Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from different parts of plants, such as the leaves, flowers, bark, root, etc. These oils contain the “immune system of the plant”, hence when distilled and extracted properly, they yield medicinal and therapeutic properties. They have been used for centuries as home remedies by people who know the healing powers that plants naturally possess.

Most essential oils first and foremost have antiseptic properties, which means the oil prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Not only can essential oils disinfect the wound, they can also aid in wound healing by way of slowing down the bleeding, alleviating stinging or pain, counteracting future scarring, and reducing inflammation. In general, essential oils are great for small wounds such as cuts or scrapes!

Minor wounds usually aren’t anything serious, but it’s important to wash them, especially if you plan to apply essential oils to them afterwards. Start by rinsing the cut with clean water to ensure there isn’t anything inside of it. Most small cuts or scrapes will stop bleeding in a reasonably short amount of time. After your wound is cleaned, try one or more of the following essential oils. You can apply to your wound done or combined:

Lavender
Lavender essential oil, a powerhouse in the world of essential oils, is great for assisting in speedy healing of cuts and scrapes. Not only will it disinfect the wound, it will also aid in calming and soothing the stinging, pain or itching that goes along with an open sore on your skin. It may be difficult to imagine that an oil that smells as heavenly as lavender can have healing properties, especially on wounds, but it does. Lavender oil is also known to be the best first aid for burns: apply it neat onto the affected area to prevent blistering and scarring. Some companies sell lavender essential oils in bigger bottles, and it’s a good idea to have one on standby at home. However, keep in mind that it should be pure essential oil of lavender, and not the cheaper fragrance oil!

Tea tree
Tea tree oil works as an antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal that decreases the chance of possible infection and bacteria in your wound. It destroys harmful microorganisms, that if left untreated, could cause ugly infections in your cut. It also protects your open wound by establishing a barrier so strong that it is able to keep bacterial and viral invaders out of the blood stream. Tea tree oil may also help to soothe the itchiness, burning, and redness that frequently comes alongside wounds and scars.

Helichrysum
Helichrysum is said to be one of the most sought-after oils in the essential oil industry. It isn’t cheap either, so try and use it sparingly. Helichrysum oil has many amazing properties and it can be used to treat almost any kind of minor injury. It also disinfects bacteria and acts as an antiseptic too. The oil works especially well for wounds that are also bruised and swelling. To use it, you can try it neat on the affected area if you do not mind the cost. Or else, combine it with tea tree or lavender oils for a powerful healing remedy.