Best Essential Oils for Back to School
Summer was gone all too fast and its now time to hit the books again! The adjustment from laid back summer to school can be hard on children and cause them to have some anxieties about their new class, new teachers, new friends, or even a new school, no matter how old they are. As parents, we need to think about how we can help them prepare for a smooth transitioning, reduce stress and boost their immune systems so they can function and be at their best.
Did you know that a 30 year human study shows that stress, anxieties and pressures contribute to weakened immune responses within the body? Wow, that says a lot as to why its so important to take the time to create a routine that promotes relaxation and a peacefule environment for ourselves and our children. Aromatherapy and essential oils offer the perfect natural solution to achieve body, mind ans spirit wellness.
Best Essential Oils for Back to School
Not only are these 5 oils powerful and effective at reducing stress, helping with focus and boosting immunity but they are also safe options for children. Always use common sense and dilute properly when applying on children's sensitive skin.
Spearmint
Spearmint essential oil has a lighter and sweeter minty aroma that is refreshing and uplifting. Known to boost memory and help with concentration, this is an ideal addition to your tool box. Spearmint also protects the brain and relieves stress on the cognitive center. Aside from its effects on the mind, spearmint also relieves stomach upset, gas, bloating, soothes sinuses and congestion helping to promote clear breathing and it relieves headaches. It has a much lower menthol content, so it is safe to use with children when properly diluted.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is certainly one of the most powerful and useful oils in aromatherapy. Its long list of benefits range from antibacterial, antiseptic, immune stimulating and antiviral properties to the invigorating and awakening effect on the mind. Peppermint increases alertness and focus, making it a great choice on the diffuser to help everyone stay on task. Diffuse it in the morning to awaken the senses blending 3 drops peppermint with 3 drops orange. Try adding it to a 4oz spray bottle for a morning mister/room spray or simply dilute it in a carrier oil and apply in the middle part of the feet where the skin is softest for maximum absorption. You can use this dilution chart here to learn more about how to properly dilute essential oils and best practices.
Lavender
The soothing and calming aroma of lavender makes this oil a perfect one to use at bedtime and soothe your little ones to bed. Lavender has a host of healing abilities making this oil a must in your medicine cabinet. Properties of lavender include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, stress reliever, speeds skin healing for burns, scars, bruises and it is also an immune stimulant. Blend 6 drops with 1oz of carrier oil such as jojoba and massage on shoulders, neck, chest, back and feet. Diffuse 6 drops in your kids bedroom an hour before bed to create the perfect ambiance for bedtime and help them get a restful night's sleep or mix in 4oz spray bottle for a pillow mister.
Orange
The aroma of orange is absolutely lovely and for most children, including mine, this is one of their favorite oils. With its perfect combination of sweet, fruity and citrus notes, orange invites a sense of joy and happy feelings that uplifts the spirit, creating the perfect mood to start the day! Orange has antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is an immune stimulant, antioxidant, antidepressant, astringent and also aids in digestion. I love diffusing orange and lavender as they blend really well together. Blend 3 drops orange and 3 drops lavender and add to your diffuser, or add it to your inhaler. You can also dilute in a carrier oil and add to a roller bottle for use throughout the day.
Siberian Fir
This oil is one of my personal favorites as it reminds me of Christmas with its piney Christmas tree scent! The beauty of this oil is lies in its subtle and gentle yet effective healing abilities. It is great oil to use on the onset of a cold and to help clear the sinus issues for its decongestant ability. It is also an helps relieve pain and inflammation, spasms, cramps and its also antiseptic. You can also use this oil to help remove bad odors. For the onset of a cold blend 3 drops Siberian fir and 3 drops tea tree and diffuse it in the bedroom and blend it in 1oz carrier oil for a body massage. It is also useful in a bath with a cup of Epsom salt, mix the oils in the salts and add to bath.
Balance Blend
The synergy Balance essential oil blend is a powerful blend of essential oils to ease emotional feelings of angst, anxiousness or nervousness. It helps ease these feelings by bringing balance to the emotions. Its sweet, floral and woodsy aroma is calming and grounding yet uplifting the mood. Add Balance when feeling anxious over an upcoming test to soothe away nervousness. Add it a diffuser, add a few drops to a warm bath, 4-6 drops in your personal inhaler, or blend it in a carrier oil or unscented lotion for a relaxing massage.
Balance blend is specially helpful for those who are hyperactive or have difficulty winding down at night. Diffuse 6 drops of this blend after school to help kids settle in from their day at school. You can also use this day as an everyday protective blend to stimulate the immune system.
Essential oils have so much to offer with their long list of amazing healing benefits. One key thing to remember is that consistency is key in order to reap the benefits that essential oils have to offer. In order to truly benefit and feel the results, they need to be incorporated into your every day life. Start now by creating a regular routine in your household for morning, after school and at night. The more consistent you use them, the faster you will start to notice changes in immunity and shorten the length of sickness.
Let's make this school year your best one yet.