Aromatic First~Aid Kit

2000 B.C. -- Here, eat this root.
1000 A.D. -- That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. -- That prayer is superstitious. Here, drink this potion.
1940 A.D. -- That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. -- That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000 A.D. -- That antibiotic is unnecessary. Here, eat this root.

-Author Unknown

Now, call me crazy (it certainly wouldn't be the first time!) but doesn't it make sense to go directly to the source for healing instead of using synthetics that are made to mock the natural element from which it came? Wouldn't you rather treat an upset stomach with peppermint & chamomile tea as opposed to a peppermint flavored product? Treat a cut, scrape or burn with Lavender or Tea Tree as opposed to a product manufactured in a lab designed to mimic the properties of essential oils?

Essential oils are the all natural extracts (the life force) of plants, flowers, trees, roots, and seeds. Essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. While there is no argument that not every ailment or sickness can be treated without the use of doctor prescribed medicine and care, a large portion of common ailments may be treated naturally and with as little as 2 - 5 essential oils on hand. A good aromatherapy "first-aid" kit could consist of Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Orange and Peppermint. The basic ailments that these oils are known to treat are:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) acne, burns, depression, hair & scalp, headaches, migraines, nervous tension, relaxation, scalds and skin care.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) acne, athletes foot, cold sores, cuts, dental abscesses, and skin infections.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) coughs, disinfectant, flu, respiratory tract infections, sinuses, and sore muscles.

Orange (Citrus sinensis) anxiety, colds, depression, insomnia, and nervousness.

Pepperminmt (Mentha piperita) analgesic, antiseptic, colds, cooling, digestion, fevers, flu, headaches, menstrual cramps, nausea, and respiratory disorders.

Note: Lavender and Tea Tree may be applied directly to the skin without a carrier.

Other items you may want to have onhand for you first~aid kit are

Witch Hazel
Sweet Almond Oil,
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Blending Bottles with dropper inserts

With the exception of tea tree and lavender, essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. Carrier oils, such as sweet almond and olive oil work wonderfully. If you're making a spritz or toner, witch hazel works great. Rule of thumb - for every ounce of carrier, up to 10 drops of essential oils may be used.

It is also helpful to keep a written log of the "recipes" that you create for future reference. Recommended books to have on hand for recipes and reference are: The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations, by Jeanne Rose, Season's of Aromatherapy, by Fitzsimmons & Bousquet, and Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils, by Valerie Gennari Cooksley.

Aside from being holistic, aromatic remedies smell much better than what their synthetic counterparts do!

copyright September 1999, K. Ayers. Not to be used by commercial sites without written permission - aromaticsoul@yahoo.com