Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to promote feelings of health, relaxation and well-being, is ideal for use in instant first aid. Though the oils should never be used as a substitute for medical care, there are many instances in which essential oils can help in minor injuries or illnesses to alleviate symptoms when consulting a doctor is not necessary.
Minor Cuts and Injuries
Lavender (Latin name Lavendula angustifolia) is known as the "first-aid oil" to use in all small emergencies. It can be placed neat on a burn and bring instant relief, and minimize scarring. Says Ali Headeach, aromatherapist from Margate, UK: "The flaming head of a match dropped onto my finger, caused a deep burn. I used one drop of lavender regularly to treat the burn over a few days and it healed without leaving a scar." Lavender will also help to reduce swelling and pain from bruises, stop the itching of insect bites, and is calming and relaxing.
Breathing Difficulties
Keep a bottle of eucalyptus oil (Latin name Eucalyptus Globulus) on hand for help with colds, flu and bronchitis. As a quick aid to clearing a stuffy head while on the move, simply open the bottle and inhale deeply two or three times. At night, place a couple of drops on a tissue next to your pillow when sleeping. To clear a stuffed nose and help to soothe a cough and wheezy chest, add five drops of eucalyptus to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapor for 10 minutes.
Muscular Pain
Pain in the muscles can be caused by overexertion, strain, tension or injury. It can be extremely debilitating, making movement difficult. For an instant lift, add eight drops of rosemary oil (Latin name Rosmarinus officianalis) to a warm bath. This helps to warm the muscles and ease stiffness. An equally warming rub can be made by adding four drops of rosemary and four drops of black pepper to 30ml carrier oil and gently rubbing it into the affected area. The massage, and the warming properties of the oils, helps ease pain and reduce stiffness.
Stress and Anxiety
According to Esoteric Oils: "Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion." One drop on a tissue to inhale can calm you down before an important interview, or when stress threatens to become overwhelming.
Headache
Headaches can strike anytime. If you're prone to headaches, carry a 30ml bottle of carrier oil into which three drops of lavender, one drop of peppermint, and one drop of bergamot have been added. The peppermint and bergamot help to ease any nausea, and the lavender aids in relaxation. Inhale the mixture, or rub a little on the temples or at the back of the neck.
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