Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree & More!

Maria Low
July – August 2023 • Vol 4, No 5

Have you ever had something happen so fast that you didn’t have a single second to think about it? My housemate was in the garage setting up a large mouse trap. He called for me to hold the trap steady as he applied peanut butter and cheese as bait. Suddenly the device snapped on three of my fingers. Yikes! I grabbed my hand and doubled over with pain.

At that moment, I couldn’t even think straight. My housemate yelled, “Get the Lavender oil!” As I made my way to the bathroom, my fingers were a bluish grey and ridges were forming on my fingernails. I applied the Lavender generously. In a couple of seconds, the pain was gone. How could something like an essential oil work so fast? Although I have used essential oils for decades, I continue to be amazed at how well Lavender works.

The Power of Lavender Oil
Interestingly, science shows that lavender’s greatest virtue is not reducing pain. Lavender is best known for aiding skin and scalp problems. The anti-inflammatory properties of Lavender make it very effective for treating burns. The fragrance of Lavender is calming and relaxing. Thus, it is known to promote sleep.

In addition, the molecules of Lavender enter the limbic system in the brain, making this oil useful for helping students concentrate on mental tasks. In my unexpected situation with the mouse trap, Lavender was exactly the right oil for the right purpose at the right time. I felt transformed emotionally and physically in seconds!

Peppermint Oil Saves the Day
Another mishap showed me the power of Peppermint essential oil for dealing with pain. I was looking for a spice in a kitchen cupboard. I opened the upper door but did not find it. Then I looked in the lower door, but it was not there. I quickly rose, not noticing the first door was still open. I hit the corner of the door between my eyebrows.

I was stunned and saw stars just like you see in comic books! I walked into the bathroom to look at my forehead. The lump was the size of a walnut. After a brief rest, I walked to my car. As I sat in the seat, I noticed a bottle of Peppermint. I opened the cap and applied layers of Peppermint oil. I looked in the rearview mirror as the lump shrank and the pain disappeared. All that was left moments later was a yellow streak!

Peppermint is a member of the mint family. Notably, Peppermint has a cooling effect, which is helpful when you are experiencing pain. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains a sulfur compound. This molecular structure distinguishes Peppermint from Spearmint. The esters in Peppermint oil give this amazing oil its distinctive color and taste. Esters are known for their relaxing, soothing, and stress-releasing effects.

More Essential Oils for the First Aid Kit
Here are a few other Young Living essential oils known for assisting with discomforts, accidents, and emotional upsets:

Eucalyptus Oil
The oil from the eucalyptus leaf has also been used to repel insects and support t