Homeschool Essential Oil Recipes

As a mother who has been long retired from homeschooling, if asked, I will tell you that I loved every minute of it.  It's funny how the mind works, because I really do feel that way, but given time to reflect, I have to say that I didn't love every minute.  I did love being a homeschool mom, and the fact that I remember it so fondly a says to me that the benefits far outweighed the challenges.  Without really reflecting, I have all but forgotten the days when nothing seemed to go right, when a child was sick, or the days when I felt ill-equipped for the task.  God has a way of gifting me all of those precious memories, while moving the most difficult times to the back of the memory bank so they are there when we are called to sympathize with another homeschool mom who is in need of some encouragement.

Lately, I have found many families in need of encouragement.  While many who gather here are homeschool veterans, there are even more who are trying to navigate their way for the first time with so many public schools implementing distance learning.

The truth is, whether you are a homeschooling family in the traditional sense, a family enrolled in the public school system that is being taught remotely, or a parent who struggles through homework time, there are challenges that come with homeschooling.  There are some things that can make it easier. For one, learning to lay aside the idea that your experience will look like anyone else's, and to come to the understanding that it is okay to learn along with your child.  You don't have to go into teaching knowing everything.  In fact, I found that there is a lot of joy and excitement found in children who watch their parents learning along side of them. It's a lesson in being humble and not being afraid of something new.

Essential oils are a great tool for families, especially when living the homeschool life.  Struggling with staying focused, lack of concentration, overtired children and adults, and bad attitudes are all a part of educating children. 

The individual essential oils that I have found to be the most useful for homeschooling are Rosemary, Peppermint, and citrus oils. Use individual citrus essential oils, or a convenient combination like Citrus Pop. 

Did you know that peppermint, rosemary, and lemon have all been shown to aid in the support of cognitive function?  In addition, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Citrus Pop, work well for energizing reluctant risers without adding nervous energy, and this same combo is a great aid for concentration, and even recall.

NOTE: The suggestions in this article are for diffusing in the homeschool area.  Not all essentials are child safe for diffusing in closed bedroom spaces, or applied topically.  For topical application or for diffusing in a child's room, choose child safe essential oils.

-> Printable Recipe Cards 1-3

-> Printable Recipe Cards 4-6

Wake Up and Focus

Sometimes the hardest part of the homeschooling day is getting things moving.  Adding this to our morning routine, as well as those times where we had someone at the table who just wasn't in the game has helped us tremendously.

Wake Up & Focus: 3 drops Lemon, 3 drops Rosemary, and 2 drops Peppermint

For a ready to use blend, try Kitchen.

Settle Down to Work

For times when one of your children seems to be distracted with a serious case of 'ant in the  pants', combining Lavender, Mandarin, and Chamomile can really help. While Lavender and Mandarin have the reputation for putting you to sleep, it is only because of their ability to calm and relax.  There are no strong sedative properties in these essential oils.

Settle Down to Work: 4 drops Lavender, 4 Drops Mandarin, 2 drops Chamomile

For a ready to use blend, try Calm Down.

ADHD Attention Getter

Homeschooling is especially challenging when one of your children struggle with ADD or ADHD. The essential oils in the Settle Down to Work recipe may be enough, but Vetiver has been shown to help those with ADD and ADHD. 

ADHD Attention Getter: 4 Drops Vetiver, 4 Drops Lavender, 4 Drops Citrus Pop, 2 Drops Spearmint

For a ready to use blend, try Study.

Mood Booster

Everything is more difficult when one of your homeschooling members, mother or child, are in a bad mood. Try this combination to lighten the mood and soothe irritability. 

Mood Booster:  3 drops Frankincense, 4 drops Sweet Orange, 4 drops Bergamot

For a ready to use blend, try Frank & Myrrh or Baby Bliss.

Kid's Sleep Blend

Patience, learning, and joy come easier to a well rested mind and body. Essential oils are one of my personal favorite tools for sleep, even over many other modalities.

Kid's Sleep Blend: 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Marjoram, 2 drops Clary Sage

For a ready to use blend, try Sleep.

Room Freshener

There are many oils that clean and freshen the air. Blockade Multi-Purpose is one of my personal favorites, but it is easy to make your own diffuser blend that works well for the job.

Room Freshener: 4 drops Tea Tree, 4 drops Lemon, 2 drops Lemon Eucalyptus

For a ready to use blend, try Blockade Kids

-> Printable Recipe Cards 1-3

-> Printable Recipe Cards 4-6

I hope that you enjoy these recipes. May your homeschooling journey, whether temporary or long term, be a blessing to the lives of each and every one of your family members. For more school time essential oil recipes, see Best Back to School Printable Recipes.