Summer is coming to an early close for Las Vegas valley students. Back-to-school ads fill the airwaves, while anticipation fills the thoughts of eager minds ready to begin a new school year. As I write this, Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 fills my ears with relaxing melodies steadily soothing my mind.
I am often asked by friends and teachers for advice on how to help children increase focus both in the classroom and at home. No matter what your age, these easy-to-implement natural solutions help support increased concentration, mental clarity, and alertness when you need it most.
Frankincense
Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness when inhaled or diffused. In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin.
I love using this highly aromatic essential oil sourced from Somalia because of its inherent ability to awaken feelings of enlightenment, wisdom, discernment, and a connection to the truth. Rich in sesquiterpenes, this oil has the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier for almost instantaneous transformative effects. Simply inhale from the bottle, or rub a few drops of this comforting oil directly on your temples or behind the neck for direct access to your brain.
Peppermint
The peppermint plant is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and was described by Carl Linneaus in 1753. A high menthol content—like that found in the dōTERRA Peppermint essential oil—distinguishes the best quality Peppermint from other products.
According to a published study by the US National Library of Medicine, “Peppermint aroma caused improvement on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response. “
USES:
- Diffuse with Wild Orange during homework / home study.
- Place drops of peppermint in palm of hand, rub hands together and cup hands over nose and inhale deeply. (avoid direct contact with the eyes!- ouch!)
- Use during test preparation to promote alertness and active learning.
- Bonus: calms upset stomach (think pre-test jitters or classroom bullies)
Rosemary
Rosemary is known as the Oil of Knowledge & Transition. According to Emotions & Essential Oils, a go-to reference book for the emotional properties of essential oils,
“Rosemary assists individuals who struggle with learning disabilities. It brings expansion to the mind, supporting individuals in receiving new information and new experiences. Rosemary aids in times of transition and change. When a person is having a difficult time adjusting to a new house, school, or relationship, this oil can assist. “
USES:
- Diffuse while studying to maintain concentration.
- Take internally to help reduce nervous tension and occasional fatigue.
- use aromatically to support increase memory function.
In Tune-The Focus Blend
In Tune is a proprietary blend of essential oils carefully selected for their ability to enhance and sustain a sense of focus. No matter your age, staying focused on the task at hand is sometimes difficult. This is especially critical during the formative years when learning and growing create habits and a foundation for life.
The carefully selected essential oils in doTERRA’s In Tune Focus Blend work together, supporting efforts of those who have difficulty paying attention and staying on task. Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Lime promote a sense of clarity, while the benefits of Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, and Roman Chamomile are calming and soothing. The pleasing aroma of In Tune makes this essential oil blend an easy and delightful one to use.
USES:
- Apply to the temples and back of neck when doing tasks that require concentration.
- Apply to wrists or back of hands and inhale deeply to promote a sense of clarity.
- Use In Tune at work to stay on task or when feeling tired mid-afternoon.
- Dispense In Tune on a clay pendant and place on a desk or in other key areas in a classroom.
CHEERS! to a GREAT start of a new school year for students, teachers, and parents!
P.S. Wish I had the In Tune Blend during my formative years…. maybe I would not have been tied with ropes into my desk in 2nd grade for wandering around the classroom. 😂
Stand In Love, Jen
Stand In Love 