Traveling is always exciting wherever you go, and it gives me an irreplaceable experience for my life!

However, the longer the distance is, especially traveling by plane,
the more your body can get tired.
In order to spend your journey as comfortably as you can, it is important to treat your legs against tiredness and swelling.

Today, I would like to introduce you to the aromatic foot gel I always make for travelling. It helps to ease tired and puffy legs that are often the result of this type of travel.

The so-called ‘Economy class syndrome’ is known more accurately as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). This is the effect that occurs when you stay seated in the same position for a long time in a restricted space, causing your blood to flow slower than normal and clots to develop in the blood vessels.

Long flights reduce the opportunity to exercise the feet and legs, resulting in poor circulation, swelling and pain. The worst scenario that can result from this is DVT.

Aromatherapy can be useful for foot swelling and pain relief, and preventing thrombosis from occuring during long-distance flights.

A gel-based foot cream is easy to use and better penetrates to the skin. The choice of essential oils effective in preventing and relieving muscle pain and swelling, as well as promoting blood circulation, are a vital factor.

Personally I choose the essential oil of wintergreen to prevent blood clots.
This is because its main composition of methyl salicylate has blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties as well as analgesic activity*.

However, those who are pregnant, allergic to aspirin, or taking blood-smoothing drugs (such as warfarin) need to be cautious*. In Robert Tisserand’s view, he does not recommend using wintergreen essential oil with a dilutions of more than 5%*.

For these reasons, the use of wintergreen essential oil is not very common, but whether you like the aroma or not I find its natural pain-relieving action excellent!

Peppermint and Japanese mint (Hakka) are also effective for counteracting swelling and for pain elimination.
The main ingredient, menthol, has an excellent analgesic action *, giving it a refreshing feeling * which relieves heat in the feet. Also, the scent of mint has a cleansing effect for the feet *.

In addition, copaiba, containing β-caryophyllene, * is also a useful ingredient, as this component can play a role in reducing inflammation and managing pain*.
In my experience, Copaiba works well for any physical pain management, including headaches, back pain and others.

Lemongrass and rosemary essential oils help to promote circulation.
Citrul, contained in lemongrass, has a function of improving blood circulation *. It also suppresses unpleasant odours in the foot and works to eradicate athlete’s foot * I recommend this lemony essential oil for any aromatic foot care product.
See this report also for evidence that it rosemary essential oil improves blood circulation and is effective for dealing with foot swelling *

Finally, I add lavender for the purpose of relieving nerves and relaxing the muscles! It also helps to blend the soothing fragrance with a refreshing scent such as winter green or mint.

Aromatic foot gel for swollen and painful legs during long flights

• Arnica oil (10ml)
• Essential oils:
  • Winter green (2 drops)
  • Peppermint (4 drops)
  • Japanese mint (4 drops)
  • Copaiba (5 drops)
  • Rosemary (4 drops)
  • Lemongrass (4 drops)
  • Lavender (3 drops)
• Aloe vera gel (20ml)

1. Put the aloe vera gel into a small bowl
2. Add an aromatic blend oil, mixing arnica oil with all essential oils
3. Stir well until it becomes creamy
4. Put all into a tube container to complete

Arnica oil can be effective for relieveing muscle pain *. Aloe vera gel can enhance skin cooling and penetration.

• On the plane, apply the aromatic foot gel to the calf and massage it lightly. Stretch the legs as much as possible to improve circulation. Don’t forget to take plenty of water.
• Apply it onto the soles. It acts as a foot deodorant and prevents athlete’s foot.
• It can be used for shoulder tension and headaches! Use as an all-in-one gel for any physical conditions when traveling!