Back to School with Essential Oils: Oils to Support Focus

Whether at home, public, or private, back to school means lessons, coursework, homework and the need to focus. The transition from summer fun to a more serious day can be tough. Kids get tired mentally and supporting them with essential oils is a natural way to empower them during their studies. In addition to using essential oils, it's wise to consider nutrition, sleep habits, and exercise in the focus equation. Does the child get outside daily and engage in physical activity? Have they been well nourished for the task at hand? Does sugar, artificial colors, or other items in the diet have an impact on the child's focus? Are they well rested from sound and adequate sleep?

In this post we'll look at using stimulating and calming oils to help children focus on the task at hand. Diffusing essential oils during homework time is a great way to help and it's fun and empowering if kids can choose their own oils and create their own special blend. If they are heading out for school kids can take along a personal inhaler, roller blend/perfume, aromatherapy bracelet or necklace, or scented lotion to help during the day. We won't specifically address ADD or ADHD in this post -- these are just suggestions for oils that have been shown to help support concentration and focus. For more specific suggestions for your child concerning focus feel free to contact Tricia.

Essential oils can be uplifting, calming or stimulating and how an oil affects us can vary from person to person. Essential oils containing the aromatic compound 1,8 cineole have been shown to increase cerebral blood flow and reduce feelings of mental fatigue. Oils such as eucalyptus globulus or radiata, laural leaf, peppermint, and rosemary ct. 1,8 cineole or camphor can help stimulate focus and lessen mental fatigue. Essential oils that containing soothing aromatic compounds can facilitate a calm state and help improve focus. Oils such as ylang-ylang, lavender, basil, frankincense, cedarwood, Siberian fir, vetiver, and cypress fall into this calming category. And citrus oils such as orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit, all typically high in d-limonene content, can be both calming and uplifting providing a postive work environment.

Some kids may need to calm to focus others need a more stimulating blend. You can let your child smell some different oils and pick a favorite to try or consider your child's demeanor when choosing oils. There's no wrong answer, but some oils and blends may be more effective than others. Here are a few ideas to try.

Calming Study Blends:

To a diffuser add:

Version 1:

3 drops lavender

3 drops orange

Version 2:

2 drops lavender

2 drops frankincense

1 drop cedarwood

1 drop vetiver

Version 3:

3 drops Siberian fir or white fir

2 drop cedarwood

2 drop cypress

You can also add the oils to an aromatherapy inhaler. Use the amounts shown or double if desired. Or try adding the oils to an ounce of unscented lotion in a flip top PET container for a calming lotion that can be applied to the hands or back of the neck.

Invigorating Study Blends:

Version 1:

3 drops peppermint

3 drops orange

2 drops rosemary

version 2:

4 drops orange

2 drops rosemary

1 drop basil

Version 3:

2 drops eucalytus

2 drops laurel leaf or peppermint

2 drops lemon, lime, or orange

Uplifiting Study Blend:

sunny citrus blend:

2 drops orange

2 drops lemon

2 drops lime

Again these blends can be used in an inhaler or made into a lotion or hand cleaner. Using essential oils can also be a great way to establish a study routine for younger kids. They come to associate particular aromas with focus and study and getting to help chose oils or drop them into the diffuser can be fun and empowering.

If you'd like to discuss essential oil and focus in more detail or you'd like to learn about upcoming classes and events contact Tricia. And stay tuned for more back to school and essential oil posts.