“Look, the salt and pepper shakers are missing from all of the dining tables” my wife Pat announced to those at our dinner table. She was the first person in our dining group who noticed their absence, and this, according to what we have been told, is the first indication of an on board infection of sorts. Remove anything that could spread an infection, and since the salt and pepper shakers were handled by most everyone, they were the first to go.

We had been sailing on the Island Princess cruise ship these last two weeks of October, sailing from Long Beach, California, to four Hawaiian Islands and returning, via Ensenada, Mexico, 15 days later in Long Beach. It was a wonderful and exciting vacation for us, however, once the spice bottles were removed, we felt a certain amount of apprehension.

It was determined, or suspected, the Norwalk virus had been brought aboard via a passenger or crewmember and now everyone was at risk. To their credit, the cruise line took extreme measures to circumvent a total outbreak. They placed the ship on what is referred to as “sailing on red alert”. We were encouraged to wash our hands as often as possible, and to use the conveniently located bottles of antiseptic as well. Who, amongst the passengers are regular crew members, knew exactly how many were affected, but stories of thirty to less than a hundred circulated throughout the ship. Fortunately, my wife Pat and I, along with our tablemates, were not affected.

Aroma therapy: A range of treatments using aromatic oils extracted from plants. Many ancient civilizations, particularly the Chinese, documented the use of essential oils in treating different disorders. Essential oils are especially suited for treating infectious illnesses as well as in the areas of the psyche, nervous system, and hormonal balance. The oils are either applied in small quantities, either directly or incorporated into creams or lotions, through massage, inhaled, or used as a spray or while showering.

The next time Pat and I cruise we will most definitely include the essential oils as part of our defense team. In fact, I plan on visiting a specialist in aromatherapy to enlarge upon our general needs as well.

During our years in the retail business, we had many customers who used the essential oils for various reasons. Some of these included:

Motion sickness – One drop of peppermint oil (diluted, depending on age) has been used as a remedy for nausea for both adults and children with seasickness. The effect will last longer if the air in the boat, ship, or cabin, has been scented with a few drops as well.

Note: Conventional medicine has confirmed the effectiveness of peppermint against irritable colon.

Mouthwash – A few drops (depending on one’s taste buds) of peppermint oil in a glass of water. Sage, anise and thyme are also very popular.

Tea tree oil, the Australian wonder, is renowned for its unbelievable antimicrobial qualities. Its wide spectrum of action makes it perfect for the traveler’s first aid kit. Uses include infections of the mucous membranes of the mouth and gums, for acne and herpes, and for bacterial, candida-related, or viral intestinal infections.

Thyme has a broad action against bacteria, viruses, and fungi (yeast infections). It also aids falling asleep if the rocking of the ship doesn’t work.

Oregano – When it comes to combating bacterial infections, oregano is aromatherapy’s heavy artillery.

Lemon – Perhaps the most effective oil for disinfecting room air, has a refreshing scent, and a calming effect (in high seas?). I used freshly squeezed lemon juice as a hand wash.

Note: Please do as I’m going to do, see a professional aroma therapist for more specifics. That includes for what condition or circumstance, contraindications, potency, application, duration of use, side effects, etc.

Happy sailing!