Jo's Health Corner: first aid kit

If I Could Only Pick Two Essential Oils for My First Aid Kit

I would pick lavender, tea tree (melaleuca) if I could only choose two bottles for my first aid kit. The picture below will explain why.

Click to enlarge the picture.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

9:48 AM | Read more...

Summer Preparedness Tips

Are you ready for summer? Summer is just around the corner and it is a good idea to be prepared. I live in a place where it gets extremely hot and we are already experiencing temperatures in the high 90's. We have spiders, snakes, and scorpions to prepare for. It is about 25 miles to an emergency clinic, so it is important that I have things at home for emergencies.

The Blend Purification is one of my favorite oils during this time of the summer. I use it for wound care, to repel insects, purify the air, and to neutralize poisons from wasps, hornets, and other insects.

Being prepared for the heat
One of the first things I do is to make sure we are prepared to handle the heat. We spend hours outdoors everyday and it gets very hot here, so I want to make sure we can handle the heat well. In the post Staying Cool in the Summer Heat, I share what we do to stay cool when it is hot.

Here are some other things that I do (cursive bold texts are linked to useful posts)

First aid kit

I make sure that my first aid kit is well stocked with the supplies I need
Essential oils are antiviral, antibacterial, pain relieving, and anti-fungal. I use essential oils for things such as fevers, cuts, bruises, blisters, colds, flu, allergies, pest repellant, and pain. You can easily put together your own basic aromatherapy care kit.
I like to make my own antiseptic vinegar and I often make an aromatic compress for minor things such as sprains or bruises. Compresses have also been used for fevers.
Herbal remedies can also be used with younger children, but you want to make sure that you use herbal remedies that are suitable for their age.
We live in an area with poisonous snakes so I make sure I have essential oils at home in case someone get a snakebite. Snakes are also said to dislike certain scents so it is good to know what oils will repel the snakes.
It is easy to get wounds in summer when we are outside a lot, I use essential oils in healing compresses for wounds.

Bugs, bugs, and bugs
We have plenty of bugs where we live and I know we all deal with bugs. Some of us deal with more dangerous bugs than others, but they are still annoying whether they are poisonous or not.

I like to use the essential oils to ward off insects. I like to:

make a room spray
make a massage blend
drop some oil on the collar of shirts
add to a diffuser
put on cotton balls and place around the house.
to soak ribbons in water with added essential oils and hang them where you want them.

Some oils are more suitable as insect repellants than others, check out my insect post to know what oils to use.

It is not unusual that scorpions come inside our house so I make sure that I have suitable things for scorpion stings as well. My son was stung last year and it wasn't so bad, of course it helps that he is in good shape and that his immune system is strong.
When we lived in Texas we had a lot of ants coming into our house but we found a way to make the go away. Check out the post Ants in My Kitchen for some natural ways to repel ants.
Tick bites can lead to lyme disease and cause a lot of suffering. Use essential oils to remove and kill ticks.

Sun exposure

I am not a big fan of sun screen since sun exposure is important so that the body can make vitamin D. I make sure that we protect ourselves by eating the proper nutrients and practice common sense when we are outside. I believe it is best to protect the skin from the inside out. I do realize that we may need sun screen if we are outside all day long, but I make sure that I use a sun screen that is safer.
I like to make a Summer, Sun and Bug Spray that I can use for occasional sun burns as well as insect bites. It also works as an insect repellant.
I also use things such as honey, lavender, aloe vera and calendula for sunburns. Check out my post, Tips for Sunburns to learn what to do if you spend too much time in the sun.
Also, it is important that you avoid phototoxic oils if you are going to be out in the sun. So, avoid these oils before sun exposure.

Swimming pools
Most swimming pools are full of chemicals that are harmful. Many hours can be spent daily in the pool if you live in a hot climate. Chlorine and bromine are often used in pools and they are fighting for the same receptors as iodine in our body, this will influence our thyroid and set off a various reactions in the body. My husband and I discovered that our daughter is very sensitive so we supplement with things like black walnut or seaweeds during times when she spends a lot of time in a chlorinated pool. We used salt in our own little pool a few years ago, but unfortunately we are not in control of the pool we use today. It is far too hot not to go swimming, but we muscle test and she seems fine with extra nutritional support. Eating food high in antioxidants is always important to aid in neutralizing damaging free radicals.

Equipment
This is the time when we use things that have not been used in a while. We don't have the long snowy winters here so my children have used their bicycles all year long. We still look over the bicycles and make sure that break works and that the bikes are running fine. Helmets are inspected to make sure that they are still safe. Swim gear, life jackets, pool toys, and outdoor play areas are inspected to make sure they are still safe to use.

Other things to be prepared for
We experienced several fires not too far from us here in the the Sierra Foothills in California a few years ago. Fortunately the fires never reached our home, but it is scary enough when you hear that houses are destroyed only miles away from you. It is important that we have an emergency preparedness plan for any kind of emergencies.

Educating the children
I educate my children in how to deal with emergency situations. This includes what kind of remedies to use for various conditions, as well as what to do in case of fires or other emergencies. I write a list of situations that might happen and how to deal with them. My children also learn first aid and other useful information from Girls Camp and Boy Scouts.

Don't wait until you face an emergency. Stock up on the things that you need now.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new essential oil.

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways , Wildcrafting Wednesday, Fat Tuesday, Healthy Tuesday Hop, Domestically Divine, Tuesday Greens, Teach Me Tuesday, Eco-Kids Tuesday, Thank Your Body, Simple Lives Thursday, Natural Living Link Up, Homeacre Hop, Small Footprint Friday, Mama Moments, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Healthy 2day Wednesday

2:53 PM | Read more...

Tips for Sunburns

We have had wonderful weather up here in the Sierra Foothills the last few day so we have spent many hours outside. I spent a little too much time sitting in the sun the other day. Fortunately, my daughter made an essential oil spray of lavender and calendula for the wound that she got from her bicycle crash the other day. I felt a lot better after using my daughter's lavender spray. Below are some tips on what to do if you're sore after spending too much time in the sun.

A cooling bath for a sore skin

If the skin is very sore after a day in the sun you might want to pour a cooling bath and add some essential oils. Suitable carriers that historically been used for sunburns are honey, milk, aloe vera, honey and cream. Mix the essential oils with the carrier, and add to the bath water once its filled. The adult dose is 8-10 drops of essential oils to a full bath. I add half the amount to my 9 and 10 year old, so make sure to dilute it even more for smaller children.

Super Duper After Sun Healing Spray

Distilled water 1/2 cup

Witch hazel 1/4 cup

Aloe vera 1/4 cup

Lavender 8 drops

R. Chamomile 2 drops

Geranium 1 drop

Honey 1 tsp.

Mix water, witch hazel and aloe vera. Combine honey and essential oils and mix well. Add the essential oil mixture to the water. Make sure you use at least an 8 oz. spray bottle. Use several times during the day.

Other useful things to have at home in case the skin gets sunburned:

Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin oil has traditionally been used to treat and heal burns for centuries. The cold pressed oil is high in vitamins and minerals.

Calendula
Calendula is a staple in our house. I make infused oils and I always keep an bottle in the fridge. It can be used as a stand alone, or added to other blends, or mixed with essential oils can for extra healing. It is powerful on its own. I also use it as an ingredient when I make ointments, facial creams, or facial toners.

Wheat germ oil
Is high in antioxidants and is useful for burns and damaged skin.

Honey
Is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and can be used as a healing agent for dressings. Essential oils increase its effect, lavender and chamomile are especially useful.

Peppermint tea
Is cooling and a good choice when it is hot and someone needs to cooled down.

Spray bottles
Make a simple spray of Lavender and use as a cooling and soothing spray.

We joke in our family and say that we eat our sunscreen:

We hydrate well
We eat extra antioxidants, especially beta carotene
We eat omega essential fatty acids.
We eat plenty of vegetables and some fruit to protect our skin as well.
Use essential oils for skin care. Essential oils have some of the highest ORAC values of all substances.
We make sure we get enough trace minerals, vitalized protein and vitamins in the summer heat. We add oxygen drops with electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids and trace minerals to our drinking water.

Related posts:
We eat our sun screen. Do you?
Summer, Sun and Insect Spray

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

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This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday , Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways , Simple Living Wednesday , Healthy 2day Wednesdays , Wildcrafting Wednesday , Simple Lives Thursday, Natural Living Monday, Eco-Kids Tuesday, Healthy Tuesday Hop

11:22 AM | Read more...

Wound Healing and Essential Oils

I think it is important to be prepared for emergencies so I keep essential oils and herbs in my first aid kit. We use both herbs (my husband is a Master Herbalist) and essential oils in our family, but I find it easier to use essential oils in certain situations. Essential oils have traditionally been used to promote healing of wounds. Essential oils that have traditionally been used for wound healing are German chamomile, frankincense, everlasting (Helichrysum), myrrh, lavender, neroli, rose, palmarosa, yarrow and sandalwood.

For wound treatment I would choose oils that are cicatrizant, astringent, and vulnerary. Oils with cicatrizant properties promote the healing of wounds and keep them antiseptic. They will also prevent formation of scar tissue. Some oils are vulnerary and they will also promote the healing of wounds and prevent the wounds from being infected. Oils with styptic actions will stop the local bleeding. Astringent oils will contract tissues in order to make them firmer, denser and decrease discharges.

Below is a formula I used as a compress several years ago to treat a wound. Compresses are very effective and useful in treating a small area. I would have added bergamot to this blend but it is phototoxic and we were out in the sun when I made this compress.

Wound Healing Compress:

Benzoin resinoid 3 drops - Its styptic property will arrest the bleeding
Roman Chamomile 3 drops - For disinfecting the wound. Its vulnerary, cicatrizant, and antiseptic properties will promote healing of the wound and prevent scar tissue.
Purified water 9 oz

Add the water to a bowl and then add the essential oils. soak a soft cloth, gauze or a piece of flannel in the water. Make sure that you wring it out so that it doesn't drip and apply to the injured area. It is preferable to cover the cloth with saran wrap and then a towel to keep the aromas in. Re-apply the compress once it dries out. Repeat the treatment 15 minutes to one hour. Do this three times a day if needed.

Other oils historically been used for wound healing:
German chamomile, frankincense, everlasting (Helichrysum), myrrh, lavender, neroli, rose, palmarosa, yarrow and sandalwood.

Calendula officinalis has also traditionally been used for the treatment of wound healing. It is generally used as an infused oil.

Other related posts:
Lavender to The Rescue
Make an Antiseptic Vinegar
Essential Oils for First Aid- Protect Your Family
How I Would Deal With A Scorpion Sting

This post is shared on:

Wildcrafting Wednesday

Simple Lives Thursday

Seasonal Celebration Sunday

Sunday School

Fat Tuesday

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways

SImple Living Wednesday

Healthy 2day Wednesday

4:42 PM | Read more...

10 Versatile Essential Oils for Your Basic Aromatherapy Care Kit

There are many essential oils to choose between and it can be somewhat confusing to know what oils to start with. You don't need many bottles since you can easily enjoy the benefits of essential oils with only a couple of bottles. I always have lavender and tea tree on hand, and it is actually a very economical way to deal with minor cuts, wounds, scratches and insect bites. They are very versatile, fairly inexpensive, and together they make a great first aid kit.

Base care kit

I have narrowed it down to 10 single oils that I picked for their versatility and ability to deal with a variety of health complaints. Several essential oil companies have starting kits that contain most of these oils. I highly recommend to purchase a starting kit since it is normally cheaper than buying the individual oils.

10 versatile essential oils

Lavender

Lavender is an oil that I think should be in every home because it is an effective oil to a reasonable price. It has historically been useful in treating various nervous and psychological disorders due to its sedative and nervine effects. It has historically been used for things like migraine, depression, stress, insomnia, and nervous tension. If you were to pick only one oil for your first aid pick it should be lavender since it is the most versatile of all essential oils. Its antiseptic properties has historically been used for coughs, colds, catarrh, sinus, flu as well as wounds, burns and all types of pain.

Tea tree

Tea tree is an immune stimulant and has antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic properties. According to Battaglia, it has been proven to be active against all three categories of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree has historically been used for wound healing, fungal infections, congestion, aches and pains, acne and dandruff.

Lemon

Lemon is highly antibacterial. According to Battaglia, it is able to stimulate the action of the white blood cells. Lemon has a purifying, uplifting and revitalizing aroma, and it clears the mind and sharpens the senses. It is a very pleasant and soothing oil. Research in Japan has proven its effect to improve the ability to concentrate.

The main constituent is limonene, which has been studied for it's anti-cancer effects.

In the book, The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system. Battaglia says, lemon also counteracts the acidity and makes the stomach more alkaline. It also has a tonic effect on the circulatory system. Historically lemon has been used in skin care due to its astringent effect.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is expectorant, antibacterial and antiviral. It is best known as a decongestant. Eucalyptus has historically been used to treat respiratory problems like sinus problems, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. Eucalyptus increase oxygen to the cells in the body. It has also historically been used to relieve insect bites and muscular aches and pains. Eucalyptus has been recommended for treatments of headaches, neuralgia and debility. It has been used historically to reduce fever. Eucalyptus is effective as an insect repellent, and it has traditionally also been used to treat burns, wounds, blisters and cuts. It also makes a great antiseptic for when you clean, so you can add it to your cleaning water. More information about eucalyptus.

Rosemary

Rosemary is antifungal and antibacterial. It is a general stimulant and it also supports nerves and endocrine gland balance. It has also historicaly been used in treatments for muscular conditions, and makes a useful oil to add to the bath after a tiring day. According to Worwood, rosemary is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, diabetes, coughs and flu. It is also being used in natural hair care as well as in acne and cellulite treatments.

Clove

Clove is a powerful antimicrobial and it has a stimulating effect on the mind. It is not only a strong antiseptic, but it also has carminative and antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps stimulate digestion. It has historically been used to treat viral diseases, to stimulate digestion, relieve flatulence, and restore the appetite. Clove's anesthetic property has historically been used to ease toothache. The anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.

According to Jean Valnet, MD, clove oil can prevent contagious disease, and may treat arthritis, bronchitis, colera, cystitis, cholera, dental infection, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, tuberculosis, acne, fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, insect bites, hypertenstion, dermatitis, skin cancer, bacterial colitism sinusitis, sores, viral hepatitis, warts, and lymphoma. More information about clove essential oils.

Peppermint

The antispasmodic properties of peppermint have been confirmed in clinical trials. Peppermint is one of the most effective oils of the digestive system. The German Commission E Monographs recommends peppermint oil for obstructions of the bile ducts, gall bladder inflammations and severe liver damage.

Jean Valnet, MD studied peppermint's supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint helps the circulation as well. According to Worwood, this is a good oil for the treatment of indigestion, flu, catarrh, headaches, toothache, rheumatism, and migraines. It is also keeping the ants, mice, and fleas away. More information about peppermint essential oil.

Geranium

Geranium works on the emotions and is very useful for many medical conditions. Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. According to Battaglia, geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. He also says it is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, its stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex has a regulatory effect on the hormonal system. It may therefore useful in treating PMS and menopausal problems. Geranium balances the sebum and is therefore useful for all skin conditions, but it is especially useful for sluggish, congested, and oily skin. According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.

Chamomile

Chamomile is antiseptic and antibacterial, but it is often valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for the skin in Europe. It has historically been used to treat rheumatism. It has also traditionally been used by mothers to ease ear aches, soothe stomach aches and indigestion, and relieve tooth aches and teething pains. Roman chamomile may help calm restlessness and tension. It's anti-infectious properties benefit cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

According to Gary Young, chamomile neutralizes allergies and increases the ability of the skin to regenerate. Young also says chamomile can effectively minimize irritability and nervousness in children.

Chamomile is calming and relaxing and therefore is often used to combat depression, insomnia and stress. It is known to minimize anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Chamomile has historically been used in treatment of burns, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, hay fever, migraines, sprains and strains. More about chamomile.

Thyme

Thyme is highly antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiviral. Thyme has historically been used for respiratory problems and digestive complains. It is often used in the prevention and treatment of infection, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Thyme is a general tonic for the nerves and the stomach. It is a wonderful oil to use in the room diffuser when the flu goes around due to it's antiviral properties. Thyme also aids in the detoxification of the body.

I suggest that you invest in vegetable oils and/or aloe vera gel to dilute the essential oils with. A good diffuser is also recommended. There are many ways these essential oils can be used which make them perfect for a natural first aid kit.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday
Healthy 2day Wednesday
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Wildcrafting Wednesday
Eco-Kids Tuesday

8:00 AM | Read more...

Aromatic Compress for Bruising

My daughter fell last summer and bruised her shoulder. She was out running in the backyard and tripped over a rock. When she came in and said that she fell and she was hurt, I immediately grabbed for my oils. My husband looked at it and made sure nothing was broken.

I like to use aromatic compresses for minor things at home. According to Battaglia, some of the benefits of using a compress are:

that it may relieve lymphatic and fluid congestion.
may clear heat, fever, and inflammation.
may improve circulation and reduce pain.
may relieve tiredness.

Aromatic compresses are essential oils mixed with water, and applied to the skin with aid of a strip of gauze. Compresses can be either hot or cold.

Hot compresses are made with water that is as hot as can be tolerated. The hot compresses has historically been used to reduce muscular and rheumatic pain. It has also been used to draw out boils and splinters.

Cold compresses are made with ice water. According to Battaglia, its uses include treating sprains, swelling, fever, and to relieve stress.

The adult formula calls for 8-10 drops of oils, so for my 10 year old daughter I used half the amount oils.

4-8 oz. warm or cold water
5 drops essential oils

I decided to use a cold compress for my daughter, but first I applied an ice pack while I was fixing the water for the compress. After the third day I will switch to a hot compress. In between using the compresses 3 times a day,I add massage oil blend to the area.

I decided to use my favorite Pain Relieving blend that includes oils historically used for bruises. The ingredients in the blend are wintergreen, helichrysum, clove, and peppermint. This is a powerful blend of anti-inflammatory and analgesic essential oils historically used for reducing pain and inflammation. I would not use these oils on infants and very young children. It may cause skin sensitivity, so don't forget to perform a skin patch test before you need to use it.

If I didn't use the Pain Relieving Blend then I would have considered using oils such as peppermint, geranium, eucalyptus, lavender, fennel , rosemary and cypress. They have historically been used for bruising. These can be used as singles or mixed in a blend. The oils mentioned are oils that I would use on my 9 and 10 year old. The dilution chart will give you also give you information what oils to use for what age group.

My oldest son is playing football, and if there's severe bruising involved I add oils that stimulate the spleen, such as black pepper, chamomile and lavender as recommended by Battaglia. He also suggest other things to consider in bruising, like increase my son's intake of Vitamin C bioflavonoids, to make sure he avoids aspirin, and increases dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit high in vitamin C.

As always when it comes to aromatherapy, check the dilution page and the safety page.