| Every home and workplace should have a first aid kit. | | | | Eucalyptus - Wonderful for respiratory conditions, add |
| But have you considered also having an | | | | eucalyptus to a bowl of hot water and inhale the |
| aromatherapy first aid kit? Essential oils are perfect | | | | steam to help clear a stuffy head. Or add to a carrier |
| for dealing with many of the minor illnesses, injuries | | | | oil and massage into chest and back. Put a few drops |
| and other conditions we encounter everyday, and in | | | | on a damp cloth and use to wipe over door handles, |
| a natural, gentle and holistic way. Some books will say | | | | light switches and other areas to reduce the spread |
| you need to have 10 or even 20 essential oils to | | | | of colds. |
| start your first aid kit. But in reality you could start | | | | Rosemary - Stimulating to the mind and memory, |
| with just a few. The following are some of the most | | | | rosemary is great for mental fatigue. It is also good |
| useful - | | | | for the hair - add to a carrier oil and use as a scalp |
| Tea tree - Tea tree's strong medicinal aroma reflects | | | | massage for dry, flaky or out of condition hair. |
| its powerful bacterial and virus busting properties, | | | | Peppermint - Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale |
| although its action is also very gentle. Tea tree can | | | | to help relive nausea, travel sickness or headaches. |
| be added to a carrier oil for skin conditions, or even | | | | Or add to a footbath for hot tired feet. |
| to a foot bath for feet infections. | | | | Remember, except for specific instances stated |
| Lavender - A wonderfully versatile oil, but best | | | | above for lavender, never apply essential oils neat to |
| known for its relaxant properties. Can be used to | | | | the skin. They should always be diluted in a carrier oil, |
| soothe and heal minor cuts, insect bites, or burns. | | | | bath etc. So adding some carrier oil such as sweet |
| Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and use | | | | almond or jojoba, to your kit is advisable. |
| to wash minor cuts or grazes. A drop inhaled from a | | | | Remember that whether you keep your |
| tissue or on a pillow can aid restful sleep. Add to the | | | | aromatherapy first aid kit with your regular first aid |
| bath at the end of a stressful day or rub a drop into | | | | kit or not, essential oils do always need to be stored |
| the temples for a headache. | | | | in a cool dark place. |