ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPES FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Summer is ending, and the Back-to-School season is upon us. It is time to rise from the blissful, lazy days of summer vacation and get back to a routine. Excitement and nervous energy surround the beginning of a new school year. Maybe you are pursuing higher education, or you have children who are starting a new grade or transferring to a new school. Regardless of how familiar this new start is, it usually comes with many new possibilities. So, it is important to get yourself and your family organized when preparing for going back to school.

You may already have your shopping lists prepared with everything you need for this busy time of the year. Some of those items may include school supplies, electronics, and new clothes. However, as you get yourself and your children into the swing of the new academic year, consider adding aromatic Essential Oils to your routine. No matter what this busy season calls for, Essential Oils can be used everyday to support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Diffuse them throughout your home or blend them into daily formulations, so that you and your family can be ready for the surprises the Back-to-School season may throw at you.

WHY ESSENTIAL OILS BELONG IN YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ROUTINE

Essential Oils are versatile elements that can serve many purposes when incorporated into a daily routine. Regardless of what time of day it is or what your schedule calls for, there is bound to be an Essential Oil or multiple Oils that can help you achieve the right headspace and emotional state. When the new school year begins, it is a time where parents and kids transition back into an everyday routine that is forgotten during the summer holidays. This means regular bedtimes, early wake-up calls, commuting to school, a full class schedule, and various extracurricular activities are back in full swing. Life can be quite hectic for families navigating the familiar yet also unpredictable new season. Anxiety, stress, restlessness, and fatigue can arise when readjusting to the annual Back-to-School period. The temperature also begins to decrease, making kids more susceptible to catching the common cold.

Aromatic Essential Oils possess potent constituents that can support the mental and emotional wellbeing of you and your family as you get organized for the new academic year. Whether you are looking to ease back-to-school jitters, help your kids focus on their homework, support the immunity of your family, or wind down for a good night's sleep, the right blend of Essential Oils can help you and your family begin the school year on a high note.

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR IMMUNITY SUPPORT

Tea Tree Essential Oil - A reputed antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial oil, Tea Tree possesses Terpinen-4-ol, a highly purified Monoterpene known for its anti-bacterial properties. Tea Tree's Sabinene content is believed to act as an antioxidant that also imparts anti-microbial and antifungal properties.

Frankincense Essential Oil - Frankincense can be used for an array of purposes, ranging from cosmetic to medicinal and beyond. Abundant in Limonene and Pinene, Frankincense is reputed to impart antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, as well as support the respiratory system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety when diffused in the air.

ESSENTIAL OILS TO PROMOTE CONCENTRATION

Vetiver Essential Oil - Known as "The Oil of Tranquility", Vetiver is a member of the grass family and is believed to possess grounding properties. When your kids are antsy and are having a hard time settling down to complete their homework, Vetiver's balancing aroma can ease them into the focused headspace necessary for study time.

Lavender Essential Oil - The versatile Lavender Oil can be used to relax the mind and body. It can also come in handy when its time to get your kids in the zone to complete their homework. Spanish Lavender specifically is believed to diminish fatigue, increase mental clarity, and even balance the mood.

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemary possess a grounding and herbaceous aroma profile that is reputed to balance emotions while stimulating the brain and supporting memory retention. Constituents such as Limonene and Linalool are believed to emit psychostimulant and mood-balancing properties while also soothing symptoms of anxiety.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SLEEP SUPPORT

Chamomile Roman Essential Oil - Possessing both warming and cooling properties, Chamomile Roman Essential Oil's herbaceous and calming aroma is perfect for soothing your kids during their bedtime rituals. Herbaceous, fresh, and subtly sweet, Chamomile Roman has a scent profile reminiscent of green apples that is reputed to soothe mental stress and symptoms of anxiety, so your kids can drift off to sleep and feel refreshed for the next day.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANXIETY AND STRESS

Bergamot Essential Oil - Bergamot's citrus, fruity, spicy and warm aroma profile is reputed to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Constituents such as Limonene and Linalyl Acetate are stimulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, while Myrcene possesses sedative properties that can soothe an overactive mind.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ENERGY

Orange Sweet Essential Oil - Orange Sweet possesses a bright and citrusy aroma that instantly uplifts the mood and stimulates the mind. Diffuse this oil at the beginning of the day or in the afternoon for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Peppermint Essential Oil - Peppermint's sharp and stimulating scent is reputed to create the mental and physical energy that can help you and your family power through a busy day. Peppermint Oil can also come in handy to treat tension headaches, nervous energy, and even an upset stomach (just be sure to dilute with a Carrier Oil prior to topical application).

Lemon Essential Oil - Another citrus oil, Lemon Essential Oil is strong and sweet, and its brilliant scent can cut through any morning grogginess. With the Summer coming to an end, the perky Lemon Oil delivers positive energy that is perfect for sunny September days!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL RECIPES WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

1. ESSENTIAL OIL HAND SANITIZER (source: LabAroma)

Ease the strong smell of isopropyl alcohol with pleasant-smelling Essential Oils! Earthy Patchouli is balanced by cool Tea Tree and brilliant Sweet Orange, giving this hand sanitizer a fresh scent to go along with a fresh start. Keep germs and bacteria at bay while delivering some Aromatherapy goodness!

Ingredients:

• 3 parts isopropyl alcohol
• 1 part Aloe Vera Gel
• 3 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• 2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 2 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Tools:

• Dispenser Bottle

Instructions:

• Add the isopropyl alcohol and Aloe Vera Gel into the dispenser bottle.
• Follow with the Essential Oils. Shake well before each use.

2. SPORTS ACHE MASSAGE OIL BLEND (source: LabAroma)

A new school year means a new season for kids involved in sports! When aches and pains arise after a hefty practice, soothe their senses with this spicy yet calming massage oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Carrier Oil of choice (Jojoba is recommended for this blend)
• 5 drops Black Pepper Essential Oil
• 3 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
• 2 drops Copaiba Essential Oil

Tools:

• Glass Roller Bottle

Instructions:

• Add all the ingredients into a dark glass roller bottle and shake prior to use.

3. AUTUMN COUGH CHEST RUB

The return to school in the fall is synonymous with the flu season. With the temperatures dropping and kids occupying busy spaces, they can become vulnerable to the common cold. Anytime symptoms such as coughing arise, rub this calming and cooling chest rub to ease any coughs and congestion.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil
• 2 tbsp Shea Butter
• 10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 5 drops Clove Essential Oil
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions:

• In a double boiler, melt Shea butter and Fractionated Coconut Oil.
• Once melted, allow the mixture to cool for 30 minutes.
• Add essential oils, mix, then put the mixture into the freezer until it is just starting to solidify, about 20-30 minutes.

DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

A new school year means returning to routine. Consistent wake-up times, a full day of classes, extracurricular activities, study time, and bedtime are in place now that the summer holidays are ending. Whether your child needs an energy boost, focus on completing their homework, wind down before bed, or extra immune support, the following Essential Oil Blends can be diffused in the air and in any room of the home. These Essential Oils complement each other to provide mental and emotional support for everyday life.

(source: SimpleLifeMom.com)

DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR ENERGY

Energizing Blend 1:

• 2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
• 2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil
• 1 drop Orange Essential Oil

Energizing Blend 2:

• 2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 2 drops Fir Essential Oil
• 1 drop Basil Essential Oil
• 1 drop Rosemary Essential Oil

DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR FOCUS

Focus Blend 1:

• 2 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 drop Vetiver Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lime Essential Oil

Focus Blend 2:

• 2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
• 2 drops Cypress Essential Oil
• 1 drop Grapefruit Essential Oil
• 1 drop Nutmeg Essential Oil

CALMING DIFFUSER BLENDS

Calming Blend 1:

• 1 drop Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 drop Geranium Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lemon Essential Oil

Calming Blend 2:

• 2 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• 1 drop Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 1 drop Vetiver Essential Oil
• 1 drop Roman Chamomile

DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR IMMUNITY SUPPORT

Immunity Blend:

• 2 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
• 1 drop Clove Essential Oil
• drop Oregano Essential Oil
• 1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil

USING ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY WITH CHILDREN

Essential Oils are generally safe to diffuse around children throughout the home. Set the diffuser to run for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time when diffusing aromatic oils around your children and keep the room well ventilated.

If you wish to apply some Essential Oil on your or your child's skin, always dilute the oil in a Carrier Oil. A concentration of below 5% is considered safest for topical application of Essential Oils. A 1% dilution is equivalent to a ratio of 6 drops of Essential Oils to 1 ounce of Carrier oil.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

All New Directions Aromatics Essential Oils are for external use only. They should not be ingested and should not be stored within the reach of children, in case of accidental ingestion. As with essential and carrier oils, a patch test should be conducted on the inner arm or another generally insensitive area of skin, using a dime-size amount of the specified oil to check for sensitivities. An absence of an allergic response within 48 hours suggests that the oil is safe to use.

The topical application of most carrier oils is generally known to be safe with responsible use, but irritations, allergies, rashes, and other side effects are possible. In the chance of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.

Essential or carrier oils must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.