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Chamomile and lavender are exceptionally good anti-inflammatory oils.

The best oils for stomach cramps are antispasmodic ones such as chamomile and fennel. They help prevent cramps and spasms and therefore the pain they cause. The best way to apply them is by using a warm compress.

Just a warning that you never apply oils diluted in a base vegetable oil to a burn or scald as it can fry' on hot skin. Dilute the oils in water or on a compress.

These easy tips will help you treat minor injuries at home.

For minor scalds and burns place the wound under clean running cold water, then us a compress soaked in:

*2 drops lavender oil
*2 drops tea tree oil
*500ml lukewarm water.

For bites and stings dab the wound with a cotton ball dipped in:

*2 drops lavender oil
*2 drops tea tree oil
*5ml lemon juice

The lemon juice is astringent and antiseptic, complementing the healing properties of lavender and tea tree.

A few other essentials are aloe vera which penetrates deeply, providing valuable nutrients and stimulating cellular regeneration. It is ideal for sore, itchy and damaged skin.

Clove oil has powerful anesthetizing effects which can help to ease toothache, strained muscles and flu aches.

Eucalyptus is a strong antiseptic used for treating insect bites, minor burns, cuts and grazes. Its expectorant qualities help to clear head colds.

Frankincense's healing qualities can reduce scarring after burns or surgery and stretch marks after pregnancy-which is why it was highly prized in the ancient world.

Ginger has invigorating and stimulating qualities and improves circulation, easing muscle aches and arthritis. It can also ease digestive problems and feeling of nausea.

Tea tree is a potent antiseptic oil useful for treating insect bites, minor burns, cuts and grazes and clears fungal infections such as athlete's foot and acne.

When assembling the remainder of your first-aid kit, consider possible injuries you are likely to encounter and then select kit contents to treat those conditions.

It is also important to check your kit periodically to restock items that have been used and to replace items that are out-of-date.

It is advisable to have a stationary kit, stored in a medicine cabinet or drawer out the reach of children, as well as a compact portable kit that can be taken quickly to the site of an emergency.

Here are some other contents to include in your basic first-aid kit. You can modify this, of course, to suit your particular needs:

*Infant/child thermometer
*Child's liquid pain reliever
*An oral syringe or calibrated cup or spoon for administering medicines to infants or children
*Calamine lotion for sunburn and rashes
*Sting reliever spray for insect bites
*Sunscreen lotion
*1x50 pack adhesive dressing strips
*2x Triangular bandages
*1xSmall conforming elastic bandage (5cm wide)
*1xMedium conforming elastic bandage (7.5cm wide)
*2xMedium crepe bandage (7.5cm wide)
*2xEye pads
*2xSmall wound dressings (no.13)
*2xMedium wound dressings (no.14)
*2x Medium combine dressing pads (9x20cm)
*2xLarge combine dressing pads (20x20cm)
*3xMedium gauze dressing (7.5x7.5cm)
*2xSmall melolin dressings (5x5cm)
*Adhesive tape (2.5cm wide-preferably micropore)
*4xSterowipes (alcohol swabs) or iodine sachets
*4xSaline steritubes (minimum 10ml)
*1xSterile eyewash bottle
*1xPair scissors
*1xPair tweezers
*1x12 pack safety pins
*1xPack disposable gloves (medium or large)
*1xResuscitation mask or face shield
*Current first-aid booklet
*Note pad and pencil

Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet and portable kit in your home and you will be prepared for any accident or emergency.

Learn more about this author, Janette Peel.
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