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Make Your Own Natural First Aid Kit With These 10 Essential Oils
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You probably already know about the power of scent. One whiff of buttered popcorn and you immediately think about the movies, a particular perfume might remind you of your mother, or maybe the smell of a summer rain will remind you of your childhood and make you feel very loved and safe.
Did you know, however, that some scents can even improve your health? It’s true! The benefits of essential oils go far beyond just a pleasing scent; they can help you to sleep better, relax, and improve your digestion or your skin. These oils can really have a healing effect on your mentally, emotionally, and physically.
For those of you who are new to essential oils, we should probably explain that essential oils aren’t really oils because they contain no fatty acids. They are actually highly concentrated plant compounds. Sometimes it takes a huge amount of plant material to get a tiny bit of essential oil. For example, it can take as much as 4,000 pounds of Bulgarian roses to get just one pound of essential oil. So don’t be surprised when some essential oils cost so much more than others.
Always be certain that you are buying good quality essential oils from a reputable company. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
You should never apply essential oils directly to the skin. Their high concentration levels can cause irritation. Dilute them in a small quantity of water or a good quality carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
The following 10 essential oils are perfect for starting your own natural first aid kit at home so you can treat a wide variety of common minor ailments.
1. Eucalyptus
This is the perfect oil to clear up congestion, whether it is from an allergy or a cold. Eucalyptus can also help to relieve sore muscles. This oil can stimulate the immune system and has antibacterial compounds. When you are suffering from a flu or cold, use some in a vaporizer to help loosen chest congestion. You can put a drop underneath your nose (mix it with a carrier oil) to help you open up your stuffy nose in a jiffy. Eucalyptus is a powerful antibiotic and antiviral and it works wonders stopping sinus infections, colds, and the flu virus. Never use it directly on your skin, as it can be irritating.
2. Tea Tree Oil
This comes from the Tea tree that grows only in Australia. This oil can be used topically and works like magic on almost all skin problems including toenail fungus, acne, athletes foot, and even eczema and psoriasis.
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3. Lemon
Lemon oil is great for detoxing the body, killing acne, and improving concentration levels. Whenever you feel like you have brain fog, or perhaps you are feeling a bit down in the dumps, try sniffing some lemon essential oil. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to your pet shampoo will keep fleas away from your dog or cat as well.
4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has many of the same properties that lemon oil has but where this oil really excels is for those who are feeling fatigue or jet lag. Grapefruit oil is also naturally antiseptic, so adding a few drops of this oil to your homemade household cleaners (such as vinegar) can really give your home some extra germ fighting power.
5. Lavender
This has to be one of the most versatile oils around. Lavender is probably best known as being a relaxant and a sleep aid, but it also works well on bruises, skin irritation, and cuts. Smelling lavender can reduce stress hormones in the blood, which makes it the perfect oil to drop into your bath each evening! Place one or two drops on your pillow so that you sleep more peacefully. You can add a few drops to your favorite lotion so that you can rub some on your neck, hands, and face anytime you feel stressed out.
SEE ALSO: Best 12 Essential Oils to Lose Weight, Stop Cravings, and More!
6. Oregano
If you are thinking of spaghetti right now, that’s ok! This oil comes from the same type of oregano that you keep in the kitchen. This will be one of the most powerful oils in your first aid kit. It has natural, yet powerful, antibacterial compounds, so it can fight all sorts of infections. Add some to any carrier oil and you have a powerful germ fighting agent to use on any wound or cut. Many people say swear by it for fighting flu and cold bugs. One drop on your tongue is said to kick those viruses to the curb in hours.
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7. Calendula
Sometimes called marigold, calendula can be used in a variety of forms, including as an essential oil. This flower has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and astringent compounds, which helps it to heal minor cuts and wounds more quickly. Calendula is great for those with sensitive skin and it can be used to reduce the appearance of scars, especially acne scars. To ease skin irritation and psoriasis, put one or two drops in your bath water.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint oil stimulates the brain and increases mental alertness. It can also be taken internally to improve digestion and ease stomach pain. Breathing in the scent from peppermint can also clear up the sinuses. Apply one drop to that annoying insect bite and it will stop the itching and pain.
9. Chamomile
You’ve probably used chamomile tea to help you calm down after a stressful day at work, or even to help you fall asleep when you have insomnia. The essential oil has many of the same properties. You can try adding a few drops of this to your pillow for better sleep. Chamomile is also great for relieving indigestion, but you should use tea bags for this purpose. Mixed with a carrier oil, chamomile can ease minor skin irritations as well.
10. Frankincense
This wonderfully scented essential oil has been used for thousands of years to help with symptoms of depression, improve the immune system, stop inflammation, help minor cuts heal quickly, and stop the itch from insect bites.
Extra Tip: Although it is not an essential oil, aloe vera gel is another great item for your first aid kit. Aloe vera works wonders for those minor kitchen burns, sunburn, and small cuts. It also can relieve constipation. You can use the gel from a freshly cut leaf, or buy some aloe vera gel at your local health food store.
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