By Gaye Levy, Contributing Writer and Rebecca Schiffhauer Guest Writer for Wake Up World The world can be a dangerous place. It is not as though we intentionally try to live dangerously, it kind of, sort of just… happens. Of course, we are being more than a little bit facetious when we say that because surely there is more to it than that. We’ve seen enough natural disasters over the last 10 years to realize that no one is immune, and Mother Nature isn’t selective. And there are dozens of other scary events that occur that are not-so-natural. Sickness, war, civil unrest, nuclear meltdowns – these are things that are within our sphere of reality.
Realistically, we could find ourselves fending for ourselves and our families for some time, should the power go out or our water supply rendered unfit to drink or, cut off completely.
Rather than fear and cower at the thought of these disruptive and frightening events, we prepare. This is not by chance. Being prepared must be purposeful and intentional. It does not happen by accident and it does not happen without of bit of work coupled with thought, time and resources. And the payback? The payback is knowing that if a disaster comes along (heaven forbid) you will be able to take care of yourself and your family. It is your life. Preparedness will help you avoid a trip to Camp FEMA if disaster strikes.
Think about your family’s health needs, and ask yourself these questions…
1. What would you do if your one of your children had an asthma attack and you couldn’t find the inhaler?
2. What would you do if someone in your family developed a bacterial infection and no medical help was available?
3. What would you do in the case of a bad toothache and you had no access to a dentist?
4. How would you handle the stress and anxiety associated with a natural disaster, man-made disaster or economic crisis?
This all brings us to today’s topic, a big fat list of essential oils for survival situations, along with suggested uses.
Essential Oils for Health and Survival
Lavender:
This is the Swiss Army knife of EOs. Heals burns, cuts, relieve insomnia, reduces stress, a powerful antihistamine, bug bites, bruises, sleep deprivation, inflammation, sunburn, lice. Soothing to skin irritations, earache and depression. Lavender is the number one essential oil to have in your survival kit, in fact I would keep two bottles.
Lemon:
Known for it’s cleansing ability. Add a few drops to water to purify (this was suggested in a seminar I attended but I have no proof, however, in dire circumstance, I would do it). Great for intestinal parasites, dissolves petrochemicals in your body, effective for colds and flu, helps digestive and liver work, gout, sore throat, disinfectant, antiseptic.
Peppermint:
Effective for nausea, digestive issues, allergies, menstrual problems, reduces fever, increase alertness, focus and oxygen absorption. Great for headaches, muscle aches. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, use for shock, colds, colic and heartburn.
Oregano:
Effective in treating bacterial infections and yeast infections, relieves back and joint pain, inflammation, cold and flu, kills warts and skin tags, athlete’s foot, effective cleanse for GI health.
Melaleuca:
Can be used as a first aid ointment, useful for skin irritations, bug bites, athlete’s foot, eczema and psoriasis. Aids in immune function and supports against throat and respiratory pathogens, helps with slivers in the skin.
Helichrysum:
For painful bruising, sprains, swelling. Stems bleeding. Used to treat shock, help with broken bones, help with allergies, beneficial against infections and viruses. Excellent for wounds, speeds healing and reduces pain.