Essential oils that deserve a place in your First Aid kit

Essential oils might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of first aid, but these volatile oils can come in handy more often than you think. They aren’t just there to smell good. These concentrated plant extracts have a long history in being used for their medicinal and therapeutic properties, and they can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Here are some essential oils that would make excellent additions to your first aid kit. (h/t to PreppersWill.com.)

Lavender for wounds and sunburns

Lavender is a key essential oil that can promote your body’s natural healing process. Its soothing qualities can alleviate minor wounds, sunburns, and other skin issues. As with all essential oils, great care must be taken when applying lavender essential oil topically. Essential oils are very volatile, so if you want to fully experience their health benefits, you should first dilute the oils in a neutral carrier oil. This also improves skin absorption. Another essential oil that you can use to treat minor cuts and scrapes is tea tree oil.

Peppermint for nausea

If you suffer from nausea or other digestive problems, then peppermint oil is the essential oil for you. It can be used to promote good digestion and bring immediate relief from gastrointestinal problems. All you have to do is to add a single drop of peppermint essential oil to a glass of warm water or to a cup of calming tea. Drink this mixture to relieve the symptoms of nausea. Oregano oil is also very potent and it can help to alleviate inflammation and gastrointestinal issues as well. (Related: How to use essential oils to increase your odds of survival in almost any situation.)

Clove or chamomile for restful sleep

Clove essential oil possesses sleep-inducing properties that allow it to serve as a natural sedative. Chamomile and lavender essential oils can also be used as effective sleep aids. You can add a drop of chamomile oil to a hot cup of tea to soothe your nerves. You can even add a few drops of lavender oil directly on your pillow. Its fragrant aroma can last for days, and it can also provide a calming effect on your body.

Tea tree for pesky bug bites

Did you know that you can protect yourself from pesky bugs with the help of essential oils? You can mix tea tree oil or peppermint oil with water and spray the mixture in a certain area where you don’t want any mosquitoes. Peppermint oil can even be used to keep away pests, such as ants, spiders, and mice. However, if you’ve already been bitten by insects, then you can alleviate the affected area with a little diluted lavender oil or chamomile oil.

Clove for toothaches

If you have a aching tooth, you can alleviate the pain with a little bit of clove oil. Its analgesic properties can temporarily numb the nerves in your mouth until the tooth is either pulled out or properly treated. You can use clove essential oil to treat a wide variety of dental issues, but be sure to use it sparingly as its incredibly strong potency may cause adverse reactions when used for a prolonged period of time.

Learn more first aid applications of essential oils by reading EssentialOils.news.

Sources include:

PreppersWill.com

SurvivalSullivan.com