When essential oils are mentioned, not many people think or consider them to be an ideal part of a first aid kit.
However, these oils have over the past years been considered a very suitable and reliable part of first aid and especially for people who have been stung by bees or people with bruises, cuts, mild burns and even stomach ache to name but a few.
Different species of oils come highly recommended including lavender and Tylenol. However, it is important to understand the properties of each of these extracts as each normally comes with varying benefits to deal with different health problems.
The advantage of essential oils when used as part of the first aid kits is that they are versatile and therefore provides you with a wide variety of options to consider.
Below is a list of some of the most commonly used essential oils along with the complications that they can help deal with:
- Lavender: Extracts from this plant have been used for many years and especially when dealing with small cuts and mild burns. All you need to do is gently rub a few drops of the extract on the affected area using a clean piece of cloth and allow it to work with time. You can also use them on scrapes or in case of insect bites.
- Peppermint: Peppermint essential oils are ideal as a remedy for stomach discomfort, headache, sinus congestion, fever and joint pain as well. Rubbed gently on the affected areas and within a short time, the pain and the discomfort will disappear. You should have them readily available in your home.
- Lemon essential oils: Lemon is generally known and used as a preservative and a cleanser as well. Lemon essential oils are therefore ideal for cleansing the affected areas as they help kill germs and prevent any infections on the bruised body parts. You can also use lemon to treat sore throat, disinfect and neutralize odors.
- Thieves®: This is a combination of different therapeutic essential oils that have been developed, tested and proven to have properties that are ideal in dealing with air borne bacteria responsible for diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, colds, sore throat and flu among others. The oils contain antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties in high concentration. Thieves® contains extracts from Rosemary, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus radiata and Lemon.
There are other important essential oils that you should consider having in your home at least in readiness for any eventualities. However, you should use them carefully and store them appropriately to avoid common accidents related with poor handling and usage.
The oils should be mixed or used in the proportions indicated and could also be used alongside other medications recommended by health practitioners when dealing with different cases.