Often times classrooms are a place of chaos and concern, yet other times, they are serene and calm. Try fitting several kids and one or two teachers emotions all in the same room and see what you get. School.
For some kids, they will need to perk up, maybe they become tired. Yet others need to perk down. Maybe they are just a little to antsy that day and are having trouble calming down. Essential oils can help either way.
Essential oils can play an important role in any classroom and even during home school. Teachers and parents have had excellent outcomes using them to promote a healthy learning environment.
Using essential oils in the classroom or at home with your kids can reduce undesirable behavior, calm children, clear unpleasant odors, boost mood and sharpen metal focus.
Here are the 6 best essential oils for any classroom and for homeschool, how to use them safely, and why you would use them.
6 Essential Oils For Classroom or Homeschool
Essential oils are a great way to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the classroom or homeschool environment. Some of the best essential oils for classrooms include lavender, orange, and spearmint.
These oils can be diffused in an aromatherapy diffuser, or added to a spray bottle of water to mist the room.
When used correctly, essential oils can help to reduce stress and promote focus and concentration. As a result, they are an excellent tool for creating a positive learning environment. Just be sure to use safe essential oils for kids.
1. Lemon Essential Oil (Citrus limon)
Lemon essential oil is a great way to naturally keep your kids healthy. It can be used to boost the immune system, fight off infections, and even improve mental focus and concentration.
- Lemon oil has an energetic nature.
- It helps to ease worry and fear.
- Lemons fruity aroma can removing unpleasant odors and germs.
- It is supportive of the body and uplifts the mood.
Lemon oil can be diffused in the air or applied topically to the skin. It should be diluted with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil before applying it topically.
2. Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender oil is a popular choice for aromatherapy due to its calming and relaxing scent. When diffused, Lavender oil can help reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation. For the best results, Lavender oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin.
- One of the most popular and versatile oils available.
- Lavender has a gentle and appealing aroma that is calming, relaxing and stress relieving.
- A favorite oil for helping children settle down.
In addition, Lavender oil can be used topically to soothe burns, insect bites, and skin irritations.
3. Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis)
Orange essential oil is a versatile oil that can be used for a variety of purposes. When it comes to kids, orange essential oil can be used to help with focus and concentration. It can also be used to boost the immune system, fight off infections, and soothe digestive issues. It's also effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
- Kids love the smell of orange oil.
- Its refreshing aroma combats stress and fatigue.
- Diffuse to create an uplifting atmosphere and lots of smiles with this yummy oil scent.
When diffused, orange essential oil can help to create a calm and relaxed environment. As a result, orange essential oil is an ideal oil to use with kids.
4. Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi)
When diffused, grapefruit essential oil can help to clear the air and uplift the mood. And because grapefruit oil is high in limonene - a citrusy compound with powerful cleansing properties - it's also great for supporting a healthy immune system. To use grapefruit essential oil safely with kids, always dilute it with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil and be sure to keep essential oils out of reach of children, as it can be harmful if ingested.
- Grapefruit has the ability to restore vitality and uplift the spirit.
- It helps to impart confidence and ease anxiety.
- Diffuse for a happier classroom and getting rid of germs.
With its bright, citrusy scent and multiple benefits, grapefruit essential oil is an ideal way to support kids' health and happiness naturally.
5. Spearmint Essential Oil (Mentha spicata)
Spearmint essential oil is a great option for kids because it is gentle and has a variety of uses. It can be diffused to help with colds and congestion, or applied topically when diluted with a carrier oil to soothe skin irritations. Spearmint oil can also be used as a natural insect repellent.
- Spearmint is a great kid safe oil from the same family as peppermint.
- It can uplift the mood, ease tension, and reduce emotional agitation.
- Use for natural energy and boosting mental concentration (perfect before test!).
For children who are old enough, spearmint oil can also be used in a diffuser necklace so they can benefit from its aromatherapeutic properties throughout the day.
6. Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia)
Bergamot essential oil is derived from the Bergamot orange, a citrus fruit that resembles a cross between an orange and a grapefruit. Bergamot oil has a refreshing, tart aroma that can lifting your mood and promoting feelings of well-being. Due to its citrusy scent, Bergamot oil is often used as a mood enhancer or to promote relaxation.
- Bergamot is well known for its ability to bring physical and emotional balance.
- It is also has antiseptic properties so it is great for germs.
- Diffuse to freshen the air or when emotional stress relief is needed.
In addition to diffusing Bergamot oil or adding it to your bathwater, you can also apply Bergamot oil topically to your skin. When diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil, Bergamot oil can help soothe inflammation and improve skin conditions. Be aware that it is a phototoxic essential oil.
How to Use an Essential Oil Diffuser in the Classroom
Many teachers like to diffuse oils in their classrooms by using an essential oil diffuser to disperse the oils throughout the room. That way there, the entire class benefits from the aroma.
It is best to keep it simple with single essential oils at first to ensure students do not have any sensitivities to the oils.
You would just add 4 to 6 drops of your chosen essential oils to a diffuser with the recommended water amount your diffuser requires.
Learn More: Aromatherapy Diffusers Guide
How to Essential Oil Diffusing Guide with 200+ Diffuser Blends by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist:
Kids Diffuser Recipes for School Time
When ready, you can try some essential oil combinations for school time!
Add one of the school essential oil recipes below to an aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for your diffuser tank. Turn on the machine and enjoy the aroma. I like to use a 100-200 ml water tank diffuser but you can use whatever size you prefer.
Kids Calming Diffuser Blend
When the kids need to settle down, try this calming recipe.
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop Frankincense essential oil
Clean and Fresh Diffuser Recipe
Clear out stale air in the classroom and bring in some freshness in with this essential oil blend.
- 3 drops Tea Tree oil
- 2 drops Lemon oil
Relax Time Diffuser Blend
Time for kids to relax and rest with the natural aromas of lavender and orange, a wonderful essential oil combination.
- 4 drops Lavender oil
- 2 drops Orange oil
Study Time Diffuser Blend
Time to put on thinking caps and focus on school tasks and studying, diffuse this mentally stimulating blend of oils.
- 3 drops Spearmint essential oil
- 3 drops Orange essential oil
All Smiles Diffuser Recipe
Let the smiles shine and the good times roll with this diffuser blend!
- 2 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- 2 drops Orange
Positive Feelings Diffuser Blend
Promote self confidence and emotional balance with this fruity essential oil blend.
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- 2 drops Frankincense
Benefits of Using Essential Oils in the Classroom
Check out some of the benefits that can be gained:
- Help keep you and your students feeling happy and energized
- To stay alert during long lectures
- For calming down after a stressful lesson or test
- As an air purifier to get rid of bad odors
Alternative to Diffusing in Classroom
Alternatively, you can have a jar of cotton balls with essential oils dropped on them. Place jar near a fan or open window to disperse the smell. You will need to refresh the cotton balls with 1 drop of oil ever so often when the scent fades. Close the jar up when not in use.
Essential Oil Sprays for Classroom
Room sprays are also a great way to freshen up the air in classroom and boost the mood. Just add 15 drops of essential oils in a 2 oz spray bottle, fill the rest with water. Shake well before use and spritz as needed. Use within 1-2 weeks for freshness.
Essential Oil Blends for Teachers
A special thanks to all the teachers that make a difference in our children's lives. Whatever it is that you're dealing with in the classroom or at home, essential oils can greatly help.
Stress Relief Blend |
If parent or teacher is feeling especially stressed, try this stress relieving blend. Roll on the back of the neck and shoulders to relieve stress.
Directions: Add essential oils to the roller bottle. Fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Roll on wrists or shoulders & neck. Roman Chamomile is also great for relieving stress, as is Lavender. |
Headache Support Roll On |
If the teacher or parent has a headache, try this roller remedy.
Directions: Add essential oils to the roller bottle. Fill rest of bottle with jojoba oil. Roll onto neck and temples as needed. |
How to Use Essential Oils for Back to School
Back to school time is an exciting, hectic and sometimes stressful time of year. From buying new school supplies and clothes to meeting new teachers and classmates, there's a lot for kids (and parents) to adjust to. Essential oils can be a great way to support your child during this transition.
Diffusing Lavender oil in the classroom or at home can help create a calm and relaxing environment, while Spearmint oil can be invigorating and help improve focus and concentration.
Here are some other ways you can use essential oils to support your children as they head back to school:
- Add a few drops of Lemon or Lavender oil to your child's backpack or lunchbox to help them stay refreshed and focused throughout the day.
- Diffusing Bergamot or Orange essential oils in the car on the way to school can help reduce morning traffic anxiety.
- If your child is struggling with occasional nerves before a big test or presentation, have them apply diluted Vetiver oil on their wrists or inhale from a bottle of Frankincense.
With so many different ways to use essential oils for back to school, there's sure to be a blend that's perfect for your family's needs during back to school time!