Essential oils are derived from plants.
Essential oils contain different properties depending on which plant they come from and have a variety of medicinal uses. This makes them a useful tool to have during a survival situation where pharmaceutical medications might not be available.
Uses for essential oils range from simple things like cleaning and stress relief to more serious issues like relieving chronic pain and fighting infections. Some even say they’ve fought cancer using the healing power of essential oils.
Essential oils can be administered by air with a diffuser, or ingested by mixing them with a drink. They can also be applied directly to the skin in some cases if you dilute them with a carrier oil first.
Nearly any plant can be used to make an essential oil, which means there are a lot of them to choose from. However, some are better than others, and you want to have the best ones with you during an emergency.
Here are the 7 essential oils that will be most useful in a survival situation.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is a versatile essential oil and is found on the shelves of nearly everyone who uses essential oils.
If you could only have one type of essential oil with you, I would recommend lavender. You may want to stock up on more lavender than the other oils because you’ll probably use it more often.
Lavender oil can heal cuts, promote relaxation, relieve allergies and reduce inflammation.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has powerful anti-viral properties that make it just as effective, and sometimes more effective, than pharmaceutical drugs.
Oregano oil is known to be an effective treatment for those infected with HIV and AIDS. There is no cure for HIV and AIDS, though oregano oil relieves many of the symptoms and allows those suffering from it to live mostly normal lives.
In addition to its anti-viral properties, oregano oil is also known to boost the immune system, which is part of what makes it such an effective treatment for HIV and AIDS.
Oregano oil is also good at removing warts, skin tags, relieving back and joint pain, and getting rid of athlete’s foot.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil kills germs and prevents infection, making it a useful first aid treatment for cuts.
It’s also used to kill mold and mildew and relieves respiratory problems. Use it to relieve sinus infections, bronchitis, and airborne allergies.
Tea tree oil is sometimes called “melaleuca”, so keep that in mind if you have trouble finding it when searching for “tea tree oil.”
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is known for its cleansing ability and works well when ingested. Some say that adding a few drops of lemon oil to water will purify it, though there’s no definitive proof of this.
Lemon oil will get rid of harmful intestinal parasites, helps digestion, helps your liver, and dissolves petrochemicals that build up over time in your body.
In a survival situation, the hygienic conditions you’re used to will worsen. Having a bottle of a powerful, edible disinfectant will maintain sanitary conditions, keeping you healthy and disease-free.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense is used as an anti-inflammatory and is also used to enhance the effects of other essential oils when paired together.
Its ability to reduce inflammation also gives it pain reducing properties, making it a useful all-purpose oil.
Frankincense oil tends to have relaxing effects, so you may also benefit from stress relief and mood enhancement.
Frankincense is also useful as an anti-depressant. It’ll be hard to stay in a positive mood during a survival situation, so you’ll be thankful to have a bottle of frankincense with you if depression starts to sink in.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is useful for treating allergies when applied directly to the affected area. It also increases alertness, focus, and oxygen absorption.
Try using peppermint oil to treat digestive issues such as heartburn, bloating, and constipation.
A unique property of peppermint oil is that it’s good for repelling pests such as ants, spiders, mice, and other unwanted critters. Use it to repel pests from your garden, or to protect your home from intrusive critters.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is great for those suffering from airborne allergies. It’s effective against mold and is also used as an odor remover.
Some people suffering from asthma report eucalyptus oil as an effective remedy. It dilates the blood vessels, which makes it easier for your body to transport oxygen.
The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus oil also make it good for treating wounds. The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, and the Australian aborigines used to use eucalyptus leaves in their medicine because of its healing properties.
Plant Therapy is an online store specializing in essential oils and has an excellent selection. You can buy individual oils or get one of their starter kits if you aren’t sure how to get started.
You can also find many essential oils on Amazon, though there’s no guarantee you’re getting a quality product from the sellers there.
When used correctly, essential oils can have many positive health benefits for the user, but remember to practice caution and common sense when using essential oils. They’re more than just oils. They’re natural medicine that needs to be used responsibly.