Why buy a standard first aid kit when you can make your own with personalized natural remedies? Though we should always include things like Band-Aids and cold compresses, most things found in first aid kits can be replaced with simple essential oils. Aromatherapy has long been used for many different types of healing, so why not use a natural, time-tested remedy for your cuts and bruises?

What do I include in my first aid kit?

As we’ve said before, essential oils are extremely effective when used properly. This includes avoiding direct undiluted contact with the skin. So, the first step of using essential oils for first aid is finding your carrier oil. The three most common are grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil, your choice! Also, be sure to include Band-Aids, gauze, cold compresses, tweezers, and a bandage for internal injuries.

The essential oils:

Lavender

If you had to choose any one oil to include in your first aid kit, lavender would be it. Lavender is anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-itch, a pain reliever, prevents scarring and reduces inflammation, good for healing minor cuts, bruises and burns, helps ease stress and headaches…the list could go on.

Chamomile

Chamomile is important in that it is one of the few essential oils that are safe to use on children. It is an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever, so it is most useful when used to treat burns, stress or nervous tension, asthma, headaches, and arthritis.

Tea Tree

Tea Tree is an extremely powerful antiseptic – it is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. It is commonly used to treat infections, cold sores, rashes, burns, blisters, scrapes, cuts, dandruff, nail fungus, and athletes foot. It can also be used to ease colds, flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is commonly used to relieve the pain of muscle sprains, arthritis, and tendonitis. It can also help ease symptoms of colds, flu, sinusitis, is commonly used in cough drops, and repels insects.

Peppermint

Peppermint can be used to help indigestion, relax tense muscles, and relieve muscle pain. It also stimulates and promotes clear thinking. Many people enjoy using peppermint to help relieve sinus congestion as well.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another stimulant which helps with mental clarity and concentration. It is also used for stress management, arthritis, easing muscle spasms, and strains and sprains.

How do I use the oils for first aid?

Replacement for antiseptic creams/pain relievers

Always remember to wash your injury thoroughly before applying any sort of anti-septic or bandage. For small cuts/scrapes, apply 1-2 drops of lavender and/or tea tree to the wound. This will ease the pain and also expedite healing! For minor burns, run the skin under cold water for 5 minutes. Then, apply 1-2 drops of lavender and reapply once daily until the burn is healed.

Sprains, strains, or bruises

The most important thing you can do to heal a muscle injury is to rest. Overexerting your body will interfere with healing, and it will take you much longer to feel better! For muscle injuries or bruises, mix 2 teaspoons of your base oil, 4 drops of lavender oil, 1 drop of chamomile oil, and 1 drop of rosemary oil (you may double this if you feel this won’t cover the entirety of the injury). Gently rub the mixture on the painful area and wrap if necessary. Repeat 2-3 times a day until you are healed.

Insect Stings

Remove the stinger if it is still in your skin using your finger nails or a pair of tweezers. Apply one drop of lavender oil to help with the pain or itching.

Cold sores

At the first sign of a cold sore, put a few drops of tea tree oil on a clean cotton swab and apply it to the sore. Continue to do this twice a day until the sore is healed.

Aches/Fever

Mix 2 drops of lavender oil and 1 drop of chamomile oil into a small bowl of water. Use a wash cloth to gently apply the mixture to your forehead, temples, neck and chest. Don’t forget to rest and drink plenty of liquids!

Cough/Congestion

Massage a mixture of 1 teaspoon of your carrier oil, 3 drops of eucalyptus, and 2 drops of rosemary into your chest and sinus area. Be sure to avoid the eyes as these essential oils can cause irritation!

Stuffy Sinuses

Fill a medium sized bowl with boiling water and add 3-5 drops of peppermint oil. Drape a towel over your head (and the bowl) and inhale the peppermint steam through your nose, exhale through your mouth.

Flu

Combine 2 teaspoons of carrier oil, 3 drops of eucalyptus, 2 drops of peppermint, 2 drops of lavender, and 2 drops of rosemary. Massage this mixture into your chest/forehead/temples to help with nausea, fever, and pain relief.

Headache

Combine 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, 3 drops of lavender, and 1 drop of chamomile. Massage into the temples and take slow, deep breaths to help ease the pain.

Enjoy your natural remedies!

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