I have a friend who is very knowledgeable about essential oils.  She has been learning about them and using them for years. I consider her an expert! She shared with me the top ten oils that she recommends for keeping on hand in your emergency preps.

Have you ever thought about what you would do if there was a natural disaster in your area or some other emergency, and you had no access to prescription or over the counter medication? How long could you go without it? Most doctors won’t let you get more than a 30 day supply of medication, so you can’t “stock up” on it like you can with other things like food, clothing etc.

That’s why Essential Oils are such a great option they have a long shelf life, some have been stored for 10 years. For more details on the shelf life of essential oils, check out this article.

They are very potent so you only use a few drops at a time, a little goes a long way.

Here are the top 10 oils recommended for storing with your emergency preparedness supplies.

1. Lavender:

Lavender is just so awesome for countless things. It can help sooth burns and cuts, lessen stress, relieve bug bites and sun burns, calm skin irritations, help you sleep and it is a powerful antihistamine. This is a top choice to keep on hand for everyday and in your emergency prep stores. I always have Lavender in my home and use it most every day.

2. Lemon:

Because of its effective disinfectant, antiseptic and cleansing properties, Lemon is another top essential oil to keep in your storage.  Try adding it to your water not only for taste but to help purify as well as flush out toxins from your body. It can help rid your body of intestinal parasites and dissolve petrochemicals. Lemon is quite effective for sore throats, colds and flu.

3. Peppermint:

I wouldn’t be without Peppermint in my home! It’s a great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to reduce nausea and calm digestive issues. It’s a common headache reliever and increases concentration and alertness. If you’ve got a stuffy nose or congestion, peppermint is a great resource for clearing those nasal passageways.

4.Oregano:

Another “must have” oil for your health cabinet is Oregano. It is quite effective against yeast and bacterial infections. I’ve used it for flu and cold symptom relief. It can be also used to get rid of skin tags and warts and even as an effective GI cleanse. As Oregano stimulates your immune system, supports your metabolism and is a natural antiviral; it is a great choice to keep on hand always, especially in an emergency situation.

5. Melaleuca:

Also known as Tea Tree oil, Melaleuca is another great immune system supporter. Perfect for first aid kits as it gives relieve for bug bites and skin irritations. You can also use it for athletes foot (it is an anti-fungal agent), eczema, ear infections and Candida.  The uses for Melaleuca are practically endless giving it a high recommendation from me to keep in your medical kits and cupboards.

6. Helichrysum:

This powerful essential oil is great for your body in so many ways. It can help stop bleeding and reduce scar tissue – promoting tissue regeneration. Use it to treat infections, viruses, broken bones, respiratory skin conditions and even to treat shock. Helichrysum is truly an amazing essential oil to have on hand. It is quite pricey but so very effective! I consider it an essential for disaster preparedness.

7. Clove:

Clove is a high antioxidant essential oil. It’s quite effective in relieving toothaches, mouth sores, nausea and constipation. It’s not just a natural antibiotic, but it has the biggest antioxidant value of any single ingredient. It’s also effective to treat headaches and even blood clots. I keep Clove oil handy for dental care in my emergency kit.

8. Frankincense:

You, no doubt, have heard of Frankincense. It is Biblically known as the internal oil of healing. What is so impressive about Frankincense is how it can be combined with other oils and truly enhances their effects. Some of the benefits of this oil is that it soothes hyperactivity & restlessness, helps give you clarity, effectively fights infections, lessons inflammation, promotes skin health,  and relieves headaches. The gift of Frankincense is truly valuable and one to add to your emergency storage.

9. Blends-  Purify/Purification:

A Purify/Purification essential oil blend is a combination of: lemon and lime peel, Siberian and Austrian Fir needle, Citronella Grass, Cilantro Herb oils, Pine Needle, Melaleuca and sometimes Rosemary. A fresh herbal blend like this is great in eliminating airborne pathogens, viruses, bacteria, mold or fungus.  You can use it to treat wounds, stings and bites. I even put it in a spray bottle mixed with water to purify surfaces and add a few drops to my laundry’s rinse cycle for fresh smelling clothes. I keep this in my storage to help keep my home safe from sicknesses.

10. Blends- Guard/Protection:

A Guard/Protection Blend of Essential Oils includes:  Clove, Wild Orange, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Cinnamon oils. This is a great natural way to support your immune system! I have used this blend with my family for years and we love it. It helps prevent colds and flues, sore throats and stops the growth of viruses and bacteria in their tracks. It supports the body in fighting airborne pathogens and in inhibiting MRSA plus other antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria. I consider this one of my essentials for keeping my family protected from sickness.

There you have it, the ten oils that I recommend for your emergency storage. It’s hard to narrow down as so many oils I keep on hand always, but these ten would be my top picks.

Best of luck in your emergency preparations!

*** DISCLAIMER *** This information in this post is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease; or replace receiving care and instruction from your physician.