Back to School With Essential Oils
Yep, it’s about that time. My kiddos all go back to school in a couple of weeks and honestly I am dreading it! I know, I know, by this time most everyone is so tired of their kids (not to sound mean lol) that they are ready for them to go back to school. I get it. I’m tired of the bickering, the tattling, the arguing, the physical fights (yes we’ve had a few), the “I’m bored”, and the constantly eating. I mean seriously, these kids eat all damn day long! All of them except Delana who still prefers to drink her meals (not unlike her mommy who prefers to drink her dinner every once in a while if you get my drift, wink-wink). We need to arm ourselves to go back to school with essential oils.
Anyway, I’m not excited. We have three schools to deal with this year. Two kids in elementary school, one in middle and one in high. And guess what. There are NO buses! That’s right, I have to drop off and pick up 6 times a day! Thankfully, all the start and end times are different so that works out. But man, all that driving, I should really get paid for this.
Back To School Dilemma
Don’t get me wrong the quiet will be nice. I do enjoy hearing myself think every once in a while. But the chaos that will come with it with getting kids up and out the door in the morning, homework, after school activities, dinner, and bedtimes will not be fun. I’ll say it again, I’m dreading it. I’d like to stop adulting right about now. Someone else can come in and take over this madness any day now.
I’m going to need all the help I can get this school year for not only myself and my mental health but also the kiddos and their mental health and physical well being. We all know how cranky kids can be in the mornings. And we all know how much ick is passed around at school. So, I figured I’d try and help you all out with all of that and more. If you’re like me, you don’t have a lot of extra time on your hands. So I’m going to try to make this short and to the point. Please feel free to ask questions/leave comments and I’ll be sure to reply! This will cover kids, tweens, teens, and parents!
Dilution Guidelines for Essential Oils
Before I talk about specific oils and oil recipes, I wanted to make sure you are aware of the amount of essential oil you should be using. Most recipes I list below don’t say a specific number of drops of each essential oil. That way you can customize your blend based on preference and age. Be sure to follow proper dilution guidelines for your child. The KidScents line is pre-diluted for age 2 and up, but as with any of the essential oils, make sure to dilute further if skin is more sensitive. (see more info about carrier oils here, including the different kinds and why you may want to chose a specific one).
For a 10ml roller bottle (the ones we will be discussing in this post), the dilutions we prefer are as follows:
For ages 2-6 years old, 3-6 drops total of essential oils, fill to top with carrier of choice
For ages 6-15 years old, 4-9 drops of essential oils, fill to top with carrier of choice
For ages 15+ years old 7-15 drops of essential oils, top rest with carrier of choice
Wake Up!
Do your kids need a quick boost of energy before heading to school? Diffusing is one of the best ways to use essential oils. The Young Living diffusers break the essential oils up into tiny particles and catapult them into the air, which you breathe in and trigger aromareceptors. Think of baking brownies and their smell – any time you smell that again, you are taken to a memory or brownies baking. Different essential oils will elicit a different response. In the morning, we want to select essential oils that can help wake us up and put some pep in our step!
Peppermint and Orange both have sweet, stimulating aromas that can provide just that. Peppermint also increases oxygen absorption in the body. Both oils have also been said to aid in cognitive function. The combination of the two oils can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to start the day.
Wake-Up Roller Bottle:
12 drops Peppermint
10 drops Citrus Fresh (can substitute Lemon or Orange)
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle and fill the rest with carrier oil of your choice. Roll behind ears, brain stem and bottoms of feet. Dilute according to age.
(Citrus oils are photosensitive so don’t use on EXPOSED skin within 8-10 hours of being out in the sun)
Here are some of the morning diffuser favorites in our home:
Peppermint and Lemon: This bright combo is amazing to start your morning! It is uplifting and energizing, and gives you just the boost you need to start your morning and get everyone out the door.
Lemon and Thieves: I can’t think of a better way to start the day – the bright sunshine smell of lemon and the warm smell of thieves. You can give yourself and the kids a jump-start to your day AND give your immune system a boost!
Joy and Lemon: This combo promotes an uplifting and positive attitude while fighting the morning grumps…. And parents this can be for you too!
Peppermint and Joy – This is probably one of my favorite diffuser combos out there. I love diffusing this in the mornings, but also when I’m having a bad day and it’s really uplifting.
*Bonus tip – set up a diffuser the night before in your kitchen ready with Peppermint and Lemon or Motivation and Peppermint so all you have to do is click “on” when you are getting ready!
For Parents:
For the coffee lovers – add a drop of Peppermint to boost your energy. If you’re not a coffee drinker, drink a Ningxia Nitro. This little tube of goodness is filled with Ningxia wolfberries, essential oils, raw cacao and green tea extract giving you a natural, gentle energy boost without the jitters of regular caffeine. For a quick, easy breakfast that helps support your wellness, try a Chocolate Deluxe or Vanilla Spice Protein Complete shake blended with almond milk and a 1oz shot of NingXia Red! Throw that in your to-go cup and get those kids out the door!
For a quick, easy breakfast that will also help with weight management, try a Slique Shake blended with almond milk. For a substantial breakfast: Throw a handful of Einkorn Granola into a cup of yogurt and you’ve got breakfast on the go! Or grab a Slique bar or Wolfberry Crisp chocolate covered bar for a real on-the-go breakfast.
First Day Jitters
Is your child anxious or nervous for the first day of school? Try this roller bottle recipe to help calm their nerves on the first day of school.
Calm Day Roller Bottle:
Lavender
Stress Away
Vetiver
Orange
Patchouli
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle. Top with carrier oil. Dilute according to age.
Bravery Roller Bottle:
Vetiver
Valor/Valor II
Grounding
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle. Top with carrier oil. Dilute according to age.
If everyone in the car is antsy, don’t fret – you have your USB car diffuser plugged in and ready to go with Stress Away and Orange. Within a few minutes, everyone is back to calm! If you don’t have a Young Living USB car diffuser, put a couple drops on a cotton ball and stick in your air vent; or make a cute air vent clip with a clothespin.
Brain Boost
Many research studies have shown that essential oils can be effective in helping support focus and memory. Make sure to check out reputable sources for more information regarding essential oils, focus and memory!
Brain Boosting Sachet:
DIY sachet with Peppermint and Rosemary – 2 pieces of 4.5” square cloth, 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1-2 drops Rosemary or Peppermint, 7-8 cotton balls.
Brain Boosting Roller Bottle:
Equal drops Rosemary and Peppermint in 10ml roller bottle topped with carrier, dilute according to age.
Apply behind ears, back of neck, at wrist pulse points.
Focus
Focus support is something we all could use. There are some essential oils that can help support the ability to focus. Try these oils in a roller, applied to bottom of big toes, behind ears and across back of neck, diffuse during times of studying, or use the homemade sachet and use these oils. One pre-blended option from Young Living that supports focus is the KidScents blend GeneYus. That used on its own is a wonderful option to promote focus with tasks as well.
Hocus Focus Roller Bottle:
Equal Parts Lavender, Rosemary, and Peppermint in 10ml roller bottle top with carrier of choice, dilute according to age; apply to bottom of big toes, behind ears and back of the neck in the morning and during times where focus is needed. (try this one out at home first, because this specific blend makes my kiddos tired
GeneYus KidScents Blend:
This one is already done for you. All you need to do is pop a roller fitment in the top of the bottle and you are ready to go!
Focus Roller Bottle:
Frankincense
Vetiver
Lavender
Cedarwood
Clarity
Combine all essential oils in a 10ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil. Dilute according to age.
Apply to the back of the neck, temples, and big toe to promote feeling of concentration.
Clarifying Study Blend Roller Bottle:
Rosemary
Lemon
Cypress
Combine all essential oils in a 10ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil. Dilute according to age.
Place 1-2 drops of the mixture on your fingertips and gently massage your temples.
Stimulating Blend Roller Bottle:
Lemon
Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Cinnamon
Combine all essential oils in a 10ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil. Dilute according to age.
Mental Clarity Recipe #1 – Diffuser (4-6 drops of each):
Brain Power or Clarity
Mental Clarity Recipe #2 – Diffuser (2 drops of each):
Frankincense
Vetiver
Brain Power
Study Stick Recipe:
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon beeswax
1 tablespoon shea butter
3 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Cedarwood essential oil
3 drops Vetiver essential oil
Melt coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter until completely melted (Can do this in a glass measuring cup in a small pot of hot water for easier pouring). Remove from heat and add Lavender, Cedarwood, and Vetiver. Stir to combine and pour into empty lip balm tubes (I actually prefer to use little syringes to fill them with). Let harden. Use as needed behind ears, back of neck and at wrists pulse points.
Another easy tip is to add MindWise to your child’s daily supplement routine to help support optimal brain functioning.
Occasional Head Tension
Whether it be homework or hormones, the occasional head tension seems to be a common thing for kids, tweens, teens, and parents.
Head Tension Roller:
10 drops Panaway
10 drops Valor
8 drops Copaiba
8 drops Peppermint (or try Aroma Siez)
Add to 10ml roller bottle then top with carrier oil, apply to temples, forehead, and back of neck as needed.
Immune Support
When we think of bunch of kids in one space day in and day out, the only thing we can hope for is a healthy, supported immune system to make sure our kids can get through the school year at the top of their game! A few oils are wonderful at supporting the body’s immune system. We like to put them in a roller and apply to the soles of the feet at night and in the morning, and even diffuse at home after the kids are home from school, or as part of the wake up blend before they go off!
Oils to support the immune system include Thieves, Purification, Tea Tree and Oregano.
Young Living Thieves line products to help keep your school areas clean: Thieves Spray, Thieves Wipes, Thieves Hand Purifier.
Immune Support Roller Bottle:
(ages 3-8)
5 drops thieves
4 drops tea tree
3 drops frankincense
3 drops lemon
3 drops peppermint
1 drop oregano
Add oils to 10ml roller bottle, fill the rest of the way with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of feet and/or down the spine twice daily or 4 times if the ick is really going around.
(adults)
15 drops thieves
8 drops tea tree
8 drops frankincense
5 drops lemon
5 drops oregano
Add to 10ml roller bottle, fill the rest of the way with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of feet and/or down the spine twice daily or 4 times a day if you are feeling not so great.
Tummy Trouble
Remember the days of cafeteria food? Or meals on the run because you are late – to everywhere. Yeah….well, there’s an oil for that too!
DiGize helps promote normal digestion.
Peppermint helps promote healthy bowel movements and aids in digestion.
If your kiddo needs some support for their digestion, a drop or 2 of DiGize or Peppermint diluted appropriate for age with a carrier oil applied clockwise around their tummy should offer the support they need. They should be feeling back to normal in no time!
Hair
This one is a must for kids who are school aged and sharing brushes, hats, and everything else you can imagine! Add Tea Tree, Peppermint and Rosemary essential oils to Young Livings Lavender Mint Shampoo, or shampoo of choice. Give a little shake before each use. The number of drops will depend on the size of the bottle. I usually use 10-15 drops of each.
Happy Hair Spray:
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Tea Tree
5 drops Rosemary
5 drops Peppermint
Add the essential oil to a 2oz spray bottle and fill the rest of the way with distilled water. Spray and comb through hair, spray neck, backpack, and clothing.
**TIP also apply tea tree or purification to the bottoms of the feet before school each day.
Detangler Spray:
Got a kiddo with crazy tangly hair? This stuff will save you. Wet or dry hair, this works like a charm with no tears. You can also change up the essential oils you use.
4 oz.water
2 drops vegetable glycerin (it’s kinda gooey)
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
5 drops kid’s choice (they will have fun picking one out)
Combine in 4oz spray bottle. Shake before using.
Tantrum Tamer
We all have those moments – kids and adults alike – when we don’t have the words to say what we feel and our emotions take over. The Tantrum Tamer roller bottle blend helps bring use back to balance when we need it most. Try the combination in the diffuser, or swipe on the back of the neck, wrists at pulse point and behind ears – or try in a diffuser necklace!
Tantrum Tamer Roller Bottle:
8 drops Release
8 drops Vetiver
8 drops Joy
8 drops Orange
Add to a 10ml roller bottle, topped with carrier of choice. Dilute according to age.
(Orange is photosensitive so don’t use on exposed skin within 8-10 hours of being out in the sun)
Seasonal Changes
At about the same time that school starts back, not only do children start getting exposed to more germs, but there’s also seasonal threats to deal with. Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint are great to use to help protect against seasonal and environmental elements.
Breathe Easy Roller:
(ages 3-8)
5 drops Lavender
5 drops lemon
5 drops peppermint
Add to a 10ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil.
(adult)
15 drops Lavender
15 drops lemon
15 drops peppermint
Add to a 10ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil.
Apply across bridge of nose, forehead, above brows, and behind ears.
Also you can Diffuse 3-4 drops each lavender, peppermint, and lemon in your diffuser.
“That Time of the Month” Survival Kit
Teenage years are tough enough as it is, then throw in the monthly female hormonal roller-coaster and you are at a loss for how to help. Dragon Time blend helps support women of all ages during that seemingly never-ending roller-coaster. Dragon Time can be applied to inner and outer ankles for emotional support and balance, as well as diffused or added to Epsom salt for a nice bath.
A drop of Progessence Plus can be applied on the left side of the neck every day to help balance out hormones throughout the month.
When occasional discomfort is the issue, PanAway or Deep Relief layered with Peppermint across the abdomen with a warm washcloth placed over it can be the means to a comfortable ride through shark week 😉
When Energy is significantly lacking – diffusing En-R-Gee with citrus like Orange or Tangerine will help support the body’s energy throughout this time. Or try and En-R-Gee roller, add 10-12 drops En-R-Gee in a 10 ml roller bottle and top with carrier oil, and apply on inner wrists and back of neck or chest.
Nighty Night
In order to function properly throughout the day at school, kids need proper rest. It is hard to wind down from a busy day, so some essential oils are used to promote restfulness when needed.
Add lavender to Epsom salt for a pre-bed bath ritual.
Diffuse Lavender, Dream Catcher, Peace & Calming, Sleepyiyze, Tangerine or other essential oils or blends that promote relaxation and restfulness. Our favorite diffuser combo is easy, Lavender and Cedarwood. Or Lavender and Peace & Calming.
Make a cream or roller bottle blend with oils that promote restfulness like the Nighty Night roller, SleepyTime Balm, or Dream Spray.
Nighty Night Roller Bottle:
Equal parts Lavender and Cedarwood in a 10 mL roller bottle topped with carrier of choice, diluted to age. *Tip: Add 8 drops Thieves for extra immune support during sleep.
SleepyTime Balm:
15 drops lavender
15 drops cedarwood
15 drops valor
4 tbsp shea butter
4 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp beeswax
Using a double broiler (if you don’t have one, a large glass measuring cup in pot of water or the microwave in a microwave safe container) melt shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. once liquid remove from heat. Place liquid in the freezer or refrigerator to bring back to solid state. Remove from freezer or refrigerator and allow it to slightly soften at room temperature. Use a mixer and whip to a cream, add essential oils mix and add to 4 oz jar.
Dream Spray:
3-5 drops Lavender
3-5 drops Cedarwood
3-5 drops Valor
Add the essential oils to the 4oz spray bottle and fill the rest of the way with witch hazel. Shake and spray on pillow and linens before bed.
LaLa Land Diffuser Blend:
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Cedarwood
Start diffusing in the bedroom 20-30 minutes before heading off to bed. *Tip add Thieves to the diffuser for extra immune support.
Well, there you have it! Those are some of our favorite ways to use Essential Oils during the school year. If this seems overwhelming, start slow. Pick one or two of these recipes to try out first and see how you like them. Do you have a recipe or tip you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it and try it out. Again, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
If you still don’t have your essential oils, you can grab your Premium Starter Kit HERE! Or learn more about that awesome kit at this post. Be sure to click on the “member” option (there is no membership fee!) so that you can take advantage of the 24% off all future purchases.
Still need your essential oils?
I do have to say one more time, I ONLY USE YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS. They are 100% pure. No pesticides touch the crops. There are no additives in the oils. No watering down. Distilled at the right time of year for the specific plant. They are distilled at the right temperature, for the right amount of time (no short cuts here). To read more about Young Living and their seed to seal guarantee go to www.seedtoseal.com and you will see why I only use them. PLUS, I cannot speak to the quality of other brands and can’t guarantee they will be any good at all.
I’m giving a $20 Amazon gift card to all new members who purchase any of the Young Living Premium Starter Kits using my link! I’ll also keep in touch with you and share all about how to use essential oils (unless you want me to leave you alone, then I will lol). To order your kit click here. To learn more about the Premium Starter Kit click here.