1. Why essential oils in humanitarian contexts?

• Lightweight and easy to transport: a few bottles can replace kilos of plants or basic medicines.
• Versatility: a single essential oil has several properties (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, repellent, etc.).
• Limited access to conventional care: in crisis zones, essential oils can be a useful relay until medical access is available.
• Emotional support: essential oils provide psychological comfort and anchoring in times of trauma.

2. Practical applications

Health and first aid

• Antiseptics and disinfectants : Tea Tree, Lavender aspic, Eucalyptus radiata
  → for small wounds, cuts, light burns.
• Anti-infectives: Ravintsara, Niaouli, Oregano (used with caution)
  → prevention and support against respiratory or digestive infections.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatories: Gaultheria, Lavender aspic, Peppermint
  → muscle aches, headaches, contusions.

Hygiene and prevention

• Repellent against insects: Citronella, Rose Geranium, Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Air purification: gentle diffusion of Ravintsara, Lemon, Lavender
  → help limit the spread of germs in collective shelters.

Psychological support

• Stress, anxiety, insomnia: Fine Lavender, Petitgrain bigarade, Incense
  → accompaniment for traumatized people.
• Emotional comfort: Sweet orange, Tangerine, Ylang-Ylang
  → restore a little softness and warmth in a trying context.

3. Cautions and limitations

• Essential oils are not a substitute for medical treatment, especially in serious emergencies.
• They require people trained in aromatherapy to avoid misuse.
• Some populations are more vulnerable: children, pregnant women, the sick.
• Prefer simple, safe forms (lavender, tea tree, ravintsara, citronella) in humanitarian situations.

4. Examples of initiatives

• NGOs and humanitarian missions introducing aromatherapy as a complement (e.g. projects in the Middle East or Africa).
• Aromatherapy emergency kits: a few multi-purpose essential oils (lavender, tea tree, citronella, ravintsara) + neutral vegetable oils.
• Psychological support programs integrating gentle diffusion or olfactotherapy for refugees and trauma victims.

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First Aid Kit Aromatherapy in Humanitarian Contexts

Multi-purpose essential oils

• Fine lavender - Soothing, healing, mild painkiller.
• Tea Tree - Antiseptic, disinfectant, antiviral and antifungal.
• Ravintsara - Anti-infectious, respiratory support.
• Citronella - Insect repellent and tonic.
• Wintergreen - Anti-inflammatory and painkiller for muscles and joints.
• Peppermint - Refreshing, relieves headaches and minor aches.

Supporting vegetable oils

• Sweet Almond or Jojobaoils or Aloe Vera Gel for dilution and skin application.

Essential accessories

• Dropper bottles (5-10 ml) in tinted glass.
• Empty roll-on for rapid application.
• Sterile compresses and dressings.
• Dose booklet and instructions for use.

Main uses

• Light wounds and burns: diluted Lavender and Tea Tree.
• Muscle or joint pain: diluted Gaultheria or Peppermint.
• Insect prevention: Citronella as a vapour or diluted on the skin.
• Respiratory and immune support: gentle inhalation of Ravintsara.
• Emotional support: Lavender or Sweet Orange diffuser to calm stress.

Practical advice

• Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Train users on doses and precautions.
• Prioritize essential oils that are safe for everyone (lavender, tea tree, ravintsara, lemongrass).