As a mum I’m constantly reaching for my natural first aid kit. I’ll be at my daughter’s soccer game and another mum will ask me if I’ve got anything to put on an ant bite or for their child’s ankle that’s just been kicked by another kid. I’m like the go to person for natural first aid amongst my friends too. So I thought I would write a blog post to help other mums who are looking for what to include in their own natural first aid kit.
And before I get slammed I will say that first aid does not replace medical attention. If my child’s from is broken or they have third degree burns I am going to take them to the hospital. This is for those minor incidents where you just want to help your child feel better and they don’t require a doctor.
I also believe all parents should invest in learning some basic first aid. I renew my first aid qualification every two years and my CPR every year. I hope I never have to use it but I know that should anything happen to my family or anyone else for that matter I would know what to do in an emergency.
Essential Oils for your Natural First Aid Kit
As an aromatherapist I believe essential oils should be in everyone’s natural first aid kit. Traditionally, essential oils have been used for centuries to heal and balance the body. Today, the vast properties of essential oils are being rediscovered as they take their rightful place as natural healers-and modern science is beginning to take notice. Below, I have outlined some great essential oils that work as all-natural complements to the typical first aid kit.
Lavender – A Wellness Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender Wellness Essential Oil is a must for every natural first aid kit. It is one that I carry with me in my handbag. It has traditionally been used in Aromatherapy:
- To decrease the symptoms and duration of headaches;
- To decrease colic (wind/gas pain);
- To relieve toothaches;
- As an analgesic to relieve pain;
- To relieve mild nerve pain;
- To relieve mild joint aches and pains;
- To decrease mild rheumatic aches and pains;
- To help reduce mild muscle spasms;
- To help relieve symptoms of muscle strain;
- To reduce abdominal and digestive spasms;
- To reduce occurrence of abdominal spasm;
- As an antispasmodic;
- To reduce the symptoms and occurrence of mild anxiety;
- As a nervous system relaxant;
- To calm nerves; and
- As an antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions.
How to use Lavender Wellness Essential Oil
Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.
Peppermint – A Wellness Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- As an antipyretic to reduce body temperature;
- As an analgesic to relieve pain;
- to relieve toothaches;
- To decrease headache symptoms;
- To decrease the symptoms and duration of mild migraines;
- To decrease mild rheumatic aches and pains;
- As an antispasmodic;
- To reduce occurrence of excess intestinal wind;
- To reduce colic (wind/gas pain);
- To relieve flatulence;
- To relieve loss of appetite;
- To maintain a healthy appetite;
- To help reduce the symptoms and occurrence of indigestion;
- To help increase bile flow;
- To relieve nausea;
- To reduce menstruation pain;
- As a cough suppressant; and
- To relieve cough.
How to use Peppermint Wellness Essential Oil
Topical: Dilute 5 drops in 10 ml V-6™ or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 10 minutes 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.Tea Tree – A Wellness Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
This is one of my must haves for my natural first aid kit. Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To reduce symptoms of acne blackheads;
- To help reduce occurrence of symptoms of acne;
- To relieve minor skin eruptions;
- To cleanse and improve healing of minor skin wound, cuts and abrasions;
- To reduce symptoms of insect bites and stings;
- To help decrease symptoms of mild nail fungal infection;
- As an expectorant to clear respiratory tract mucous;
- To relieve itchy skin associated with mild eczema;
- To decrease symptoms of mild psoriasis;
- To decrease symptoms of skin peeling;
- To relieve skin burning and itching associated with athlete’s foot; and
- To relieve symptoms of athlete’s foot.
How to use Tea Tree Wellness Essential Oil
Topical: Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area as needed. Dilution not required, except for sensitive skin. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Keep out of reach of children. Not to be taken. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.Lemon – A Wellness Essential Oil (Citrus limon)
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To reduce nausea;
- To reduce the occurrence of nausea;
- To stimulate blood flow to skin;
- As an antispasmodic; and
- To relieve flatulence;
Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed. Avoid direct sunlight/UV rays to the application area for up to 12 hours.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.Orange – A Wellness Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis)
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- To induce sleep;
- To promote refreshing sleep and healthy sleep patterns;
- To reduce the time to fall asleep;
- To relieve constipation;
- To relieve flatulence;
- To reduce the symptoms and occurrence of mild anxiety; and
- As a nervous system relaxant.
How to use Orange Wellness Essential Oil
Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed. Avoid direct sunlight/UV rays to the application area for up to 12 hours.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.Essential Oil Blends in my natural first aid kit
Purification Essential Oil Blend
Panaway Essential Oil Blend
Thieves Essential Oil Blend
Learn more about the amazing Thieves Blend and the story behind it here.
DiGize Essential Oil Blend
What else should you include in your natural first aid kit?
Arnica Cream
Aloe Vera Gel (or better yet Aloe Vera Plant straight from the garden)
Witch Hazel or Hydrogen Peroxide
In addition to the items listed above, all first aid kits need:
- Adhesive strips (Band Aids)
- Adhesive tape
- Large combine dressing
- Crepe bandages
- Sterile eye pad
- Gauze swab
- Disposable gloves
- Non-adhesive dressing
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Sterile eye wash solution
- Triangular bandage
- Thermometer
- First aid booklet
- Note pad and pencil
Learn how to use the essential oils from your natural first aid kit safely in this episode of Let’s Talk About.
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