You may be aware that essential oils (EOs) can be an effective remedy for a variety of common complaints that can be treated at home such as, insect bites, sunburn, strained muscles and rashes.

However you may not know that essential oils are also helpful for headaches, sore throat, fatigue, bruises and more.

Follow guidelines for diluting essential oils and their suggested uses and you will be amazed. All of these oils are meant for diluted and external use only.

Top Ten Essential Oils for Your First Aid Kit

EOs are effective due to their small molecular size and lipid solubility.

1. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – astringent, tonic, varicose veins, sore throat.
2. Chamomile, German (Matricaria chamomilla) – inflammation, bruises, sprains, tension, pain.
3. Eucalyptus  (Eucalyptus globulus) – congestion, inflammation, colds, flu, viral skin eruptions.
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - bee stings, insect bites, sunburn, headache, bruises, sprains, acne, rash, stress, insomnia, sore muscles.
5. Lemon (Citrus limonum) - digestive tonic, sore throat, detoxification, lymphatic congestion.
6. Marjoram (Oreganum majorana) – antispasmodic, sore muscles, insomnia, cramps.
7. Orange (Citrus sinensis) – stomach problems, depression, acne, insomnia, headache.
8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officianalis) – headache, fatigue, hangover, constipation, muscle aches, increased circulation.
9. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – indigestion, headache, fatigue, fever, sinusitis, stings and bites.
10. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – athlete’s foot, burns, warts, acne, cold sores, flu, insect bites.

Formulations

Combine the following formulas with two ounces of carrier oil. All the combinations are given in EO drops and suggested external application as massage, bath oil, inhalation or specific instruction, as given.

• Anxiety: 7 lavender, 5 geranium, 4 lemon, 1 orange

• Burns: 20 drops lavender in one ounce aloe vera juice or gel

• Cough: 5 cypress, 5 eucalyptus, 3 lemon

(as an inhalation or 1 drop as a gargle)

• Fatigue: 13 rosemary, 5 lemon, 2 spearmint

• Bruising: 5 lavender, 5 chamomile, 3 geranium, 2 tea tree, 5 cypress

• Insomnia: 15 Lavender, 5 orange, 5 marjoram

• Stress: 5 chamomile, 10 lavender, 5 marjoram

• Stings or Insect Bites: 10 tea tree, 10 lavender

• Muscle Strain: 5 rosemary, 3 eucalyptus, 5 marjoram, 7 lavender

Mindy Green an author, consultant, speaker and nationally recognized authority on botanicals. Facebook Mindy

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