My top five essential oils to have for 'first aid'

FYI - if I had to pick my top essential oils to have on hand, I would pick these to have in my essential oil first aid kit:

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globules):

Some of this oil's properties are expectorant, decongestant, insecticide, analgesic, antirheumatic and antiseptic. Inhibits proliferation of the cold virus. Deters mosquitoes and other insects. Effective in all types of fever, lowers the temperature, makes breathing easier, loosens phlegm. It is one of the most valuable oils for treating the respiratory system. According to research, the spraying of a 2% emulsion containing eucalyptus oil kills off 70% of local airborne staphylococci. It also eases muscle and joint aches and pains. Eucalyptus stimulates circulation, increasing the flow of blood to affected areas. Eucalyptus can be mentally stimulating – it ‘opens you up’ and may help increase concentration.

LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia):

Among its many properties, it's known to be analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, cicatrizant, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, sedative. Soothes the spirit, relieves anger, valuable in manic-depressive cases. Has a sedative action on the heart, assists in bringing down high blood pressure, relieves insomnia, relieves muscular spasms and rheumatic pains. The first essential oil one should reach for in the case of minor burns and sunburn. Useful with menstrual problems, bronchitis and headaches. Useful in a diffuser in the delivery room. May be useful in nausea, vomiting and colic. Keeps insects at bay. Purifies the air. Promotes growth of new skin cells, great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils, fungal growths, and scarring. Lavender is one of the safest essential oils to use with children and the elderly. Lavender is great for relaxing in the tub, or diffusing for soothing, relaxation, or wooing sleep.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha x Piperita):

Peppermint is one of the 'basic necessities' for a first aid kit. It is one of the oils often recommended for easing migraines (especially those stemming from digestive problems); it helps clear congestion in the sinuses; it can ease indigestion (one drop on a sugar cube, or in a spoonful of honey.) Mentally, it clears the brain, helps concentration, is a restorative in cases of mental fatigue, and a mental stimulant. Obviously not an oil to use in the evening when you are seeking sleep, but great in the car to help keep the driver alert. Peppermint is the ideal remedy for all digestive disorders, including nausea and vomiting. It is a great remedy for car or air sickness.

In a massage, it helps stimulate the lymph system. It is also an analgesic and aids with treating sore muscles and joint pain. In skincare, a very weak dilution (less than 1%) is helpful for easing itching or irritation. (I add a few drops to Calamine Lotion to treat Poison Ivy!) Definitely a case where "less is more" since in a higher concentration it will be irritating. One or two drops of peppermint added to a bath is wonderfully cooling; however more than that is TOO cold.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca Alternifolia):

Tea Tree has won a reputation as a 'cure all' because of its powerful anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is the first suggestion for athlete's foot, nail viruses and other fungal infections. Often used in antiacne remedies, as well as in diffuser to combat the flu and other viral infections. It is often recommended as the remedy for a vaginal candida infection. Also Tea Tree is very supportive of the immune system; I use it in a 5% dilution in a carrier oil to massage the thymus gland (located under the sternum) to activate the immune system.

OREGANO OIL (Origanum vulgare):

Not the herb you put on pizza and pasta, wild mountain oregano (a highly aromatic member of the mint family found only in the Mediterranean) is a potent remedy for skin problems (like warts) and fungal conditions, chronic pain, insect bites, even nasty summer colds. Its powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic, antifungal properties, anti-spasmodic properties and ability to stimulate the immune system. are attributed to the active ingredient - carvacrol.

For yeast infections, a 1995 study published in the Journal of Applied Nutrition found that the carvacrol contained in a 1 percent concentration of oregano oil effectively killed the bacteria Candida albicans. One caveat: Oregano is very warming. (NO JOKE!) "When the plant's phenols [a type of flavonoid], which are rich in oxygen, hit water, they create a hydrogen ion shift and produce heat," explains Ingram, who points out that oregano owes its germ-fighting prowess to the heat. "The heat reaction dehydrates germs and kills them, with no harm to the human tissues," he says. "Although it could be uncomfortable." BE SURE TO DILUTE the Oregano essential oil at least 10% or more in a carrier oil if using topically. Very phenolic.

Just sniffing the Oregano oil is very helpful - to kill any germs in your nasal passage, and also to enter the blood stream rapidly.