How To Use Aromatherapy Essential Oils For First Aid Treatment

Using Aromatherapy Essential Oils for First Aid Treatment is something that you may not have considered. Most people have had some experience of essential oils in beauty treatments or in alternative therapies but many are not aware that these oils which smell so wonderful, also have powerful anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that make them excellent for use in many First Aid situations for minor injuries.

There are a couple of important rules to be observed though:-

1. Do not use essential oils undiluted unless specifically stated here (see below for how to dilute and apply)

2. Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant or receiving treatment for any medical condition unless your Doctor has advised you that it is safe to do so.

As always, with aromatherapy products, it is best to mix them in small quantities to ensure freshness. Use 3 – 5 drops or essential oil in 15 ml of carrier oil. The mixed aromatherapy oil can then be massaged into the affected area. For more information about suitable carrier oils and aromatherapy essential oils, please see my other aromatherapy hub.

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oils help reduce pain, itching, inflammation and swelling. For this reason, insect bites and stings respond well to treatment with aromatherapy essential oils.

Use Basil, Chamomile, Citronella, Lavender, Marigold, Peppermint or Tea Tree oil, diluted in a suitable carrier oil as above.

Injury that results in bruising, without broken skin, responds well to aromatherapy treatment.

For healing, to increase circulation and for a warming effect, use Camphor or Clary Sage

For soothing, use Calendula, Geranium or Marjoram

To Reduce inflammation, use Cypress or Lavender

Dilute in carrier oil as explained above and massage gently into the bruised area.

Burnt skin that is blistered and inflamed is very prone to infection.  Anti-bacterial and antiseptic essential oils will help to protect the area from infection whilst it heals.  Some essential oils, such as lavender will help speed up the body’s own, natural healing process.

For their antiseptic, soothing and healing properties, apply UNDILUTED essential oil of Lavender or Tea Tree as soon as possible after the injury has occurred.

For healing and soothing, use Chamomile, Geranium, Marigold or Rose oil, diluted in a carrier oil as above.

For their soothing and healing properties, use Geranium or Marigold

For their anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, use Bergamot, Chamomile, Citronella, Lavender or Tea Tree

Oils should be diluted in a carrier oil and applied with cotton buds (q-tips).

For their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, use Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender or Rose, diluted as above in a carrier oil.

Alternatively, use 8 – 10 drops of any of the above oils (singly or mixed) in a cool bath to soothe your skin.  To do this, add the oils drop by drop onto the surface of your bath water when you have run your bath.  The oil will spread out into a very thin film and coat your skin when you get into the bath.

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