Aromatherapy First Aid Kit

As an aromatherapist, I work with dozens of scents, but if I had to choose just 10 to create my aromatherapy first aid kit, they would be:

1. Lavender Essential Oil
   It is a wonderful oil that every home should have. If a burn occurs, immediately apply 1-2 drops to the affected area and cold water on top. Sleep problems can be improved by putting 3-4 drops on the pillow before going to bed. It can also be used to prevent bruises, has antiseptic, antifungal, relaxing and calming properties, and is effective against migraines.

2. Eucalyptus
   It has invigorating, antiviral, and antiseptic effects, helping to prevent illness and recover faster if you are already sick. It is also an excellent insect repellent.

3. Tea Tree
   Used by Australian Aborigines for centuries, it is a powerful antiseptic. It can be used to treat fungi (e.g. candida), for the scalp (shampoo), and to prevent pimples. It is also an effective ingredient for natural cleaning.

4. Peppermint Oil
   It has analgesic properties. A light massage of peppermint oil on the temples reduces headaches. It can help relax the digestive system and open the airways.

5. Grapefruit Essential Oil
   My favorite oil, it balances the mind, body and spirit. It has an invigorating effect and can stimulate memory. It is photosensitive, so it should not be applied directly to the skin under sunlight.

6. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
   It creates balance between masculine and feminine energies. It is excellent for personal fragrance and emotional balance.

7. Rosemary
   Physical and mental stimulant, it helps relax muscles, reduce fatigue and can be used for hair care or cellulite treatment.

8. Rose Water
   Contains 83 beneficial substances. Can be used as a skin tonic, to soothe irritations, or for cold compresses on children and babies.

9. St. John's Wort Oil
   Used for thousands of years as a folk remedy, it has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help treat wounds, sunburns, or insect bites.

10. Sesame oil
    Rich in vitamins A and E, it is an antioxidant and can be used as a base for diluting essential oils. In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is also used for "oil pulling", the daily liver cleanse.

With love,

References:

• Eucalyptus: Sadlon, Angela E. & Davis W. Lamson. "Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices." Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 15, no. 1, Apr 2010.

• Salari, M. et al., "Antibacterial effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract..." Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 12(2), pp.194-196.

• Rhind, J., Aromatherapeutic Blending , London: Singing Dragon, 2016.

• Demirezer, Ö. et al., A'dan Z'ye Tıbbi Yağlar ve Aromatik Sular , Istanbul: Hayykitap, 2021.

• Peppermint: Herro, E. & Jacob, S., Mentha piperita (Peppermint) , Dermatitis, 21(6), 327-329.

• Cristina, E., Understanding True Aromatherapy , Home Health Care Management & Practice, 16(6), pp.474-478.

• Grapefruit: Demirezer, Ö. et al., A'dan Z'ye Tıbbi Yağlar ve Aromatik Sular , Istanbul, 2021.

• Sohi, S. & Shri, R., "Neuropharmacological potential of the genus Citrus", Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(2), 2018.

• Ylang-Ylang: Burdock, GA & Carabin, IG, Safety assessment of Ylang–Ylang , Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), pp.433–445.

• Rosemary: Lizarraga-Valderrama, L., Effects of essential oils on central nervous system , Phytotherapy Research, 35(2), 657-679.

- Homemade Aromaterapi