Back to School: Essential Oils for Kids’ Learning: Focus, Calm, and Creativity.

Supporting children in any form of education—homeschool, virtual, in-person, or hybrid—comes with unique challenges—distractions, stress, and the need for focus. Aromatherapy, when used safely, can be a powerful tool to create a positive and supportive learning space.

A Brief History of Essential Oils in Learning and Wellness

The use of plant extracts to support the mind and body goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used oils like frankincense and myrrh for ritual and focus. In Greece, Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) wrote about the benefits of aromatic plants for both physical and mental health. In China and India, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine integrated herbs and oils for calming the mind and improving clarity.

Fast forward to today, modern aromatherapy has become a complementary wellness practice worldwide, especially valued for stress reduction, memory support, and emotional balance—areas directly tied to children’s ability to learn.

Evidence-Based Research: Do Essential Oils Really Help with Learning?

Research has shown that certain essential oils can positively affect focus, stress levels, and memory:

• Rosemary: Exposure to rosemary aroma was found to improve cognitive performance and memory speed (International Journal of Neuroscience, 2003).

• Peppermint: Peppermint aroma increased alertness and reduced mental fatigue (North American Journal of Psychology, 2009).

• Lavender: Lavender demonstrated calming effects and reduced anxiety in several studies (Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2017).

• Citrus oils (lemon, grapefruit): Research suggests citrus aromas elevate mood and reduce stress hormones (Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2015).

While more child-specific studies are still needed, existing evidence strongly supports the safe use of essential oils for enhancing focus, reducing stress, and creating a more positive learning environment.

Safety First

Children are not just “little adults.” Safe aromatherapy for kids requires:

Best Essential Oils for Kids’ Focus and Calm

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole): Boosts memory and concentration.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Promotes calm and reduces stress.

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Stimulates alertness and energy.

• Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi): Refreshing, uplifting for mood.

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): Gentle and soothing for children.

• Lemon (Citrus limon): Helps with focus and clarity.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Supports confidence and motivation.

Simple Blends for Learning Success

1. Brain Power Diffuser Blend

• 3 drops Grapefruit

• 2 drops Lemon

• 3 drops Sweet OrangeDiffuse during study sessions for clarity and focus.

  
  

2. Ace the Test Inhaler Blend

• 5 drops Rosemary

• 3 drops Lavender

• 2 drops PeppermintAdd to a personal inhaler for schoolwork, exams, or reading.

  
  

3. Rise to the Challenge Roller Blend

In a 10ml roller bottle with Jojoba oil:

• 2 drops Ginger

• 3 drops Lemon

• 5 drops MandarinApply to wrists or behind ears for motivation and confidence.

The more it is customized to the person (essential oils or blends), the more effective it will be. You may definitely use the personal consultation option to create very personalized blends for your child:

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION

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References

• Diego, M. A., Jones, N. A., Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., … Galamaga, R. (1998). Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 96(3-4), 217–224.

• Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K., & Duckett, P. (2003). Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), 15–38.

• Moss, M., Hewitt, S., Moss, L., & Wesnes, K. (2008). Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. International Journal of Neuroscience, 118(1), 59–77.

• Moss, M., & Oliver, L. (2012). Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2(3), 103–113.

• Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., Johren, P., & Deecke, L. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiology & Behavior, 86(1-2), 92–95.

• Herz, R. S. (2009). Aromatherapy facts and fictions: A scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. International Journal of Neuroscience, 119(2), 263–290.