First Aid Kit Basics

by Laura Bruder

I am often asked which oils one should purchase first. If you are not looking to target a specific area and you are wanting to incorporate a more natural lifestyle but you're not sure where to start, I always suggest building out your homes natural first aid kit.

A great place to start are with these 4 oils that assist with everything from cuts and burns, headaches, muscle aches and pains, sinus congestion, infection reduction and sleep.

1. LAVENDER

Known as the "must-have" oil, lavender is widely used for its versatility. Use lavender in place of polysporin due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties for cuts and abrasions, minor burns and skin irritations, rashes and to take the sting out of bug bites. Well know for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) nature, lavender is wonderful for reducing stress, anxiety and to help combat insomnia and promote a peaceful sleep.

How To Use:

Lavender is gentle, and can be applied directly to skin ("neat") however, if you have sensitive skin, you can mix with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply directly to affect area.
For stress and anxiety relief, diffuse and inhale or add a few drops to a warm bath and soak - this also assist with sleep
To assist with sleep, diffuse a half hour before bed. Turn off all devices and journal, read or listen to soft music.

2. PEPPERMINT

Peppermint, with its cooling and calming sensation makes it great for soothes aches of all kinds - joint and muscle aches, and stomach aches. Peppermint is a wonderful digestive soother. Soothes allergy symptoms, clears sinuses, reduces fevers and alleviates headaches and migraines.

HOW TO USE:

For muscle and joint pain - mix with a carrier oil and apply to affected area.
For headaches and migraines - mix with a carrier oil and massage onto the back of the neck, and on your temples. You can diffuse and inhale or inhale directly from the bottle.
To help with congestion or relieve allergy symptoms, diffuse and inhale, or mix with a carrier oil and massage on to chest
To assist with upset stomach or digestive issues - dilute with a carrier oil and massage onto the stomach area.
For Fever - dilute with carrier oil and apply to chest and back.

3. FRANKINCENSE

The King of Oils, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Helps to reduce swelling and joint pain when massaged into affect area. Boosts immune system when diffused or massaged on to temples, wrists and soles of your feet. Be sure to mix with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Frankincense is a wonderful support for the emotions, helps to heal bruises and reduce the appearance of scars.

HOW TO USE:

Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to bruises or scars until they begin to fade.
For emotional support, diffuse and inhale.

4. TEA TREE

Also a very versatile essential oil, tea tree makes a great anti-fungal and anti-bacterial on toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and ringworm. Can be used on abrasions to help reduce infection, reduces airborne pathogens and effective against house mites and head lice

HOW TO USE:

Dilute with a carrier oil and apply topically to toenail fungus, athletes foot, ringworm, cuts, and abrasions to combat fungus and bacteria growth
Diffuse and allow the tea tree to clean the air of allergens and pathogens.

PSST! This one will be coming to the site soon - stay tuned!