A Big Fat List Of Essential Oils For Preppers

The world is a scary place.  It is not as though we are intentionally trying to live dangerously, it kind of, sort of just happens.  I am being more than a little bit facetious when I say that because surely there is more to it than that.  Sure, natural disasters happen without provocation or warning but there are dozens of other scary events that occur that are not-so-natural.  Sickness, war, civil unrest, nuclear Armageddon – these things that are within our sphere of reality.

Rather than fear and cower at the thought of these disruptive and frightening events, we prepare.  This is not by chance.  If you are reading this than you recognize that being prepared and living a preparedness lifestyle is  purposeful and intentional.  It does not happen by accident and it does not happen without of bit of work coupled with time and resources.

But the payback?  The payback is knowing that if a disaster comes along, you will be able to take care of yourself and your family.  It is your my life.  And heaven forbid, you will avoid a trip to Camp FEMA if you can possibly help it.

This all brings me to today’s article from Backdoor Survival contributing author, Rebecca Schiffhauer.  Although she does not consider herself a prepper, per se, she is a champion of self-reliance in her own right, especially when it comes to health care and essential oils.  Today she shares a fantastic list of essential oils for preppers along with suggested uses.

Emergency Preparation EOs

I wouldn’t call myself an alarmist, prepper or a survivalist but I do feel very strongly that all who call themselves such, have an important message for everyone.  Too many natural disasters have me paying a lot more attention to being a lot more prepared.

As I said, we’ve seen enough natural disasters over the last 10 years to realize that no one is immune and Mother Nature isn’t selective.  We could be expected to fend for ourselves and our families for some time should the power go out or our water supply gets rendered unfit to drink or, cut off.  What about your family’s health needs?  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 or man-made disaster, economic crisis or act of terrorism?

Here’s an important list of what many essential oil experts consider to be the most important Emergency EOs to have on hand.

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.

Respire Blend: oil blend helps ease respiratory distress by opening the airways, clears the lungs and sinuses of congestion, promotes restful sleep and relaxation.  Ideal for those with asthma and allergies.

Shield Blend: oil blend that eliminates airborne pathogens, supports immune function, prevents colds, sore throats and influenza, inhibits MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria, stops growth of viruses and bacteria and aids in mold inhibition.

Digest Blend: oil blend that relieves digestive discomforts such as food poisoning, acid reflux, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, helps support digestive function.

Jeddy’s Blend:  In stressful times, especially in an emergency…I would want this naturally calming blend for the whole family.  Jeddy’s Blend helps with focus, while balancing emotions.

It’s important to note here that most EOs 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.

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. This is a very special benefit and, an economical one!

When you invest in pure essential oils like Spark Naturals 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!

THE FINAL WORD

Sometimes I wish I was James Bond 007 – impervious to the danger and boundless in the energy to prevail.  Instead, I will have to settle for MacGyver – or the female version whoever that might be.

That said, during this past year I have embraced essential oils in a big way.  I am not alone.  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.

This is not hocus pocus.  We are talking about the use of pure essential oils from plants and flowers that adapt to nature organically.  It is my opinion that as superbugs are introduced into our world, essential oils will become an important line of defense that will insure our health and well-being over the long term.

Note:  This article includes affiliate links for essential oils from Spark Naturals.  I aligned myself with Spark Naturals after asking a lot of questions and doing a lot of research plus my own trial and error.  These essential oils are well priced – a bargain actually – and of the highest quality.  You will not be disappointed.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

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. She lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com. At Backdoor Survival, Gaye speaks her mind and delivers her message of prepping with optimism and grace, regardless of the uncertain times and mayhem swirling around us.