Expert: Judy Frayne - 6/16/2007

Question
I am forced to work two jobs (including an overnight one).  I am able to sleep like 4 hours between them and I can sleep a lot on the weekends.   What do you recomend me to use to keep awake, alert and healthy?

Thank you

Answer
Hi Hector - thanks for your question. I know what it's like working two jobs - and the effects lead to tiredness and can weaken your immune system.

Oils to help you stay awake and alert are Rosemary, Lime ( any of the citrus oils ) and Peppermint. These are brilliant if you bathe before going to work - or simply have them in a cream base or massage oil and put some on around the chest area before work.I wouldn't put them on my face as these particular oils are quite strong and may cause irritation on facial skin.

During your working hours you could have a small 'spritzer' spray containing these oils and some water, that you just shake up and spray onto refresh yourself. (The peppermint is lovely and cooling , but only use one or two drops in a mixture as the more you use, it has a heating effect. )

Looking at the longer term effects of working in this kind of pattern - you will probably find your immune system weakens and you end up catching viruses from co workers. Tea tree is THE oil you must have with you, at work and at home. It is the most brilliant anti viral, anti biotic, antiseptic. You can use it to disinfect in a spritzer spray - you can gargle with it to combat sore throats and colds, and you can put it undiluted directly on to cuts, stings, bites, bruises and abrasions. It will not only disinfect, but it will help to regenerate skin cells and speed up healing.

Depending on what work you are doing, you may need something for aches and pains. I would recommend some Lavender oil to mix with your rosemary ( which is also a good pain killer) and some sweet marjoram. This mixture is painkilling and muscle relaxing.

And finally , when get your time off - you must also look after yourself, so I am including a really nice pampering formula for massage , or for bathing, which is good for the skin and will  make you feel good....Ylang Ylang,Lavender and Grapefruit or Lemon.These would be my choice of oils, but you may have other preferences.
You can put the oils on as often as you like. Little and often is the best. They help build up your immune system over a period of time and you'll find you get used to having them around.Here are your formulae -

Wake up formula:
For massage - add to 5-10ml of base oil, like grapeseed or almond oil (NOT baby oil)
For bath/shower - either use in oil or unperfumed bath foam
For spritzer spray - put in a small spray bottle with water.

Peppermint   1 drop     ( cooling, refreshing)
Rosemary     2 drops    ( clears headaches and muzziness)
Lime         2 drops    ( refreshing )

Tea tree formulae               
Mouthwash/ Gargle formula
In water
Tea tree   1 drop       (antiseptic,antiviral, antibiotic)
Peppermint 1 drop

Tea tree Spritzer spray
Tea tree 2-3 drops in water

Aches and Pains formula: in 5-10ml of oil or a small amount of unperfumed cream.Or in bath ( as for wake up formula)

Lavender        3 drops  (cooling, soothing,painkilling)    
Sweet Marjoram  3 drops  (painkilling,muscle relaxant)
Rosemary        2 drops  (painkilling)
Peppermint      1 drop  ( optional )

Relax and Enjoy formula: mix as above for massage or bath
Ylang Ylang     3 drops ( gets rid of anger & frustration)
Lavender        3 drops
Grapefruit      2 drops

You could also use these oils in a burner/diffuser - in hot water.

Good luck Hector - please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.
Best wishes
Judy