Going Back to School With Oils- Kids
- Jasmine Hutchinson
- Sep 12, 2018
- 4 min read
September can be a busy time for most families scrambling to get ready for the new school year. Purchasing school supplies, clothes, and reinforcing bedtimes are just some of the materialistic and emotional changes this month brings. Along with new teachers and friends, comes a wide range of new germs which can be introduced to your home.
Kids bring and share it all… runny noses, common cold, flu, ringworm… the term sharing is caring has a whole new meaning during the school year. Because most immune defenses are not used to the exposure it is common for teachers, students, and families to have a slight cold during this time. As a mother, I am continually looking for ways to maintain the stability of the household, manage everyone’s health, protect the family against illness, all while trying to stay balanced myself. I find myself reaching for the same seven essential oils:
Orange
Lemon
Peppermint
Cypress
Cedarwood
Vetiver
Lavender
Why these oils?… I reach for these oils to aid my son with waking up, sleeping, focusing, allergies, and building up his immune system. I diffuse some of the scents and apply them topically as well. He even has a couple of roller bottles.
Morning…Waking up in the morning, at a time dictated by the demands of the day, can have a different emotion and physical toll on the body. In the morning I like to diffuse Lemon and Peppermint essential oils or Orange and Peppermint essential oils or sometimes a mix of all three.
Each one of these oils has properties which build up the immune system and uplift the spirits. I usually start my morning by first waking up and checking in with myself (taking a few minutes to meditate and see how I am feeling has helped me stay sain and grounded). I then begin by adding these oils to the diffusers around the house and in my son’s room. After waiting about 15 to 30 minutes if he doesn’t wake up on his own I go and wake him up.
Now I am not saying this is the end-all for groggy mornings but I do notice a difference.
Apart from waking up, focusing your mind is also a must. Before leaving for school I usually rub some cypress mixed with either lavender, orange, and peppermint on my son’s forearms and back. I use these oils to aid in relaxing, focusing, and opening up his mind. I have a very active son who gets easily distracted; this blend helps him focus on his studies.
Night…
Part of staying balanced and healthy is, getting a good nights sleep. Lavender and Vetiver are my favorites in this area. The bedtime routine in my home involves placing Lavender essential oil, sometimes along with other oils depending on what is going on, in the diffuser sometimes 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. This helps calm the environment as my son prepares to go to sleep.
It’s my way of saying it is time for bed without having to hear him and haw that goes along with it. Sometimes I laugh when my son realizes its on and tries to turn it off. Most of the times its too late, the scent is already in the air and in his system… and asleep he goes when it is time.
The days when Lavender isn’t enough, out comes Vetiver. On the days where my son is still up bouncing around past his bedtime; one drop of Vetiver essential oil placed on temples and spine (only one drop). Out like a light he goes, usually 30 min.
I usually will tell him to lay in bed or that he can color at his desk; nine times out of ten he is sleep within thirty minutes for the rest of the night.
Homework…I do not know of anyone excited to do homework or if there is an oil to help. BUT the properties of some essential oils have the ability to help increase oxygenation to the brain which can help with mental alertness while also calming and focusing the mind.
Depending on the day, how the house feels, or how I feel the blend/scent changes. I have recently tried blending Ceaderwood and orange together and this seems to lighten the environment and set the tone for focus.
Learning about oils has truly been a blessing. Researching the benefits they have for our bodies is mind-blowing. The more I learn the more of a spiritual connection I feel with God. My son is also learning about oils and now acts for them when he is not feeling well or wanting to go to sleep. We are reconnecting with the Earth and what God has provided for us.
Tell me about your regimen for your kids. Everyone is different share your information with others. Let’s create a community which promotes and spreads information about wellness.
Jasmine Hutchinson BSN. RN. PHN
ReachWellness oil blend store is now LIVE at www.Etsy.com/shop/ReachWellness
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