9 essential oils for your all-natural first-aid kit

Before rubbery band-aids and grape-flavoured cough syrup, our ancestors relied on the simplicity of Mother Nature for healing. Many of our modern medicines were derived from properties and plants found in nature, so it only makes sense to incorporate essential oils—the highly concentrated essences of these powerful plants—into your first-aid kit! Add these first-response must-haves to your go-kit and treat a variety of uh-ohs the natural way.

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise specified, these tips are for aromatic or topical use. If you are planning on digesting any of the oils listed below, we highly encourage using the Plus dietary oils.

Rosemary

From kitchen staple to health must-have, Rosemary has a familiar herbaceous, sweet aroma with hidden healing properties, and is used to relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprains, strains and rheumatoid arthritis.

To ease muscle and joint pain topically, dilute Rosemary oil according to the instructions on the bottle and add a few drops onto a warm compress, then apply over the affected area. As an alternate method, combine Rosemary oil with an unscented shower gel. Step into the hot shower, work into a lather, and spend extra time massaging into the places where you need pain relief. A few of our other favourite benefits of Rosemary are: 

• Providing a calming affect that relieves minor skin irritations, cuts, and bruises when used topically
• Adding comfort while managing cold and cough symptoms
• Providing relief from common digestive discomfort when inhaled or applied topically.

Lavender

A classic scent we can all recognize with a simple sniff, Lavender provides a calming floral scent that instantly sets us at ease. Yet, many are unaware of this flower’s additional properties! On days when you’ve had a little too much fun in the sun, Lavender can help soothe your skin.

In a spray bottle, add 1 cup distilled water, 1 tablespoon 100 percent aloe vera, and 3–4 drops of Lavender essential oil. Shake to mix and mist over skin.

 Lavender is also great for: 

• Relieving digestive discomfort
• Easing joint and muscle pain associated with sprains/strains/rheumatoid arthritis
• Creating a relaxing environment that can help relieve headaches
• Using as a nervine/calmative to promote relaxation
• Providing comfort during cough and cold symptoms

Marjoram 

Known as the “herb of happiness” by the ancient Romans and “joy of the mountains” by the ancient Greeks, Marjoram has a woodsy, spicy aroma that has a warm, calming effect that relieves minor skin irritations, cuts, and bruises.

Dilute equal parts Marjoram essential oil with a carrier oil, like V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex. Gently rub over affected areas. Other benefits of Marjoram include: 

• Providing a refreshing, cooling sensation when applied to joints and areas experiencing muscle pain associated with sprains/strains/rheumatoid arthritis
• Enjoying a comforting aroma that promotes relaxation
• Comforting those experiencing cold symptoms when inhaled or applied topically
• Providing relief from common digestive discomfort
• Soothing skin irritations when applied to areas impacted by eczema and dermatitis

Peppermint or Peppermint+

It’s cooling, invigorating, and distilled from one of the most highly regarded herbs on the planet: Peppermint essential oil has a fresh aroma that is known for soothing digestive discomfort.

After a meal, add 1 drop of Peppermint+ to your favourite tea and sip on away to reap its digestive health benefits. Alternatively, combine 1 tsp. of carrier oil with 4–5 drops of Peppermint oil and massage onto your abdomen or onto your scalp. Some of our other favourite benefits of Peppermint include: 

• Providing a refreshing, cooling sensation when applied to joints and areas experiencing muscle pain associated with sprains/strains/rheumatoid arthritis (always dilute before applying topically)
• Creating a calming environment that promotes relaxation
• Comforting those experiencing cold symptoms when inhaled or applied topically (after dilution)

Spearmint

Softer than Peppermint but with a similar minty scent, Spearmint is your go-to natural headache soother with a calming aroma. Just a few drops is all you need to soothe a pounding head.

Prep a comfortable space to lie down and rest. Add the oil to your diffuser (refer to your specific diffuser’s manual for drop quantities). Turn off the lights. Deeply inhale and exhale to bring your body to a state of relaxation. Spearmint has other benefits including: 

• Enjoying a comforting aroma that promotes relaxation
• Comforting those experiencing cold symptoms when inhaled or applied topically (always dilute first)
• Providing relief from common digestive discomfort

Bergamot

Cultivated in Southern Italy and used in the Middle East for hundreds of years, Bergamot is known for reducing the symptoms of acne and other skin irritants, leaving you with a youthful glow. 

Add 1 drop of this uplifting oil to your favourite face wash or use as a spot treatment. Mix 1 drop of Bergamot with 1 drop carrier oil and apply to pimples. Leave on overnight. Bergamot is a photosensitive oil, so avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after topical use and be sure to use sunscreen. Other benefits of Bergamot include: 

• Relieving minor skin irritations like burns, cuts, and bruises (always dilute first)
• Providing comfort while experiencing cough and cold symptoms
• Providing relief from common digestive discomfort
• Soothing skin irritations when applied to areas impacted by eczema and dermatitis (always dilute first)
• Enjoying a comforting aroma that eases symptoms of common headaches

German Chamomile

Used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, German Chamomile helps you connect with the calm. Known for creating a tranquil environment, it’s the perfect oil to have in your all-natural first-aid kit to bring comfort during times of stress.

Add this oil to a diffuser or place a drop in your hand, cup over your nose, and deeply inhale to enjoy its soothing benefits. Other ways German Chamomile is a great addition to your first aid kit include: 

• Soothing skin irritations when applied to areas impacted by acne, burns, cuts, and bruises (always dilute first)
• Providing relief from common digestive discomfort
• Creating a soothing environment that eases headaches
• Relieving joint and muscle pain associated with sprains/strains/rheumatoid arthritis when massaged into tired muscles (always dilute first)

Sage

Known as “herba sacra,” or “sacred herb,” by the ancient Romans, Sage was traditionally used for its clarifying properties and ability to strengthen the senses while providing comfort from cough and cold symptoms.

Create your own DIY bath salts or mix 1 tablespoon of carrier oil with 5–6 drops of Sage. Add your mixture into a steamy bath, hop in, and deeply inhale the powerful Sage aroma and feel your body fall into a state of calm. Some other great benefits of keeping Sage in your first-aid kit include: 

• Soothing benefits that relieve joint and muscle pain associated with sprains/strains/rheumatoid arthritis when incorporated into a massage
• Creating a calming environment
• Relieving minor skin irritations like burns, cuts, and bruises
• Soothing common digestive discomfort

Lemongrass

A fresh, lemony-scented oil distilled from woodsy Cymbopogon flexuosus grass, a cousin of Citronella, Lemongrass can act as a nervine and calmative that enhances relaxation. A few drops is all you need to soothe everyday nervousness and restore restfulness to the body.

In moments when you are feeling fatigued or need to invite calm into your day, dilute two drops of Lemongrass with two drops of carrier oil and massage onto your temples. Some other benefits of Lemongrass are: 

• Providing relief from common digestive discomfort
• Neutralizing odours to help relieve headaches
• Enhancing massages following physical activity to ease muscle and joint pain associated with sprains/strains/rheumatoid arthritis

Extras to add into your first-aid kit  

• Alkalime: AlkaLime® is a precisely balanced alkaline mineral complex formulated to neutralize acidity and maintain desirable pH levels in the stomach. Any time you experience heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach or sour stomach, use this product to ease your symptoms.
• ComforCleanse Capsules: ComforCleanse is an effective combination of fibre, herbs, and essential oils that can be taken for general health maintenance to support the colon’s ability to function normally, or for the short-term relief of occasional constipation. 

Disclaimer: As always, read the label usage instructions before using each product in your natural first aid kit.

Take a look at our other natural health products (NHP) here!

Looking to fill up your medicine cabinet with natural remedies? Check out our 7 soothing tips for cough and cold, or explore 6 core essentials for a healthy you!

Which oils do you keep in your first aid kit?