Used as a preventative or complementary treatment, essential oils offer many qualities to help with everyday pains.

So which essential oils are first-aid kit essentials? Which are suitable for the whole family?

Here are 12 organic essential oils with detailed descriptions to help you build your natural first-aid kit.

12 organic essential oils for your natural medicine cabinet

• Organic Lemon essential oil: prevents digestive pain

Essential oil of lemon (Citrus limonum) helps the digestive system, especially the liver. It's a useful detox aid and helps you to digest a heavy meal. It has fortifying properties and works to fight off bouts of fatigue.

Use orally if you have digestive issues. Place 2 drops of Organic Lemon essential oil on a neutral tablet and dissolve it under your tongue. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day before meals. Do not continue for longer than 3 weeks.

This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age, those with heart problems, or those taking blood-thinning medication.
This is a photosensitising oil and should not be used on the skin.

• Organic Tea Tree essential oil: disinfects grazes

Essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) has many anti-infectious properties. It's an indispensable antiseptic that can completely disinfect cuts and scrapes.

When diffused it can eliminate microbes in the air. Add Tea Tree essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.
For minor injuries, apply 1 to 2 undiluted drops to the wound and leave to take effect. Repeat 2 to 3 times throughout the day. If the affected area is large, dilute the essential oil with a plant oil like Tamanu oil.

Perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm.
This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant or for children under 7 years of age.

• Organic Ravintsara essential oil: fights ENT infections

Essential oil of ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora cineoliferum) is a powerful antiviral and especially useful for respiratory tracts. Its expectorant properties help to ease coughing and ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems (e.g. stuffy nose and congestion).

When diffused it purifies the air and stimulates immune defences. Add Ravintsara essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.
Inhale it for a stuffed-up nose. Place a few drops on a tissue and breathe the vapours in for 2 minutes. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day maximum.

This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 6 years of age.

• Organic Peppermint essential oil: soothes migraines and headaches

Essential oil of peppermint (Mentha piperita) has many qualities. It boasts antispasmodic, anti-infectious and antibacterial properties. It's the Swiss Army knife of essential oils. Thanks to the cooling sensation it provides, it's highly effective at soothing itching and insect bites.

Apply directly to the skin for headaches. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of sweet almond oil, then massage into the affected area.

Perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm.
This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age.

Do not use directly on the skin undiluted.

• Organic Tarragon essential oil: combats hay fever

Essential oil of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is very popular in spring when allergy season returns. It's effective against allergic reactions, especially those affecting the ear, nose and throat (ENT). Tarragon essential oil is also a neuromuscular antispasmodic. It relieves tension and soothes pains increased by stress.

Take orally to reduce allergic respiratory symptoms. Place 2 drops of Tarragon essential oil on a neutral tablet and dissolve it under your tongue. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day.

This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age.

Do not use directly on the skin undiluted.

• Organic Clove essential oil: relieves toothache

Essential oil of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) possesses anaesthetic properties. Chewing a clove for a toothache is an old remedy, and its essential oil has the same effect.

Take orally to relieve a dental abscess. Place 1 drop on the tip of your finger and rub the gum around the painful area. Repeat 3 to 5 times a day for 3 days maximum.

Perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age.

• Organic Lavender Aspic essential oil: alleviates insect bites

Essential oil of lavender aspic (Lavandula latifolia) is renowned for its healing and soothing properties when used externally. It provides invaluable relief for mosquito bites and stings from wasps, jellyfish and scorpions. It also helps to soothe minor burns.

Apply to the skin for bites and stings. Apply 1 drop of undiluted oil to the bite or sting. Repeat every 15 minutes as needed.

Perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age and those who suffer from epilepsy.

• Organic Thyme Thujanol essential oil: soothes sore throats

Essential oil of thyme thujanol (Thymus vulgaris thujanoliferum) is known as an antibacterial and antiviral powerhouse. It is particularly effective against respiratory infections, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, colds and the flu.

Take orally and apply locally if you feel a cold coming on. Place 1 drop of Thyme Thujanol on a neutral tablet and leave to dissolve under the tongue 4 to 6 times a day. Repeat for 2 days. At the same time, dilute 1 drop of Thyme Thujanol in plant oil and rub the mixture into the neck area. Repeat 3 times a day.

Perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant.

• Organic Italian Helichrysum essential oil: prevents bruising

Essential oil of Italian helichrysum - Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) has powerful anti-bruising properties that help to prevent haematomas. It's also a fortifying essential oil that helps to combat heavy legs.

Apply to the skin when bruises start to appear. Apply 1 drop of undiluted oil to the affected area and massage in. Repeat 3 to 5 times throughout the day.

Perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. This product should not be used if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

• Organic Roman Chamomile essential oil: promotes sleep

Essential oil of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) has both psychological and physical antispasmodic benefits that promote complete relaxation. It also helps children and adults fall asleep while fighting off irritability.

When diffused, its delicate and light scent relieves tension.

Add Roman Chamomile essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.

This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant.

• Organic Cistus Ladanifer essential oil: stops nose bleeds

Essential oil of Cistus Ladanifer (Cistus ladanifer) is known for its haemostatic qualities. It's usually used to stop small nosebleeds, promote healing and treat small cuts (shaving nicks, paper cuts, etc.).

Apply to the skin for cuts and bleeding. Apply 2 drops of Cistus Ladanifer after cleaning the wound with soap and rinsing under water.

This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 3 years of age. This product should not be used if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

• Organic True Lavender essential oil: regulates the nervous system

Essential oil of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the best-known oils to fight off negative emotions thanks to its many soothing and calming properties. It's a powerful aid to combat stress and associated dizziness.

When diffused, it emits a calming scent and stimulates an instant feeling of relaxation. Add True Lavender essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.

This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant or for children under 3 years of age.