Aromatherapy for ‘back to school’ support
So, the summer holidays are nearly over and September means back to school!
Some children are delighted to go back to school; others need a little more encouragement. Maybe your child is starting school for the first time or moving schools. This is an exciting time but also an anxious one too.
Let’s explore how aromatherapy can support you and your family as the new school year begins.
Here are a few suggestions to make that transition easier.
Anxiety
Anxiety in children often shows up as a physical symptom, most commonly as a tummy ache. You might have heard the growing discussion around the connection between gut health and mental well-being. When we feel stressed or anxious, our body’s fight-or-flight response kicks in. This response redirects blood flow away from the digestive system, which can lead to feelings of queasiness, nausea, or a general ache in the stomach. It’s a powerful reminder of how closely our minds and bodies are linked.
I would suggest making a soothing massage blend with the following essential oils.
It’s important to use the correct dilution of essential oils so please see dilutions below for different age groups.
For your child starting school, age 4- 5, the dilution is 4 drops of essential oil in 20 ml of base oil
2 drops of Mandarin Citrus reticulata
1 drop of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
1 drop of Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis
If your child is moving up to secondary school, age 11, the dilution is 8 drops of essential oil in 20 ml of base oil
4 drops of Mandarin Citrus reticulata
2 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
2 drops of Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis
Using the dilutions mentioned above, take a little of your blend and spend some time massaging your child’s tummy, feet, back or anywhere they feel might be nice. If you are working over the abdomen, it’s best to massage in clockwise circles around the belly button.
Massage can work wonders to reduce anxiety and encourage conversation around feelings of anxiety or stress. A great time to do this is at bedtime as the blend will also aid a good night’s sleep.
Coughs and colds
Children catch numerous coughs and colds in their early years as their immune systems develop and strengthen. However, starting or returning to school tends to be a key moment when these illnesses spike, as increased exposure to other children makes it easier for germs to spread.
Using essential oils at home to help with sniffles can be an effective way to reduce congestion and other cold/cough symptoms.
A diffuser is a great way to use your essential oils for coughs and colds. At the first sign of a sniffle add the following drops to your diffuser.
Please follow the drop guidelines for different ages.
For your child starting school, age 4 – 5, you can use up to 4 drops of essential oil to your diffuser, try the following combination.
2 drops of Lemon – Citrus limonum
2 drops of Myrtle – Myrtus communis
If your child is moving up to secondary school, age 11, you can use up to 6 drops of essential oil to your diffuser
3 drops of Lemon – Citrus limonum
3 drops of Myrtle – Myrtus communis
The most effective spot to place a diffuser for the whole family to reap the benefits, is in the hallway, where the essential oils can circulate throughout your home. If you’d like to use a diffuser in your child’s bedroom, switch it on about 30 minutes before bedtime to allow their room to fill with the aroma. However, it’s important to turn it off once your child goes to bed.
Good luck with easing back into the routine.
Any questions or queries please get in touch.