Over-the-Counter Swaps with Essential Oils

in Best Essential Oils For

Over-the-Counter Swaps with Essential Oils

Essential Oils are a great natural alternative to many over-the-counter medications. Offering relief from headaches, rashes, sleep trouble, and more,

Essential Oils can be a safer option.

One of the greatest things about Essential Oils is that they have medicinal qualities and can be used as a natural remedy for so many ailments. In fact, did you know that Essential Oils are considered the world’s oldest form of natural medicine?!? Additionally, aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing types of alternative medicine.

So, when it comes to choosing Essential Oils over medication, where do you start? Well, first off, you should not swap out prescription meds without talking to your physician. We are discussing making swaps for over the counter medications that you purchase from your local store. Essential Oils are not approved by the FDA for treating or preventing disease.

What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?

If you take a peek inside your closet or cabinet, we bet you will find over the counter medications for headaches, stomach aches, allergies, heartburn, and more. But did you know that excessive use of these “safe” pills can lead to big problems? Studies show that overuse of NSAIDs can create gastrointestinal and kidney problems. Also, regular use of bismuth can cause vertigo and loss of hearing. These “safe” medications don’t sound very safe after all.

So, What Are My Options?

We are not saying that you should completely cut off use of all of your over the counter meds and throw them in the trash. But, we would love to offer you some ideas on how to alleviate some everyday ailments with Essential Oils instead. Basically, we can take a look at the chemical compounds in these oils to see what might be a good fit for an issue you have. It’s very similar to what our ancestors would have done 200 years ago before these drugs were invented… plant medicine, it’s a great natural option!

Everyday Swap Outs

Okay, so let’s dive in. Here is a list of the top 10 Essential Oils swaps for over the counter meds:

When your body is aching and you are in need of some relief, reach for REVIVE Sore No More and apply to the achy area. Within minutes, you will feel the pain start to dissipate.

If you find it hard to catch some ZZZ’s, we know how frustrating that could be. Next time, try adding one of REVIVE’s relaxing oils to your diffuser next to your bed and drift off to Dreamland.

  • Benedryl/Allergy cream – skin allergic reactions – swap for Lavender topical application

Itchy, burning skin is so uncomfortable! Try adding a drop or two of Lavender Essential Oil to a carrier oil or a natural lotion and apply to irritated skin for soothing relief.

When you have an upset stomach, it can be debilitating. Good news is that many Essential Oils help with indigestion and nausea, like the ones in Digest Support. Add a drop to your carrier oil and massage onto the stomach area for digestion help.

  • Dayquil/Cold Meds – cold relief- swap for Rosemary 

Do you have a stuffy head and cough? Reach for Rosemary Essential Oil and inhale deeply several times. It works as an expectorant and can improve a sore throat.

When you can’t breathe through your nose, the only thing you want to do is open the airways. A great natural way to do that is to add REVIVE Breathe Air to your personal inhaler and breathe in through your nose a few times. The synergy will open the passageway without use of chemicals.

  • Excedrin/Ibuprofen – for headaches or migraines – swap for Head Start

When a headache strikes, you can alleviate it quickly with REVIVE Head Start. This blend helps to open constricted blood vessels and provide tension relief when applied with a carrier oil to the painful area.

Symptoms of PMS can be tackled easily with REVIVE Cycle Calm. By adding the blend to a carrier oil and applying it to the abdomen regularly, you can help to relieve cramps and mood swings that come during that time of the month.

  • Vicks – chest congestion – swap for Eucalyptus in a carrier or mixed with lotion

A congested chest can be loosened and cleared with topical application of Eucalyptus mixed with a carrier oil. This powerful Essential Oil can help to release mucus and encourage a productive cough.

  • Tums/Omeprazole – heartburn relief  – swap for Peppermint

Acid Reflux/heartburn is such an uncomfortable problem. Diluting Peppermint Essential Oil and applying it to the neck and chest area can actually help relax the sphincter that is causing the acids to rise up in your throat.

As you can see, there are some great alternatives to the over the counter medications that are normally on top of mind when ailments strike. And obviously, this is not an exhaustive list of all the options, but it is a great place to start. So, next time, give your Essential Oils a try and see how easy and successful it can be.


Where Can You Find the Best Essential Oils for Over the Counter Swaps?

When it comes to using Essential Oils for everyday ailments or any reason at all, you want to make sure that you are using the best quality oils. On top of that, it is a major bonus if those oils are affordable and easy to get. This is where REVIVE shines! Backed by third party testing from the most knowledgeable in the industry, you can rest assured that REVIVE’s products are top notch. The oils are sustainably sourced, community focused, and cruelty free which is why REVIVE is the #1 place to find Essential Oil products online. 


This is also where you can find some of the best Essential Oil Kits, Roll-ons, Blends, and Diffusers. Additionally, there are some very helpful articles and DIY recipes available on the REVIVE Blog.