A Big Fat List of Essential Oils for Health and Survival

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 their suggested uses.

Many practitioners of alternative medicine are now encouraging the use of essential oils for minor ailments such as wounds, insect bites, nausea, headaches, digestive disorders and more. No longer considered hocus locus, the use of pure essential oils from plants and flowers that adapt to nature organically are becoming an important line of defense to ensure our health and well-being over the long term.

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.

Myrrh:

Good for antiseptic needs, pain relief and swelling of cuts, wounds or bruises.   Can be applied on open wounds. Stimulates the immune system and blood circulation, promotes tissue regeneration.   Astringent and analgesic properties, eases coughing/tonsillitis and other infections.

Clove:

With antibiotic and analgesic properties Clove helps relieve toothaches, headaches, and other pain.   Can be used to draw toxins and infections from the body. Aids in relieving nausea or constipation.

Frankincense:

Enhances the effects of other essential oils, reduces inflammation, relieves headaches, supports skin tissue recovery, soothe hyperactivity, restlessness, facilitates clarity and focus of mind.   With it’s regenerative properties, Frankincense is important EO in all manner of emergency.

Lemongrass:

Soothes sore and cramping muscles, naturally cleansing, warms feet in winter, an effective bug repellent.

The Final Word

A wonderful tidbit about EOs is that they don’t contain any fatty acids that can turn rancid or mold AND the environment of a pure EO is too tough for bacteria to grow in. Most essential oils will outlive you and I. There is no shelf life for pure plant essence with the exception of citrus EOs which should be replaced annually. This is a very special benefit and, an economical one!

When you invest in pure essential oils you’re providing your family a security and empowerment knowing that you can take care of most health needs efficiently, without side effects.

Be safe, be well!

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Further articles by Gaye Levy:

• 8 Tips for Storing Seeds for the Long Term
• 33 Awesome Uses of Lemon Essential Oil for Home and Health
• Survival Medicine: Insect Bits and Stings
• Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew
• Cooking Lessons from the Great Depression
• Six Ways to Get Ready for Going Off-Grid
• DIY Miracle Healing Salve
• The Powerful Healing Qualities of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 15 Alternative Uses for Honey
• Vermiculture: How To Build A Worm Bin the Cheap and Easy Way
• Spices for the Survival Pantry
• 21 Home Remedies for a Toothache Emergency
• The Miracle of Tea Tree Oil: 80 Amazing Uses for Survival
• 10 Simple Steps Toward Self-Sufficiency
• Creating a Healing Garden: 9 Healing Herbs You Can Grow Yourself

About Gaye Levy:

Gaye Levy, also known as  the Survival Woman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and has moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State.

Through her website at  BackdoorSurvival.com,  Gaye lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle, speaking her mind and delivering her message of prepping with optimism and grace, regardless of the uncertain times and mayhem swirling around us.  Gaye is also the author of 2 kindle books,  The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage  and  11 Steps to Living a Strategic Life, available  now on Amazon.com

You can connect with Gaye through her website BackdoorSurvival.com, and on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

If you have not done so already, sign up to receive Gaye’s email updates  you will receive a free, downloadable copy of her e-book  The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.

About Rebecca  Schiffhauer:

Rebecca Schiffhauer is a  blogger and advocate for the health benefits of essential oils – or as she calls them, nature’s pharmacy –  whose  work is grounded in the belief that nature holds all the answers and never stops giving.

Rebecca  grew up in Southern California by the beach and learned to love gardening from her  Mom.  Since childhood  she  longed for life in the country  –  a life which,  today, provides  the most perfect backdrop for her work:  sharing the value of pure essential oils and how they can heal, protect and change lives.  

You can visit her website at  Camp Wander.