There are many ways that essential oils can be used to tackle first aid woes created by cuts, scrapes, and abrasions of unknown origins. For me, the one that stands out is a roller ball formula that I fondly call my “Boo Boo Stick”.
When life happens and I cut myself, Boo Boo stick is what I reach for. It is a cinch to make, totally portable, and it does the job. Not only that, it uses oils in my recommended budget-friendly starter kit that includes Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Melaleuca, and Oregano.
You can call this formula a first-aid healing stick, boo-boo stick, “owie” stick, or even a miracle healing stick. Whatever you decide to call it, it works. This is what you need to use to aid the recovery of life’s little boo-boos!
The Healing Boo Boo Stick Formula
Ingredients
20 drops Lavender essential oil
20 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree) essential oil
10 drops Oregano essential oil
Alcohol-free Witch Hazel
Directions
Add essential oils to a 10ML glass roller ball bottle. Top with witch hazel.
Before using, give it a quick shake then apply liberally to cuts, scrapes, bug bites, blemishes and just about anywhere else you would normally apply an antiseptic ointment.
The 50 drops in this formula create a very powerful 25% dilution which is what I use for myself. Feel free to experiment by cutting the oils in half.
Options
1. Use a small spray bottle instead of a roller ball. For a two-ounce spray bottle, triple each of the oils and top with witch hazel. This will make a 12.5% dilution.
2. Instead of witch hazel, use fractionated coconut oil in your 10ml roller ball.
3. If you prefer an ointment, mix the ingredients into 2 teaspoons of a base salve. What’s that? See How to Make a Base Carrier Salve for Your Essential Oils and learn to make it your self.
Tips:
I find it helps to use a medicine dropper rather than the built-in dropper that comes with the bottle of oil. (And in case you were unaware, that dropper is called an “orifice”.)
If you choose to use a medicine dropper, consider using one of these tools. Not only will it help you remove the orifice from the EO bottle, but when it comes time to refill your roller ball, it will make removing the roller ball top easy, with no broken fingernails.
**Print Recipe**
How to Use the Healing Boo Boo Stick
For day to day cuts and scrapes, apply and let dry a moment before applying a liquid bandage. As soon as the liquid bandage dries, top with a regular bandage.
Use it anytime you would normally reach for a tube of Neosporin. We are talking about minor cuts, scrapes, bites, and burns. For anything seriously bleeding non-stop, seek professional medical attention.
Use it to calm itching, reduce inflammation and swelling, and to promote healing without the use of petroleum-based ointments and creams. It works well on insect bites, too.
Why These Ingredients?
The three essential oils used in this Boo Boo Stick are well known for their healing properties. With the addition of soothing and calming alcohol-free witch hazel, you have a winning combination that will tackle and heal those everyday cuts, scrapes, and bites that I so fondly call “boo-boos”.
Lavender: Lavender has historically been used to clean and help heal wounds and burns, and to address skin issues of all types. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree): Melaleuca acts as a stimulant and helps the body fight off bacteria, infections, viruses, and illnesses. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antiviral.
Oregano: Historically, oregano was used by ancient Greek physicians to treat wounds and bites. Many members of the modern medical community consider oregano to be nature’s antibiotic. It is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-allergenic, and anti-inflammatory.
Note: Be mindful that oregano is a “hot oil” and will burn if used directly on your skin. Although this formula is well diluted, common sense dictates that you need to avoid the eye area.
Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel: Witch Hazel is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing. Historically it has been used for acne, sunburn, stings, and bites, razor burn, and nicks, blisters, and other skin woes. It is perfect for cleaning wounds and reducing inflammation and swelling. It is naturally soothing and is also an astringent. I choose alcohol-free because it is less irritating and to my way of thinking, using a skin irritant defeats the purpose of using a natural remedy.
Strategic Living Budget-Friendly EO Starter Kit: 5 Oils and 2 Blends
Here are the oils that I consider to be the top 5 must-have oils:
Lavender
Rosemary
Peppermint
Melaleuca (also known as Tea Tree)
Oregano
With just these five, you can cover most if not all day to day first aid needs as well as providing for the anti-viral and anti-bacterial needs of your DIY household cleaners. Lavender, rosemary and peppermint used singly or in combination, are effective mood enhancers that will relax you, relieve anxiety, and help you sleep.
In addition, there are two blends that I rely on. One is an immunity/protective blend and the other is a digestive blend. I happen to get these blends from a company called Spark Naturals, but other companies sell these blends as well. From Spark Naturals, these blends are Shield and Digest.
Tip: You can also concoct your own immunity blend from a variety of single oils. This is only cost-effective, however, if you already own the other oils. Here is the recipe if you want to check it out: Make Your Own Essential Oil Protective & Immunity Blend. Alas, I have not found a DIY that works as well as the Spark Naturals Digest blend.
A Word About My Favorite Essential Oils
Since the beginning of 2019, I have struggled with the fact that I have primarily been using essential oils from a single company. On many levels, it was time for a change.
Alas, this was easier said than done since I needed to assess the performance of various EOs in my tried and true salve and roller ball formulas. In addition, I wanted to find a budget-friendly company that offered 100% free shipping all of the time.
My first successful tests have been with essential oils from Plant Therapy. This was a logical choice since Plant Therapy has always been my preferred source for carrier oils such as Fractionated Coconut oil and Jojoba oil. They carry a huge variety of EOs and are available to purchase directly both on the Plant Therapy website and on Amazon. As a bonus, their web site posts test results individually by oil along with the corresponding batch number. This assures me that the oils are not fake.
While there are many excellent EO companies, I am happy with my choice and hope you will check them out. Wherever you decide to purchase your oils, let your nose guide you. If your essential oil smells like paint thinner, return it. Good oils smell nice.
Suggested reading: The Snarky and Surprising Truth About Essential Oil Companies
Summing It All Up
As with all of my ointments, salves and other concoctions, this is the formula that works for me. I find that It is quick and effective plus it uses some of the more common and less expensive essential oils. It is also portable meaning I can carry it around with me in my purse, pocket or backpack.
Finally, I am going to be redundant and remind you that using essential oils for minor skin irritations is just fine. For serious wounds, uncontrollable bleeding, and signs of infection do seek medical attention and follow the advice of your healthcare practitioner. Let common sense prevail.
Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye
Strategic Haul
For your convenience, here are some of the items mentioned in the article that I own and use.
Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel: There are a number of good brands of witch hazel, including Thayers and Spark Naturals. Just be sure that what you are getting is alcohol-free and does not include fillers, parabens or propylene glycol. This is the one I prefer. I especially like that it does not smell medicinal.
Roller Ball Bottles: These 10ml roller-ball bottles have stainless steel roller balls that stand up to the test of time.
Essential Oil and Roller Ball Opener: Where have these been my entire EO life? This recent purchase makes using essential oils so much easier. Instead of prying off the orifice style droppers with my nails, I now use this nifty tool to get the job done. Ditto the tops of rollerball bottles. Well worth the $5 or $6 cost.
Liquid Bandage: If you have never used a liquid bandage, you are going to be surprised at how well it works. A small bottle belongs in every first aid kit and will last for years.
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Hello Gaye. I’ve just recently started using essential oils (within the past year). Right now, I’m only using a diffuser, but I love it. Lavender and peppermints are my current favorites. I found your blog through MaAnna’s virtual meet and greet. I’ll be back again soon. Happy 2019!
~Christie
I love that MaAnna allowed us to share our sites! Thanks for stopping by, Christie 🙂