NOT JUST PRETTY SMELLS: Aromatherapy for First Aid

Aromatherapy. Does the word make you think of scented candles or new and improveddish soap? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people associate aromatherapy with pretty smellsdesigned to relax you. But the real story is this: Aromatherapy is the use of genuine essential oils to improve health and wellness. In fact, essential oils can provide safe and effective relief for many minor first aid needs.

Essential oils are distilled from plants, and much like herbal medicine they have real health benefits. Depending on the plant their oils can be antibacterial, antifungal, even antiviral. Here are a few common conditions that are handily addressed with quality essential oils*:

Minor Burns: Apply a drop or two of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) to the site, then immediately cover with ice. The discovery of lavender oil’s impressive burn-healing abilities was how modern aromatherapy got its start.

Bug Bites: Apply a drop of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) to the area. Tea Tree oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve the itch.

Headaches: For a tension headache, add a drop or two of peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) directly to the tense spot, avoiding the eye area. Peppermint’s analgesic properties can provide relief.

Muscle Cramps: Tense shoulders or a charley-horse in your calf? Add two parts clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea) to eight parts carrier oil (olive, sesame, or any other massage oil) and massage into the tight muscle. Clary Sage is a strong anti-spasmodic.

Inflamed muscles or skin: Strained muscle or hot, red skin? Add two parts of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) to eight parts carrier oil and rub into inflamed area. The blue chamazulene in these oils is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Using the botanical (Latin) name after an oil is a standard aromatherapy practice which prevents confusion of the common names. For example: Clary Sage is not the same as plain old Sage, they are different oils with different properties)

Also, it’s important to purchase oils from a reputable company that provides genuine, authentic essential oils which are not adulterated in any way. Look for companies which explain their methods of obtaining oils, know their distillers personally (or distill their oils themselves) and have a realistic price. In the matter of essential oils; if a price sounds too good to be true it probably is. True essential oils can by somewhat costly due to the methods required to distill them. Fortunately, they are extremely concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Leslie Irish Evans LMP, NBCR, CA is licensed massage practitioner, a nationally board certified reflexologist, and a certified aromatherapist. As the owner of calm by leslie, she strives to help busy, overworked adults learn to relax and let goof unnecessary stress. Her latest project is Peeling Mom Off the Ceiling, a seminar program which gives hyper-stressed moms lessons on taking care of themselves and addressing their own wellness needs. She lives in Sammamish, Washington and can be contacted at leslie@calmbyleslie.com

* These first-aid tips are in no way meant as a substitute for proper medical care. Please consult your medical provider in case of a true emergency