Top 5 Essential oils for back to school

In need of some more energy, focus and immune support this back to school season? Adaptogen herbs are a great way improve energy, but essential oils are another one of my favorites. Even if you don’t have kids that age, these essential oils for back to school can give you that extra boost you need.

My little guy is so excited to be starting kindergarten this year. We homeschool with the Charlotte Mason method, but we also go to some local homeschool co-ops. He’s got his backpack, loaded up with crayons, trail mix and trains right now, but in a few weeks we’ll be switching those items out for notebooks, art supplies and number 2 pencils. I want to prepare him mentally and emotionally with specific essential oils that will help support his body during this season.

Essential oils for back to school

I actually use the essential oils for back to school frequently myself. Call me a research geek, but I absolutely love learning, and have never stopped. Years ago I studied aromatherapy under Dr. Jessie Hawkins with the now retired Vintage Remedies courses. If you’re looking for a thorough reference for topical essential oil use though, then Tisserand’s book Essential Oil Safety is a really good reference.

Since most of these will need diluted for little ones, I’ve included a handy dilution chart below. These are general dilution guidelines, so be sure to always dilute with more carrier oil, like fractionated coconut or sweet almond oil if you or your child experiences any sensitivity.

5. Protective blend

It goes by thieves and other names, but this essential oil blend supports a strong immune system. Large groups of kids getting together, unfortunately eating lots of sugar and dealing with stress from tests and such, can make for some unwanted situations. These blends vary, but basically consist of cinnamon, clove, orange or lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus.

These oils are hot hot hot and should always be diluted before applying! The blend I use can also be used internally, though not all can, so be sure to check your bottle. Children and pregnant women should not use a protective blend internally, and it should not be used internally for more than two weeks. And be sure to follow it up with a good probiotic. See this post for how to safely consume essential oils.

To use: Dilute and apply topically to the bottoms of the feet and spine. Can also be diffused or diluted in olive oil and placed in capsules. (see note on internal safety use above)

4. Focus blend

The blend I use consists of  Amyris Bark, Patchouli Leaf, Frankincense Resin, Lime Peel, Ylang Ylang Flower, Hawaiian Sandalwood Wood, and Roman Chamomile Flower essential oils. Frankincense is unique in that is one of the few substances that can pass the blood brain barrier, getting this blend to your brain where you want it. This blend is also great for little ones while their brains are developing. I like using it before studying to help me concentrate, and I apply this one several times a day to keep my brain in tip top shape.

To use: Dilute and apply to the brain stem, or the reflex points on the bottom of the big toes. Can also be diffused.

3. Rosemary and orange study blend

This blend is sweet and simple. Orange helps give you energy and focus, while rosemary has been nicknamed the herb of remembrance for it’s ability to support memory. This is a great blend to diffuse while studying or taking a test, making this the perfect blend of essential oils for back to school. I like to make a pre-diluted roller bottle of it to rub on the brain stem, or the reflex point on the big toe.

To use: Add 3 drops each of orange and rosemary essential oils to your diffuser. You can also dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the brain stem or reflex point on the big toe.

2. Lavender

This oil is one of my favorites! If I could only have one oil on a desert island, this would be it. It’s soothing and calming to skin, so it’s great for gym class and sport mishaps. It’s also calming and relaxing to the mind, so it can help you and your child wind down at the end of a long day. And it’s also great for relieving the first day of school and test jitters, but use sparingly or your child will be a little too relaxed for their classes. Unlike most oils, this one can be used undiluted in certain situations for older children and adults.

To use: Dilute and apply to occasional skin irritations. Diffuse at night for sweet sleep, or dilute and apply to the back of the neck and bottoms of the feet to relax.

1. Vetiver

This essential oil helps to calm a racing mind. It’s great for kids who have too much energy and struggle with focusing. It also helps calm anxious feelings and helps give you a good night’s sleep. This one is stronger at helping kids relax then lavender, so you’ll probably want to keep it for nighttime use only.

To use: Dilute and apply to the brain stem or the reflex points on the big toe. Can also be diffused.

What are your favorite ways to naturally get ready for the school year? Let us know in the comments below!