Aromatherapy First Aid

Every home and workplace should have a first aid kit. But have you considered also having an aromatherapy first aid kit?

Essential oils are perfect for dealing with many of the minor illnesses, injuries and other conditions we encounter everyday, and in a natural, gentle and holistic way.

Some books will say you need to have 10 or even 20 essential oils to start your first aid kit. But in reality you could start with just a few. The following are some of the most useful –

Tea tree - Tea tree’s strong medicinal aroma reflects its powerful bacterial and
virus busting properties, although its action is also very gentle. Tea tree can be added to a carrier oil for skin conditions, or even to a foot bath for feet infections.

Lavender - A wonderfully versatile oil, but best known for its relaxant properties.
Can be used to soothe and heal minor cuts, insect bites, or burns. Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and use to wash minor cuts or grazes. A drop inhaled from a tissue or on a pillow can aid restful sleep. Add to the bath at the end of a stressful day or rub a drop into the temples for a headache.

Eucalyptus - Wonderful for respiratory conditions, add eucalyptus to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to help clear a stuffy head. Or add to a carrier oil and massage into chest and back. Put a few drops on a damp cloth and use to wipe over door handles, light switches and other areas to reduce the spread of colds.

Rosemary - Stimulating to the mind and memory, rosemary is great for mental fatigue. It is also good for the hair - add to a carrier oil and use as a scalp massage for dry, flaky or out of condition hair.

Peppermint - Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale to help relive nausea, travel sickness or headaches. Or add to a footbath for hot tired feet.

Remember, except for specific instances stated above for lavender, never apply essential oils neat to the skin. They should always be diluted in a carrier oil, bath etc. So adding some carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba, to your kit is advisable.

Remember that whether you keep your aromatherapy first aid kit with your regular first aid kit or not, essential oils do always need to be stored in a cool dark place.