This article introduces you to using aromatherapy in situations such as fire, flood, and other natural disasters. By aromatherapist and garden herbalist Sharon Falsetto Chapman.

Natural disasters are becoming increasingly more common and more devasting. Fires and floods have devastated parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, and other destinations in recent years.

In times like these, we can feel helpless and at a loss in how we can help. Although there are many ways to help survivors get back on their feet, as an aromatherapist or herbalist you have tools in your kit that can help with common situations including mental health exhaustion, fatigue, respiratory and immune support. Learn about aromatherapy for natural disasters in this short article.

Aromatherapy for Natural Disasters: Inhalers

Making a simple aromatherapy inhaler is one of the easiest ways to give aromatherapy support to people in a natural disaster situation. From survivors to emergency responders, this simple tool can offer big relief and can be carried in a pocket or bag with ease.

This blog post helps you to make an aromatherapy inhaler (with photos) and how to use one.

The following blends are suitable for use with most healthy adults without specific health issues. Avoid use in the first trimester of pregnancy. All of these blends are suitable for use with children too (except where specified) but make sure you use half the specified number of essential oil drops. In all cases, if you’re unsure of use, consult a medical professional and/or a certified aromatherapist.

Aromatherapy for Natural Disasters: Respiratory Support

The following blend can help support respiratory conditions especially in the case of fire. This post has more details about aromatherapy smoke inhalation support.

• 5 drops Eucalyptus smithii*
• 4 drops Atlantic cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) (avoid use in pregnancy)
• 7 drops lemon (Citrus limon)

*use specifically Eucalyptus smithii in a blend with children NOT blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) or any other species of eucalyptus. If adapting this blend for children, half the number of drops given for each essential oil.

Essential Oil Blend for Mental Health Support

The following blend can help soothe the mind, body, and spirit in extreme situations. You can also find more information on essential oils for stress relief here and aromatherapy for anxiety here.

• 6 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• 4 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• 2 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• 5 drops vetiver (Vetiveria zizaniodes)

If adapting this blend for children, half the number of drops given for each essential oil.

Essential Oil Blend for Immune Support

Health issues abound when dealing with toxic mud, dirty water, unsanitary living conditions, and loss of heat or cooling systems. Use the following blend to manage your immune system at optimum levels.

For adult use only:

• 8 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 5 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 4 drops cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
• 3 drops sandalwood (Santalum album)

Alternative blend for children:

• 4 drops rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia)
• 2 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
• 2 drops cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• 2 drops frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

How to Use Each Aromatherapy Blend

To use any of the blends in this article, simply:

• Uncap the inhaler and breathe in 2-3 times as needed. Use 2-3 times a day.
• Avoid contact with mucus membranes.
• Cap and carry with you in your pocket or purse.

Learn More about Essential Oils

We have various levels of learning at our aromatherapy school including Botanical Aromatherapy™ membership school from $39 per year up to certification programs in both community aromatherapy and professional aromatherapy. See how you can make a difference in your family, community and region!

About the Author:

The author of this article has been working in the health care industry since the 1990’s and in the aromatherapy industry since the 2000’s. She is a UK-certified aromatherapist, a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®, a gardener, and a certified herbalist with several years of study. She is also a botanical perfumer.

Sharon is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, and custom blend formulator. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer homestead property.