential oils. I discovered I loved the blending process and creating lovely aromas with natural benefits, so I went on to become a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.

How do you take an aromatic adventure? What are the benefits?

An aromatic adventure to me means finding the aromas you connect with. Finding the aromas you love then learning what benefits these essential oils offer. The benefits may be helpful to mind and body. A few benefits that I have found helpful is using aromas as a sedative, antihistamine, or decongestant.

What have been the highlights of your recent aromatic adventure?

My most recent aromatic adventure came a couple weeks ago when I stepped out of our RV in Santa Fe. The aroma was calming to my mind and body. Doing research I found I was surrounded by Cedar and Juniper trees. Two benefits from Cedarwood are sedative and insecticide. Juniper is considered a powerful tonic of the body.

What can you do to get others, especially kids, to start paying attention to aromas and the effect they have on us?

I would begin by having children smell an orange, lemon, fresh herbs, or flowers. You can share the benefits you receive just by inhaling the aromas. Oranges make you happy. Lavender calms you down. Simple terms so they remember and do not become overwhelmed.

Sometimes we’re not in a position to travel or go outdoors. Which essential oils or e3 blends can you use to take an aroma adventure indoors?

The blends and singles I diffuse or roll on most is Lavender Spike during the allergy season and beginning of a cold. I roll on under my nose and rub on my chest.

For e3 blends here are some favorites:

• Diffuse e3 Nerve Calming anytime. For me it is a very calming and warm aroma.
• Cold & Sinus helps with congestion; diffuse this at night in the bedroom.
• Revitalize is a fresh, light pick me up. A really nice blend especially in the kitchen diffuser.

The one piece of advice I would pass along is if you are just beginning your aromatic adventure go SLOW! Find a couple aromas you absolutely love and do your research. Play with them, learn how to use them. It is easy to get overwhelmed with information. Enjoy the journey…..

Thanks Sue! We’ll be talking more about aromatic adventures on our Facebook page, so if you have any cool experiences, please share them with us. And if you want to get a little more adventurous with creating your own essential oil blends, don’t forget to download our free guide, The Art and Science of Blending Essential Oils.