Today I want to share about using essential oils for healing minor cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, burns and in other situations where you might need a little first aid.
Let’s begin by talking about some of the common essential oils used in this manner and why they are so great.
The most recommended essential oils for first aid include:
Lavender is your essential oil first aid kit must-have. It can be used to disinfect wounds and burns, promote healing, and reduce scarring. Lavender is commonly used to help with inflammation from bug bites, bee stings, and sunburns, and is known for its antihistamine properties.
Helichrysum Italicum is another first aid essential oil must-have. It is commonly used as a painkiller due to its analgesic properties and is particularly helpful for treating bruises, sprains, and swelling. I have used it to stop bleeding in seconds. This is a very expensive oil, however it can be purchased already diluted in Tamanu oil (another great healing oil) for a more affordable price as Mother’s Touch.
Peppermint can aid in healthy digestion, soothes nausea, and helps relieve discomfort associated with muscle aches and pains, headaches, and fever.
Tea Tree oil has been used throughout history because of its amazing anti- fungal, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties. Tea Tree oil helps disinfect skin irritations and supports a healthy immune system.
Frankincense is a great oil to use in blends because it can help enhance the properties of other essential oils. It is also commonly used for skin issues.
Citronella is a well-known insecticide and insect repellent, but it can also be used as an analgesic, disinfectant, and astringent.
Other commonly used essential oils for first aid use include lemon, lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, myrrh, and chamomile.
Essential oils for first aid can be used in many ways. Making salves, creams, sprays, or simply diluting with a carrier oil and applying to an area of pain or swelling are a few ideas. One of my favorite ways to use essential oils for first aid is in a salve that can be applied to minor cuts, scrapes, or burns, or rubbed into a painful or swollen joint. The following recipe is one that I make and keep on hand at all times for these purposes.
Natural First Aid Cream Recipe
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup beeswax pellets
1/4 cup shea butter
15 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
5 drops Helichrysum Italicum (may substitute Frankincense)
a few drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)
Melt the beeswax and shea butter in a glass jar placed in a pan of hot water. Add the coconut oil and vitamin E and stir to combine. Add the essential oils and stir to combine. Pour into two 4 oz glass jars. Allow to set up for 12-24 hours. This cream can be used for many purposes, including insect stings or bites, cuts and scrapes, itchy or chapped skin, minor burns, and sunburns. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times a day as needed.
Other essential oils that can be used include Rosemary, Frankincense, and Helichrysum Italicum.
Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes, or on mucous membranes. Do not ingest unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep essential oils away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier oil).
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
