What To Put in Your Aromatherapy First Aid Kit
Summer is a season of warmth, sunshine, and outdoor activities. It's a time when we can embrace the joys of nature and engage in various recreational pursuits. However, along with the pleasant aspects of summer, there is an unfortunate increase in injuries. From sunburns to sports-related mishaps, there are many reason why we tend to get hurt more in the summer.
1. Increased Activity Levels - With longer days and pleasant weather, summer encourages people to be more active. Engaging in outdoor sports, swimming, hiking, biking, and even just taking leisurely walks becomes more enticing. However, the sudden increase in physical activity without proper preparation can lead to sprains, strains, and muscle pulls.
2. Outdoor Hazards - Summer opens the door to a world of outdoor adventures. However, it also exposes us to various hazards that can lead to injury. Uneven terrain while hiking or playing sports, hidden obstacles, and slippery surfaces near water bodies can all contribute to accidents and falls.
3. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion - The rising temperatures during summer increase the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Sweating profusely in hot and humid climates can result in electrolyte imbalances, dizziness, and weakness. These physical conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries due to impaired cognitive and motor functions.
4. Increased Sun Exposure - Sunburns are a common summer affliction due to prolonged sun exposure. Sunburns not only cause discomfort but can also impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. The pain and discomfort from sunburns can distract us from maintaining proper caution, making us more susceptible to accidents.
5. Insect Bites and Stings - Summertime is notorious for the presence of pesky insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and bees. Insect bites and stings can not only cause discomfort but also sometimes trigger severe allergic reactions in certain individuals. Such reactions can lead to falls, accidents, or even anaphylaxis.
With the increase of injuries this time of year, I always make sure my aromatherapy “first aid” kit is stocked and ready to go. I find it extremely beneficial for all members of my family.
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that has gained popularity in modern times due to its natural and holistic approach to healing. When it comes to first aid, aromatherapy can be a valuable tool to address minor ailments and promote overall well-being. Essential oils, derived from various plants and flowers, are the key players in aromatherapy first aid. Their potent and aromatic properties can be harnessed to soothe common conditions such as headaches, insect bites, and muscle aches. The soothing scent of lavender oil, for example, can calm the mind and alleviate stress and tension. Tea tree oil, with its powerful antimicrobial properties, can be used topically to manage minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations. By incorporating aromatherapy into our first aid kits, we have access to a diverse range of natural remedies that can help restore balance and support our body's innate healing mechanisms.
Top 5 Recipes for Your Aromatherapy First Aid Kit
1) Owie Blend Spray
When it comes to cuts, scrapes and abrasions, it is important to clean the wound first. If my kids are upset due to pain, I love to gently mist on a little of this Owie Blend Spray. It is made with gentle hydrosols that help reduce inflammation and pain, and promote healing.
Owie Blend Spray:
Ingredients:
1 oz frankincense or helichrysum hydrosol
1 oz tea tree hydrosol
2 oz lavender hydrosol
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in 4 oz spray bottle and shake to combine.
Store in refrigerator and use as needed.
2) No More Itch Stick
Essential oils have long been used as a natural remedy for bug bite relief. Their potent properties can help alleviate the itching, swelling, and discomfort caused by insect bites. I store this salve in lip balm tubes for easy travel and application, however, it can be mad and stored in any container. The combination of lavender, helichrysum and peppermint essential oil work well together to help soothe the itchiness, reduce inflammation and accelerate skin healing.
No More Itch Stick
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz beeswax
- 1 oz coconut oil
- 1/2 oz jojoba oil
- 7 drops Lavender essential oil
- 7 drops Helichrysum essential oil
- 6 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops Vitamin E oil
- 3- 1oz push up lip balm style tubes
Instructions
- Melt beeswax and coconut oil in double boiler. Melt slowly and do not let boil.
- Once liquified add jojoba oil and vitamin E oil. Stir to mix.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 1 minute before adding essential oils.
- Stir in essential oils and pour into lip balm tubes.
- Let lip balm tubes cool for 4 hours before using.
- Apply to areas of bug bites, post sun exposure or areas on the body needed extra moisture and healing.
Notes
Dilution is 2%.
**Safe for ages 3 and up. For children younger than 3 years old, replace peppermint essential oil with Roman Chamomile.
3) Peppermint Roller
I don’t leave home without a peppermint roll-on as it has so many benefits when adventuring. It is great for upset stomach, headaches, muscle aches, low energy, seasonal allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and more!
Peppermint Roller:
Ingredients:
5 drops Peppermint essential oil
Carrier oil of choice
Directions:
Add peppermint oil to 5ml roller. Fill roller with carrier oil. Add rollerball and cap and it’s ready to go!
*Recipe is 3% dilution and ok to use for ages 3 and up.
4) Deep Breathe and Chill Inhaler
We all know how emotions can exacerbate pain. Children in particular, experience a wide array of emotions when they are physically hurt. Due to their delicate nature and limited ability to articulate their feelings, they often become overwhelmed by emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration, and more. Additionally, if the injury is unexpected or accompanied by loud noises or sudden movements, anxiety or fear may arise. Due to the direct connection of smell and the amygdala, essential oils can be incredibly beneficial to promote feelings of calmness and safety for all ages.
Deep Breathe and Chill Inhaler
Ingredients:
6 drops Bergamot
6 drops Lavender
2 drops Roman Chamomile
6 drops Tangerine
Directions:
Combine essential oils in small glass container.
Remove cotton wick from inhaler and using pipette add essential oil blend to the cotton wick.
Place cotton wick inside inhaler. Add top and cap.
To use: Hold several inches below nose and take slow deep breaths as needed.
5) Get Better Bumps and Bruises:
Aromatherapy can be a supportive method in the healing process of bruises. Various essential oils possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulatory properties that can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood flow to the affected area, expediting the healing process.
Top Essential Oils for Bruises
Here are some popular essential oils known for their beneficial properties when it comes to healing bruises:
1. Lavender: Lavender oil is renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically to bruises, it can help soothe pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing, while also providing a gentle, relaxing scent.
2. Helichrysum: Helichrysum oil is often used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can assist in reducing pain and inflammation associated with bruises, while also supporting the natural healing response of the body.
3. Frankincense: Frankincense oil possesses anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant properties, making it an excellent choice for healing bruises. It can aid in diminishing bruise discoloration and promoting healthy skin regeneration.
4. Arnica: Derived from the arnica plant, arnica oil is highly regarded for its ability to reduce pain, inflammation, and discoloration caused by injury.
5. Cypress: When applied topically, cypress can aid in reducing inflammation, improve blood circulation, and speed up the healing process. Cypress oil's ability to strengthen blood vessels and promote lymphatic drainage also contributes to its effectiveness in treating bruises.
6. Copaiba: Extracted from the resin of the Copaifera tree found in South America, this oil possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When topically applied to bruises, copaiba oil helps to reduce pain, alleviate swelling, and promote faster healing. Its high content of beta-caryophyllene, a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects, aids in soothing the affected area and enhances blood circulation, allowing for the efficient removal of pooled blood beneath the skin.
Get Better Bumps and Bruises Roller
Ingredients:
3 drops Copaiba
2 drops Helichrysum
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Cypress
Carrier Oil of choice (I do 1 tsp of arnica oil and the rest jojoba oil)
Directions:
Add essential oils to 10ml roller bottle.
Add carrier oil of choice.
Add rollerball top and cap and shake gently to combine.
Want to learn more about how essential oils can help support health and healing? Check out my new book, Science of Essentials, The Essential Guide for Using Aromatherapy to Promote Health and Healing.
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