Adding Essential Oils To Your First Aid Kit
It’s time to update your firs aid kit!
If you haven’t pulled out your first aid kit in the last 30 days, then now is a great time to grab it and take an inventory of what’s in there and what you will need to keep on hand. I recently did this and realized that I was missing several key components.
Now, right off the bat I’m going to say that depending on where you live, how many people are in your family or in your care, you will need a specific variety of items. I highly recommend keeping a stock of all the standard supplies such as bandaids, gauze pads, disposable gloves, and tweezers. You can find an adequate list HERE.
What I want to share in this blog are the Essential Oils that I HIGHLY recommend adding to your first aid kit.
Below is the video recording of Wednesday Wisdom from September 7, 2022. You’re welcome to watch if you’d prefer listening over reading.
Why Essential Oils?
Essential oils can be used topically, aromatically, and internally in small amounts. They are potent, so it only takes 1-3 drops per application. They last a long time when kept out of direct sunlight. And each oil has multiple uses.
Before laboratories created formulas for things like aspirin and morphine, people used plants as medicine. Ancient manuscripts mention the use of essential oils over 3,000 years ago. And we know that King Jesus was given Frankincense and Myrrh by the Wise Men just 2,000 years ago. If Essential oils were good enough for Jesus, they are certainly good enough for us. Trust me, if I went into all the uses for Frankincense and Myrrh you’d be absolutely blown away!
Quality of Oils
I only purchase essential oils from Young Living “YL” because of their Seed To Seal quality standards. Out of all the brands that myself and friends and family have tried, YL’s are the most potent. Why spend less money - for an inferior oil - that doesn’t work as well - and you have to use more drops - to get subpar results? It doesn’t make sense! So that’s why I go for the 100% pure, nothing added to the bottle, oils from Young Living Essential Oils.
Size of Bottles Available
Oils from YL come in 5ml or 15ml bottles. The 5ml bottles have 75-100 drops. The 15 ML bottles have 250-300 drops.
Depending on the size of your first aid kit stash, you can generally purchase the oils in both sizes depending on how much oil you want to have on hand. I do recommend having multiple bottles as backup. You never know when a friend will be in need, or there will be a serious injury that requires ongoing care. The worst thing is to need oils and it take several days to be shipped in.
“Vitality” oils come in the 5ml bottles and are labeled for internal use as a dietary supplement. The “regular” labeled bottles give instructions on how to use them topically and aromatically and are generally 15ml bottles. The interesting thing is that the exact same ingredient single oil or blend is in the regular labeled bottles and the vitality oils. The difference is just labeling and bottle size.
Safe Storage
For storage, I recommend getting a Hard Case for just your oils and nothing else. Then this case can come in and out of your first aid kit as needed. Plus, it keeps the glass oil bottles safe from breaking and potentially leaking onto anything else, as well as shields them from sunlight.
Diluting vs Neat Application
Some oils are sensitive to the skin when applied topically without diluting. Oregano, for instance is a very “hot” oil and is best to be diluted before applying to the skin. Other oils that you’d think of cooking with such as lemongrass, thyme, cinnamon bark, and clove can be hot to the skin. For these oils, I recommend using the V-6 Vegetable Oil from YL. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil. I do not recommend vaseline or any petroleum-based fatty oils or canola oil.
When applying an oil to an open wound, it is potentially less painful and irritating to dilute the oil first. Although I have been known to add oils neat on a cut, scrape, infected wound, etc for the healing effects.
Oils such as lavender and frankincense are generally soothing to the skin and do not cause irritation when applying topically without dilution.
When taking vitality oils internally in a capsule, it is recommended (but not necessary) to add a little coconut oil to the capsule. This soothes the tummy as well as helps prevent you from burping up the flavor of the oil.
10 Oils For Your First Aid Kit
Let’s get started! These 10 oils below are the ones I highly recommend that every person has in their first aid kit.
Note that when an oil comes in both the regular bottle and the vitality version then it is safe to take internally as a dietary supplement. in small amounts. The uses shared are specifically for first aid situations, however, these oils have many more uses than just what is listed below.
*All recommendations come from personal experience, plus scientific research. This blog is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, or cure. All essential oils should be applied using the label recommendations. Consult your healthcare professional or call 911 with serious concerns.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum is soothing to the skin when applied on location soon after getting a cut. Applying 1-2 drops is a helpful first go-to. Helichrysum does not require dilutions for use in this way.
It is also soothing when applied topically on an areas of bruising or discoloration. Reapply frequently.
Helichrysum is known to support normal skin function, and is especially helpful when applied regularly to the location of damaged skin.
Testimony #1: I am accident prone and, therefore, won't be without Helichrysum oil. If I accidentally cut myself I immediately use the oil. This is just one of the many oils that I love. - Delores L.
Frankincense
Frankincense is another phenomenal skin oil. It is an additive in many beauty care products, and has been used for thousands of years around the world. This oil comes in the regularly labeled bottles as well as a vitality oil.
Topical uses for Frankincense include, applying it to the neck and chest area, on the bottoms of the feet, and down the spine. It is generally okay to apply without diluting, although dilute if skin irritation occurs. Frankincense is cleansing, it supports natural skin function, and is especially helpful to use on location as the skin is mending. Adding a drop to your daily moisturizer will help amplify already radiant-looking skin.
Frankincense Vitality supports healthy immune system function and healthy cell regeneration when taken as a dietary supplement. It is also supportive to the lungs and normal breathing.
Purification
Purification is a powerful blend of Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Myrtle, Rosemary, and Tea Tree that can be soothing to the skin when applied topically.
Purification’s application is very similar to its name. It is purifying and cleansing when applied to the skin.
This is your go-to for keeping the bugs away. Try putting 1-3 drops in the palm of your hand and rubbing over arms, legs, neck, etc while avoiding eyes. The smell is unappealing to most critters. You can also create a spray bottle with a few ounces of water and several drops of oil and spritz over exposed skin and even surrounding areas.
This oil can also be soothing to irritated skin if a critter does get you. Try applying 1-2 drops on location, neat. Repete application up to every 30 minutes if needed. For more serious bug encounters, try applying on location as well as to the bottoms of the feet and down the spine.
*If serious irritation and skin condition occurs such as with a spider bite or snake bite or scorpion bite, visit the Emergency Room ASAP. These have the ability to travel throughout the body causing serious damage if gone untreated.
Lavender
Lavender is oftentimes referred to as the “most versatile of all essential oils”. It’s uses encompass many different skin applications all the way to supporting restful sleep when inhaled before bed.
Try applying a few drops neat or diluted to the skin for a soothing effect.
Inhale or add to a diffuser for a calming and relaxing experience.
Testimony #2: Lavender was the first oil I ever used, and it soon became my best friend. When I’m was out in the sun a little too long, I apply a few drops to my skin for a soothing effect. When I’ve grabbed a hot pan or touched a curling iron to my forehead on accident, it was soothing to apply Lavender right away, and apply several times after. It’s my go-to for soothing the skin on my hands after doing yard work and getting blisters, or after hiking a long ways and my feet need a little TLC. Before bed at night I put a drop of Lavender in the palm of my hand and inhale deeply to help me relax. - Elizabeth R: Texas
Peppermint
Peppermint oil contains menthol for an invigorating aroma and a cooling sensation that soothes fatigued muscles.
Peppermint is cooling to the skin when applied topically. It’s great to apply 1-3 drops on the back of the neck on a hot day or if you’re feeling a bit overheated.
Peppermint can be soothing to the area when applied near the bellybutton and is especially good to inhale if you’re feeling slightly queasy. It’s great to inhale during car trips, when focus is needed, or if you’re feeling a little stressed.
Peppermint is empowering when applied over the lung area before a cardiovascular workout.
Peppermint Vitality essential oil promotes healthy bowel function, supports gastrointestinal system comfort, and adds a fresh, minty flavor to food and beverages.
Peppermint Vitality has many benefits when taken internally as a dietary supplement. Try adding a drop to your water bottle, or putting a few drops in an empty gel capsule to support a healthy digestive system.
Lemon
You may be familiar with the benefits of adding a squeezed lemon to your water. Lemon is a natural liver cleanser, supports digestive health and assist the body’s ability to remain at an alkaline state versus acidic.
Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit and includes the natural constituents of Limonene, Gamma-terpinene, Beta-pinene.
Note: Lemon oil and Lemon Vitality are the same oil, just different labeling.
Lemon Vitality essential oil contains antioxidants, provides immune and circulatory support, and can be used to add a fresh flavor to food and beverages.
When storing water, adding a drop of Lemon Vitality oil will help maintain the freshness.
DiGize
DiGize essential oil blend combines Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint, Juniper, Fennel, Lemongrass, Anise, and Patchouli for a soothing experience when massaged over the abdomen.
DiGize Vitality contains antioxidants and may support the digestive system when taken internally.
Add DiGize Vitality to a capsule and take it daily to help support the digestive system.*
Make a soothing tea with antioxidant properties by adding honey and DiGize Vitality.*
Testimony #3: I never travel without DiGize Vitality. This oil has been a lifesaver so many time. Once when I was in a foreign country, I ate at the buffet and soon after my tummy started feeling queasy. I decided to take a capsule with DiGize Vitality and took one capsule every 4 hours for a full day. Thankfully I felt fine, although several others on the trip were sick with a form of food poisoning for several days. This isn’t the only instance DiGize Vitality has saved my bacon from coming up! LOL!! - Elizabeth R: Texas
PanAway
If you think about the name of this oil, you may be able to figure out its purpose.
PanAway essential oil blend is a combination of Clove, Helichrysum, Peppermint, and Wintergreen, and creates a cooling and soothing sensation when applied to fatigued muscles after physical activity.
Try applying several drops on location, and continue applying as needed. Although this oil is cooling to the skin, it generally does not need to be diluted unless desired.
Thieves
Thieves® essential oil is a legendary blend of the purifying essential oils of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus radiata, and Rosemary. It is known for its immune support and cleansing properties when taken internally. When used topically and aromatically it is a refreshing breathing experiences.
Applying Thieves to the bottoms of the feet and down the spine has many overall benefits.
Adding a few drops of Thieves vitality to a capsule and taking as a dietary supplement can support the immune system overall. It’s a wonderful preventative as well as soothing when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
Adding a drop of Thieves Vitality to an ounce of water and gargling can be soothing to the throat and helps freshen the breath. Adding a drop to a teaspoon of honey and sucking on it can also be soothing.
R.C.
R.C. essential oil blend is a powerful combination of Cypress, Spruce, and three types of Eucalyptus oils (E. citriodora, E. globulus, and E. radiata). The initials stand for respiratory care, as this oil may provide a refreshing breathing experience.
Try applying 2-4 drops topically over the neck and chest. Then rub your hands together, cup them over your nose and inhale deeply. Reapply as often as needed.
When you’re feeling a little stuffy, this is a great blend to add to a cold water diffuser and keep near your bedside or when you’re working
Other Oils
Along with the above 10 oils mentioned, here are a few more I recommend having on hand.
Myrrh
ImmuPower
Copaiba
TeaTree
Aroma Seiz
Stress Away
Lemongrass
Clove
Let’s Connect
I hope this blog was helpful for you. If you need help ordering these essential oils or need help narrowing down the best ones for you and your family’s needs, please give me a call. My office number is 833-357-5777. I’d love to help you complete your First Aid Kit.
Don’t Wait!!!
Please, please, please go get your first aid kit right now and go through it. Make sure you have all the normal item and choose the essential oils you need to add. Do it today! Because if you wait, you may need something and not have it. I promise you that peace of mind is a powerful thing. Get your emergency items ready, hope you never need them, but if you do, then you’re all set.
Keep in mind that the above mentioned essential oils can be used one a daily basis too. These are oils I personally use quite often. I recommend never getting lower than half a bottle, and it’s good to keep more than one bottle on hand. You just never know when you or a loved one will need an oil.
Feel free to share this blog, and together, we can get essential oils into every home around the world.
May God Bless,
Elizabeth Rose