The Ultimate First Aid Kit Has These Essential Oils

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Bug bites, muscle strains, bumps, and bruises are all part of an active, outdoor lifestyle. And if you’re in the middle of a project, gardening task, or enjoyable hike in the woods, you don’t want to call it quits just because you have a minor injury or nagging headache. You want a quick fix so you can get back to enjoying life. And we love that you’re savvy about using gentle, but effective natural remedies and holistic approaches to your complete healthcare needs. So it goes without saying that you will add essential oils to your ultimate first aid kit.

But what if you’re a beginner who wants to switch over to more natural remedies, but the overload of information keeps you from getting started? Here are some essential oils that are commonly recommended for inclusion in your ultimate first aid kit:

Lavender: Lavender oil has soothing properties and can help promote relaxation and calmness. It can be used topically to soothe minor burns, cuts, insect bites, and skin irritations. Here are the three varieties e3 carries:

Lavender E. Europe has a rich yet mellow floral, fruity scent. Since it’s lower in cost, it’s a popular option for skin and beauty care or household uses.

Lavender France is grown at higher altitudes and has a slightly more intense floral note with balsamic undertones. Its therapeutic qualities make it a good choice for soothing inflammation, insomnia, reducing stress, and cuts and scrapes.

Lavender Spike is distinct for its fresh, sharp, camphoraceous aroma. This makes it ideal for respiratory issues as well as muscle conditions and immune support.

Tea Tree: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, making it useful for minor cuts, scrapes, and skin infections. It can also be used for relieving insect bites and stings.

Peppermint: Peppermint oil has a cooling effect and can provide relief for headaches, muscle aches, and minor joint pain. It may also help alleviate nausea and digestive discomfort. And it’s great for making ants go away!

Eucalyptus: Add it to steam inhalation or dilute and apply it to the chest to help clear nasal passages, congestion, and coughs. It also works well for infection, immune support, and muscle aches. There are four varieties to choose from…

Eucalyptus Globulus has a fresh and earthy aroma and is known for its strength.

Eucalyptus Radiata is enjoyed for its milder, sweet aroma and is a good option for longer-term use.

Eucalyptus Citriodora has a fresh, lemony aroma used for air disinfecting and is a good choice for nighttime use since it’s less stimulating.

Eucalyptus Smithii is used for the prevention and treatment of muscle and joint aches. Due to its mildness, Eucalyptus Smithii is often preferred for children and the elderly.

Chamomile: Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to soothe skin irritations, minor burns, and sunburns. It can also be used for its calming effects and to promote sleep. Here are two varieties to choose from:

German Chamomile has a sweet, warm, herbaceous aroma. A good choice for inflammation or allergic reactions.

Roman Chamomile is particularly aromatic and calming with a fresh, sweet, apple-like aroma. It’s used for aches, cramps, and nervous system issues.

Helichrysum: Helichrysum oil has antiseptic properties and can be applied topically to help with minor wounds, bruises, and sprains. It may also help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Lemon: Lemon oil has cleansing and purifying properties. It can be used as a natural disinfectant for minor cuts and scrapes. Lemon oil can also be added to water for cleaning wounds or used as a refreshing scent.

For quick remedies, have some of e3’s pre-mixed blends on hand, so you don’t have to mix a recipe. Some of e3’s best essential oil blends to add to your first aid kit are grouped here according to categories of use:

All-purpose antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral: Protection

Respiratory congestion, allergies: Respiratory / Cold & Sinus / Breathe Easy

Headaches: Head Soothe / Migraine

Injury and pain: Inflammation / Bruise & Scar / Muscle Soothe / Joint Relief

Holistic Health Head-to-Toe DIY Recipes

Along with essential oils, your ultimate first aid kit should have recipe cards with your favorite health solutions. Or you could pin this blog post to one of your Pinterest boards for easy reference. We invite you to use the Search by Topic box on our blog to find specific recipes for migraines, allergies, digestion, scars, tattoos, hand creams, sunburn, bug bites, and more. Write the recipes before you need them, so they’re ready to go! Here are three to get you started…

General Headache Relief Compress

5 Drops of Chamomile Roman
8 Drops of Lavender
5 Drops of Peppermint

• • Determine if cool or warm water pressed against your face feels better.
  • Fill a sink, pot, or bowl with the most soothing water temperature.
  • Add essential oils to the water and swirl with your fingers.
  • Dip and wring a cloth, then hold it against your face for a minute, breathing deeply, consciously working to relax tense muscles. Dip, wring, and compress 5 times. (Keep doing it if it’s soothing.)

Pain-Relieving Massage Oil

5 drops Chamomile, Roman
2 drops Eucalyptus Globulus
5 drops Helichrysum
8 drops Lavender
5 drops Peppermint

Mix essential oils together in 2 ounces of carrier oil. Massage into the area of pain.

Pain-Cooling Peppermint Foot Soak

½ cup Epsom Salts
5-15 drops of Peppermint, according to YOUR personal preference.

• • Fill a basin with cool water.
  • Mix the Peppermint into the Epsom Salts and then swirl it in the water.
  • Soak for 15-20 minutes while you watch your favorite TV show or read the latest on our blog post. It’s refreshing and cooling!

The easiest and most affordable way to get started on your ultimate first aid kit is to begin with e3’s First Aid Kit, which offers some, but not all, of the oils mentioned above. You can customize it with the essential oils you want to include and you get a durable case to store them in. Throw in a few printed recipes and you’re good to go!

Get a coupon for 20% off that you can use on any of the essential oils we mentioned in this article. All you need to do is sign up for e3’s educational newsletter. In addition to the coupon, you can look forward to special monthly tips and savings.

Thank you for the photos: (hiking man) Jorge Franganillo and (foot spa) Rune Enstad