Aromatherapy First Aid Kit for Summer

Useful Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils Mint, Lemon, Ginger, Clove

May 12, 2009

An aromatherapy first aid kit should contain all the basic essential oils to treat cuts, pain, insect bites, headache, infection, blisters, digestion, nausea, cold & flu.

In the past few years, it seems like essential oils are suddenly everywhere – and these vital liquids, pressed from herbs and other plants, are now here to stay. Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils can be surprisingly useful for everyday complaints like stomach aches, flu symptoms, cuts and bruises, insect bites and headache.

Anyone interested in putting together a basic "first aid kit" of essential oils knows that when a problem occurs, you'll want to have the solution available now. Be careful in selecting your oils, however, because while pure essentials oils can be safely used on the skin, the cheaper chemical aromatherapy imitators can be irritating and even toxic.

Essential Oils for Cuts, Scrapes, Blisters and Infection

The best oils to treat everyday cuts, scratches and scrapes are those that will fight infection before it begins without the "hot" sensation that accompanies cinnamon, oregano, and other powerful antibacterial and antiviral oils. The most soothing antiviral oils include eucalyptus, melaleuca, and lavender.

The same oils that will prevent infection in cuts and scrapes can be used to treat infection if it occurs or to soothe and bring down blisters.

Essential Oils for Bruises and Pain

Whether pain is superficial (like bruising) or deep muscle pain from hard exercise, the same oils will be effective in soothing aches and relieving soreness. Try wintergreen, birch, clove and peppermint to ease pain and strengthen sore muscles.

Aromatherapy for Migraine, Headache and Tension

Headaches can be soothed by applying peppermint, lavender, and spearmint to the back of the neck, temples, and other areas of tension and by inhaling the aroma.

Essential Oils for Insect Bites

Different insect bites may require slightly different combinations of essential oils, but the best place to start is with lavender, peppermint and melaleuca. These oils also repel bugs!

Essential Oils for Stomach Ache and Indigestion

Stomach aches, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating can all be treated using herbal essential oils like peppermint, fennel, ginger, anise, tarragon and patchouli.

Aromatherapy for Nausea and Travel Sickness

If travel by boat, car or airplane causes motion sickness, use essential oils like ginger, peppermint and anise – the same oils that support the digestive system – to calm nausea.

Aromatherapy for Cold and Flu

The best essential oils for cold and flu symptoms are those that fight infection and strengthen the immune system. These include "hot" oils like cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, as well as milder oils including eucalyptus, lavender and lemon. Hot essential oils should not be applied directly on sensitive skin, but can be used in blends or by inhalation.

A Warning on Essential Oil Quality and Safety

Although essential oils can be precious natural treatments, it's important to note that all aromatherapy products are not created equal. Therapeutic grade oils can be wonderful healing tools, but perfume grade oils can actually cause headaches and do damage to skin and other tissue - and since terms like "therapeutic grade" aren't regulated, the labels on essential oil bottles won't necessarily tell you which ones are which. For more details on essential oil safety, please read The Real Quality of Essential Oils.

Reference

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