ad banner

8 Essential Oils For Your First Aid Kit

Avatar for Gaye Levy Gaye Levy  |  Updated: June 29, 2019
8 Essential Oils For Your First Aid Kit

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.

As much as I like to try new things when it comes essential oils, I tend to go back to the same oils, day in and day out.  This is surprising since my EO drawer is overflowing with over fifty different oils.  I consider this good news since, as a prepper, there is only so much I can afford to put away for long term emergency purposes.  It is much easier to stockpile and learn the effective use of a handful of oils than the dozens that are out there, just waiting to be put through our personal trial and error cycle.

Although I have written about various oils in the past, every once in a while I like to revisit the topic of essential oils for survival first aid purposes.  And beyond that, I like to get second opinions.  Today’s article is just that, a second opinion on essential oils for the first aid kit.

8 Essential Oils For Your First Aid Kit | Backdoor Survival

I am thrilled to introduce you to Sally Wong, who has a blog of her own that is dedicated to the use of essential oils. Although she is originally from a small village in South China, she now lives in Vancouver, Canada where she is a practicing manual therapist. When it comes to essential oils for first aid, I totally agree with her choices, which include two oils I plan to write about in the coming months, Myrrh and Eucalyptus.  Her choices are timeless, and, for the most part, include oils that are readily available and modest in cost.

8 Essential Oils That Are A Good Fit For Your First Aid Kit

by Sally Wong

In recent years, the popularity of using essential oils for first aid has increased significantly. While essential oils have been used medicinally for thousands of years, the modern re-discovery of their health benefits have made them an exceptional choice for the treatment of numerous health conditions. Essential oils are safe, effective, and provide a natural option for first aid treatment.

Why should I use essential oils for first aid needs?

Essential oils are extracted from natural sources (typically plants). All essential oils are free from harsh chemicals, certified organic versions can be purchased if desired, and they provide one of the most natural ways to treat a variety of ailments.

Additionally, most essential oils offer a versatile range of use. One type of oil may have five to ten different uses. Rather than having to buy multiple traditional medicines and creams to treat every individual condition, one or two essential oils may be all that is needed for the same number of ailments. While essential oils are an initial investment, they can ultimately be cost effective in the long run.

How do I build an essential oil first aid kit?

If you are considering using essential oils in your first aid kit, it is crucial to pick the right oils to cover the majority of possible ailments. Just like a conventional first aid kit, preparedness is the name of the game. Be ready for common issues (such as stomach aches, headaches, muscle pain, etc.), and also have a plan for less common ailments as well. This list serves as a guide to help you select the best types of essential oils for your first aid health concerns.

What else should I know about using essential oils?

Research is key when creating the perfect essential oil first aid kit. Take the time to find the best brands and prices before making any purchases. Also, be sure to carefully study the labels of each essential oil you plan to purchase. This is imperative to your safety if you plan to take some of the oils internally. Some brands are not made for internal use, which is why you should be certain that you are buying the appropriate oil for your planned uses. While you will find general suggestions for use for each of the essential oils on this list, be sure to find specific, reputable instructions before using each oil.

Gaye’s Note:  I do not recommend using essential oils internally unless you are doing so upon the recommendation of a health care professional.

Ready to begin building your kit? Here are my top eight must-have first aid essential oils.

Must-Have Essential Oils for First Aid

1) Tea Tree Essential Oil: One of the most frequent uses of tea tree oil is the treatment of wounds. As a replacement for a traditional antiseptic, tea tree oil is great for healing minor wounds and abrasions. The use of tea tree oil for this purpose is so common that it is almost always found in the first aid section of wellness departments at health food stores. Tea tree can also be used to treat insect bites, bacterial infections, earaches, and fungal infections.

Gaye’s Note:  Tea Tree is also known as Melaleuca Oil.

2) Peppermint Essential Oil: While you may be familiar with the benefits of peppermint tea for digestive issues, peppermint oil can also be used for this same purpose. Use peppermint oil as a wonderfully effective treatment for stomach aches and other digestive ailments. In addition to its benefits for the stomach, peppermint essential oil is a popular way to treat sore muscles.

3) Lavender Essential Oil: Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines? Lavender essential oil offers a quick, natural way to calm the agony of even the most painful headaches. In addition to treating headaches, lavender oil is excellent for healing burns and cuts.

4) Oregano Essential Oil: As a member of the mint family, oregano oil provides a wide variety of health benefits. The oil has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent and clear infections. Use oregano oil to help ease sinus infections, foot fungus, and to prevent infections.

20% Off Discount Code:  BACKDOORSURVIVAL
This is the sale you have been waiting for!Spark Naturals Anniversary Sale | Backdoor Survival

5) Myrrh Essential Oil: Aside from serving as a gorgeous natural fragrance, myrrh essential oil is an exceptional fit for your first aid kit. The primary use of myrrh in first aid is for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It can also be used to heal dry skin, or in a diffuser to soothe cold symptoms.

6) Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon essential oil is a great choice when in need of a natural disinfectant. Additionally, lemon oil aromatherapy has been shown to help decrease nausea and vomiting experienced during pregnancy.

7) Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Stock eucalyptus essential oil in your first aid kit for its topical pain relieving capabilities. The oil is also said to help stimulate immune system response and provide anti-bacterial properties.

8) Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary essential oil is a fantastic choice for calming digestive problems, as well as for treating muscle aches and pains. When selecting essential oils for your first aid kit, rosemary oil is a superb economical selection.

I am a strong believer of integrating natural products into your life to increase health and beauty. I have many years of experience using essential oils for many ailments, from sleepwalking to bee stings. I write about my passion on my personal blog, ThinkOily.

~~~~~

The Final Word

These days, finding credible information on the internet is becoming extremely difficult, especially when it comes to alternative remedies for first aid.  If you have ever done a Google search, for example, using Lavender essential oil, you will find everything from providing wound healing to fostering world peace.  Okay, perhaps I am being a bit facetious but you know what I mean.

As you begin to dabble in essential oils (and you should), consider starting with three or four from the list above. The four I would start out with are Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Tea Tree (also referred top as Melaleuca.  For an investment of less than $25, you will be well on your way to having an effective first aid kit that relies on natural remedies.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

If you enjoyed this article, consider following our Facebook page.

Bargain Bin: Here are some links to items used to create your own custom-crafted Miracle Healing Salve.  I have combined the ingredients in this salve for years since 1990 to be exact, and it never disappoints as a first aid ointment.  For extra healing power, add Melaleuca to the winning combination of Lavender, Rosemary, and Peppermint.

Miracle Healing Salve | Backdoor Survival

Oils from Spark Naturals:  Although lately I have been experimenting with other brands, for the most part I use essential oils from Spark Naturals exclusively.  For an investment of less than $25 after using my discount code, you will have quality oils that will serve you well.  If you keep them in a cool dark location, they should last for years.

The oils in the salve are:  Lavender, Rosemary, and Peppermint.

White Plastic Jar with Dome Lid 2 Oz (12 Per Bag):  I often chose to use these small ointment jars rather than Mason jars for my salves.  I also have similar jars in the 1-ounce size.  You can't beat the price.

Ball Jar Crystal Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, Quilted, 4-Ounce, Set of 12: Sometimes I use plastic and sometimes I use mason jars.  Honestly?  It is a matter of personal preference.

Beeswax Organic Pastilles, Yellow, 100% Pure 16 Oz:  I ordered the white pastilles but have since learned that the natural yellow pastilles are better.  That said, the difference may not be discernable – just be sure that what you purchase is cosmetic grade.

Glass Droppers, Pack of 6: I bought a package of these and loved them.  When I went to re-order, I accidentally ordered plastic instead of glass droppers.  Learn from my mistake.  The price is the same go get the glass ones.

NOW Foods Essential Oils:  My salves were made using essential oils from Spark Naturals.  My sniff test tells me they are stronger and purer smelling.  For healing purposes, I feel they are superior.  On the other hand, NOW Foods has decent essential oils at a budget price:  NOW Foods Rosemary Oil, NOW Foods Peppermint Oil and Now Foods Lavender Oil.

Coconut Oil:  Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions has been my preferred coconut oil for years.  I love it so much I purchased a 5-gallon tub.  Really, I did!  I find it very silky to work with and love the taste when used in cooking.  Note that no refrigeration is required and although it solid at room temperature, it melts at 76 degrees.  The Nutiva brand from Amazon or Costco works well too.

But the big news is that Spark Naturals is now selling coconut oil and their prices are great.  The nice thing about coconut oil from Spark Naturals is that you can purchase a small amount for salve-making and still get free shipping when is added to your EO order over $25.  I hope you will trust me when I say this is the good stuff!

Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 Liters (Product of Italy): If you have a Costco close by, get it their.  Otherwise, you can use this or any other quality extra virgin olive oil.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: I first became interested in aromatherapy and essential oils in the early 90s which was before they really became mainstream. I read every book I could get my hands on and dabbled at creating synergy’s (a combination of two or more oils that create a chemical compound that is greater than the some of its individual components). My bible then, and even now, is this book.

Essential Oils Desk Reference 6th Edition: This is the ultimate gift for the essential oil lover in your life.  I thought long and hard before purchasing this book myself, but once I did, I was so grateful I took the leap.  The information is cross-referenced in many ways making it easy to find what you are looking for.  When searching for a particular remedy, you may see multiple oils listed and any will work but they are presented in order of typical efficacy.  The nice thing is that if you do not have #1 on hand, you can move down the list.  I have found the recommendations to be spot on. 

Also available as a pocket-sized guide for a greatly reduced price.

~~~~~

Aff | Emergency Blanket

[DEAL] Emergency Survival Blanket

Pocket-size survival blanket could save a life - throw in your bag or car.

Get Cheap Security →
Aff | Tactical Flashlight
[DEAL] Ultrabright Tactical Flashlight Get This Deal →

4 Responses to “8 Essential Oils For Your First Aid Kit”

  1. I was surprised to see that Frankencense was not on this list. As a battered and beaten 22-year old Veteran, I can tell you that there are times I cannot make it through the day without Frankencense.

    • Yes, with one caveat. Essential oils used on children should be highly diluted. Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to essential oils and for children, that applies doubly. Also, with adults you can use essential oils as part of your daily routine. If it were me, I would only use essential oils on children for emergency and/or first aid use.

      Application wise, start with a single drop mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed on the bottom of the feet. For an excellent resource, check out Valerie Worwood’s excellent book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.

  2. Thank you for the interesting article. I have not tried essential oils mainly because when around scented things and perfumes I always feel like a headache is coming on. I don’t know if it’s because there is too much of the scent in the item or that they may not be using these essentials oils that you talk about in the production process. About the only thing I try that is tolerable for me is a vanilla candle, and it’s better not lit!
    I have used tea tree shampoo in the past though I didn’t care for the scent I’d heard good things about it. It was years ago when the kids came home from school with head lice – yuck! After taking care of them and the nits I went to a local hairdresser to get my head checked as I felt crawling in my scalp and was unable to check myself. Thankfully I was clear and that’s when she recommended the tea tree shampoo. I do like to keep informed so will check out the book from the library. Thanks again.

Leave a Reply