Everyday cuts and scrapes don’t require much in the way of treatment, though proper care can prevent infection, help wounds heal faster, and minimize scarring. Essential oils make a great addition to first-aid kits, with many that offer antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving benefits.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for cuts and minor wounds are:
• German chamomile
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Tea tree
For Bleeding and Scarring
Sometimes, it’s the smallest cuts and scrapes that are slow to heal. For fresh wounds that are still bleeding, dab a little bit of diluted lavender oil on the area. Once the wound begins to heal, apply regenerative helichrysum to help prevent any scarring.
Apply these aromatherapy remedies as soon as possible to help promote healing and prevent infection.
• Healing salve. Create a blend of antiseptic, pain-relieving, and healing oils to treat minor wounds.
• Cool compress. Add to the relief of a cool compress by mixing in a few essential oils that ease the sting while cuts heal.
• Antiseptic spray. To prevent infection on the go, a little lavender and tea-tree oil in some distilled water can make a great first-aid spray.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Heal with honey. Applying naturally antiseptic honey to a wound supports healing.
• Cool the area. Apply an ice pack or wrapped ice cube to wounds to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Apply aloe. Cut open a leaf of aloe vera and lightly apply its healing inner gel to the wound.
Give your essential-oil first-aid kit a try with these three simple recipes for treating minor wounds.
This supereasy recipe has just two ingredients, but those two are powerful enough to prevent infection and help your wound heal.
6 drops tea-tree oil
1 ounce pure aloe vera gel
1 small dark-glass container
Combine the oil and the aloe vera gel in a small glass bowl. Pour the mixture into your container. Use a clean cotton swab to apply a light layer of the gel to the cut or wound, then cover with a bandage.
After you wash your wound, use this simple spray to help prevent infection and relieve pain.
4 ounces distilled water
20 drops tea-tree oil
20 drops lavender oil
1 small dark-glass spray bottle
Add the water and oils to the spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray the wound liberally, allow it to air dry, then cover it with a bandage.
Apply this regenerative balm as an immediate sting-reducing and healing remedy, and to prevent any bruising and scarring.
1 drop helichrysum oil
1 drop lavender oil
1 drop German chamomile oil
3 drops carrier oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Apply the mixture directly to the affected area.