I take my fair share of medications to stay healthy. However, for aches and pains, skin rashes, bites, muscle pain, small wounds, and other minor ailments I use essential oils and homeopathic products. I prefer natural first aid and health care when possible.

In recent years, I reduced my intake of aspirin, Tylenol, and other pain killers to almost nil. A few years ago after I broke my hand and the cast came off, I used essential oils to help the bone heal. When I sliced off the side of my left pinky I used geranium oil to heal the wound.

Here is a partial list of oils that I use (usually by putting them on a pulse point or large vein–my favorite is the one on the back of my head, down along the neck. A bottle of essential oil lasts a long time- even years.

Here are a few of the oils that I use all the time:

• Peppermint oil: headaches
• Black cumin: in sinus wash bottle when I get congested
• Lavender: sleep aid
• Geranium or  tea tree: skin stuff
• Basil: multipurpose
• Birch: bone healing, achy joints

Combination oils/blends

• Lemongrass/Eucalyptus: bug repellent
• Focus: when writing, working
• Sinus Aide: daily to prevent clog up!
• Adrenal Support

Other uses

• Frankincense: in baptism waters
• Lemon: cleaning
• Grapefruit, orange, spearmint: flavor water, cleanse insides
• Diffuse into the air to sanitize and freshen (even in the van and camper)

In addition, I use a homeopathic products for achy muscles. The active ingredient is arnica. Some people make their own arnica lotion or you can use Heel Traumeel.

It is natural to be skeptical about essential oils. However, prescription and over the counter drugs are formulated (originally) from plant and other natural compounds.

You can find hundreds of essential oils and oil blends on the market. Many have a similar effect (tea tree, lemon, geranium) so you don’t have to buy everything out there. With trial and error, you can figure out what works for you, what aromas appeal to you and create your own essential oil medicine “cabinet”

To start, I suggest the top three: peppermint, lemon oil and lavender. They have a multitude of uses. From there, you can add oils that you help with your specific ailments. When I was first learning about essential oils, I would Google “essential oil for sinus problems or essential oil for bug bites. I read everything that came up and try new things.

The most sensitive topic is where to buy oils. Many people sell Young Living or Be Young Oils. Both companies claim to be the only quality source of oils. I use some from each company, and they are great. However both are multi-level marketing companies so the prices are sky-high.

I have ventured out to other brands and found two great sources. Snow Lotus has great products and lots of oil blends. I buy Snow Lotus’ Focus, Sinus Clear,Ear Linament, and Adrenal Support. Eden’s Garden oils are also excellent and a great value. They are dedicated to providing essential oils to consumers without all the multi-level marketing middle people.  I buy the basics there. They also have sets that are a great buy, especially for gifts.

Conversely,  I found that some of the brands at Whole Foods ( 365) and other places are not a great buy, because they are mostly diluted with a neutral carrier oil, like grapeseed oil. You save mucho dinero by purchasing your own carrier oils and adding a few drops of essential oil as needed. I only do this when using strong oils, like peppermint or oregano, which can burn the skin.

The first thing I am packing for my upcoming camping trip is my essential oils. I bought a nice case (16-Bottle Essential Oils Presentation Case and Portfolio 5-15ml – Navy Blue) for them and stash it in the van when camping. If they are in the van, the oils are with me even when I drive off on a little excursion. I also have a backpack with classic first aid stuff, which I will share soon.