Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts which are used for various purposes. You might not think of them as necessary additions to your survival kit, but they can come in handy if ever SHTF. Here are a few good reasons why you should pack essential oils in your survival kit. (h/t to BackdoorSurvival.com)
Disinfects and treats wounds
Certain essential oils can be used to clean minor injuries and accelerate their healing process. According to research, lavender essential oil can promote the formation of new cell tissue, speeding up the wound recovery. You can also use tea tree oil to make your own antibiotic ointment for the treatment of minor cuts, due to its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. (Related: How to use essential oils to increase your odds of survival in almost any situation.)
Relieves headaches
Lavender and peppermint essential oils are useful for alleviating headaches and migraines that are caused by stress and other environmental factors. If you have a severe migraine, you can reduce its severity by inhaling the aroma of diffused lavender oil for 15 minutes. Rosemary oil can help relieve headaches and mental fatigue.
Fights bacterial infections
Oregano oil is a highly potent essential oil for fighting yeast and bacterial infections. It can also be used to treat inflammation and gastrointestinal problems. Due to the strength of oregano oil, it should first be diluted in a carrier oil before being used.
Alleviates sunburns
Soothe your inflamed sunburns with anti-inflammatory essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus oils. The cooling and refreshing sensation these oils provide can bring immediate relief to the affected skin. Other useful essential oils for treating sunburns include lavender, tea tree, chamomile, and geranium oils.
Relieves toothaches
Clove oil can alleviate pain due to toothaches and other dental issues, by numbing the nerves around the affected area in your mouth. However, it must be used sparingly due to its highly concentrated potency.
Soothes nausea
Peppermint oil is a truly versatile essential oil, as it can also be utilized for the treatment of nausea. The health benefits it provides are seemingly endless as it can also be used to promote proper digestion.
Repels insects
Protect yourself from bugs and pests with the help of essential oils. Diluted citronella oil can effectively repel mosquitoes if you apply it on your skin once every 30 to 60 minutes. If you want to keep insects from a certain area, you can spray that area with a mixture of water and either peppermint oil or tea tree oil. Other useful natural repellents include lemongrass, lavender, and cinnamon oils.
Promotes restful sleep
Some calming essential oils may also have sleep-inducing properties to help you manage your insomnia or other sleep-related issues. Lavender oil is one of these natural sleep aids.
Enhances mood
Stay calm and collected even in the most stressful situations with the help of essential oils. You can use them every day to remain confident and to reduce restlessness and anxiety. Lemon oil is particularly useful for promoting focus and relieving feelings of anxiety. You can induce positive feelings by inhaling diffused bergamot essential oil for 15 minutes. Research suggests that a three percent concentration of lavender oil is sufficient for reducing work-related stress. Other popular essential oils that can help reduce levels of stress and anxiety include lemongrass, ylang-ylang, orange, and frankincense.
Disinfects utensils
Some essential oils possess antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In a pinch, you can use them for cleaning purposes. Some examples of antiseptic essential oils include tea tree, oregano, thyme, and lemon oils.
If you want to learn about the survival uses of essential oils, you can read more articles by going to EssentialOils.news.
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