The Best Essential Oils for Back to School

People have been using essential oils to soothe, uplift and heal both the body and mind for centuries.

Essential oils enter the body through the skin and/or via the olfactory system, an internal system that serves our sense of smell. When particles enter the body through the nostrils, they are redirected toward other parts of the body and brain, mainly the respiratory system, nervous system, and limbic system - or the “emotional brain”.

This gives significance to the products and smells that we inhale. Many essential oils contain natural properties which can boost everything from relaxation and sleep to focus and concentration.

In addition to this, smell is the strongest sense we have in relation to memory recollection. A whiff of your mother’s perfume or the smell of a favorite childhood food can stimulate your memory in a way that no other sense can. This adds an extra layer of effectiveness to essential oils.

Harnessed in the right way, they can be used to support memory recollection during exams or help you become more familiar with a subject as you study it. You may also use them for emotional or sleep support when a consistent rest schedule becomes difficult to manage.

Depending on the type of essential oil you are using, you can naturally influence your mental, emotional and physical state for the better.

Which oils should I use for going back to school?

Nature has ensured that we have loads of options to choose from. Long gone are the days when all you could find to buy was lavender or tea tree. In today’s world, we are lucky enough to have access to everything from cinnamon to Roman chamomile essential oils.

With this newfound accessibility, it is easier to identify essential oils that meet more specific therapeutic needs. You can find essential oils for focus, essential oils for studying, and essential oils for unwinding.

Some of the best back to school essential oil blends are citrus or garden herb based as opposed to flower or tree bark based, which are useful for other purposes.

The best essential oils for studying

Volant’s wide range of 100% organic essential oils includes several that should be in your school bag. These are the best essential oils for studying:

Bergamot 

Bergamot is a sweet, aromatic citrus fruit predominantly grown and cultivated in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Its Latin name is Citrus bergamia, and the essential oil extracted from this fruit is altogether bitter, sweet and extremely fragrant. It is also the plant used to flavor Earl Grey tea.

Bergamot Essential Oil is one of the many great essential oils for reducing anxiety and uplifting mood. With both a calming and energizing effect, bergamot works as a beautiful pick-me-up for mornings or moments that need a little zest.

A study from 2017 found that people who inhaled bergamot essential oil at a mental health facility waiting room experienced a decrease in stress and an increase in positive feelings. A 2015 study had similar findings, with the aroma of bergamot reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, and reducing fatigue.

Peppermint 

Volant’s Peppermint Essential Oil is one of the most popular, and for good reason. This highly refreshing and invigorating Mentha piperita makes an excellent mental booster and can even help you absorb and retain information.

In a 2008 study, a large group of volunteers were administered peppermint oil or placebo via aromatherapy and then had their cognitive performance tested. Those who had inhaled the peppermint oil showed significantly increased alertness and memory recollection.

Lemon 

Another potent citrus oil, lemon is an excellent mood booster for when you feel drained, tired or fatigued. Dubbed Citrus limon in Latin, the bright, sour lemon fruit is used in all sorts of ways for its antibacterial properties, ability to improve digestion as well as gut alkalization.

If you need something zesty, bright and refreshing to elevate your mood and mental state before a class, to enhance your learning while studying or to boost your brain function during projects or exams, Lemon Essential Oil can deliver that with a few deep inhalations.

A study from 2006 showed that mice who were exposed to organic lemon oil experienced accelerated mental processing and antidepressant effects. The same study also indicated that lemon oil could be used to alleviate stress-induced nausea.

A review on citrus oils cited a study on students who inhaled lemon essential oil found that it boosted “attention levels, concentration, cognitive performance, mood and memory of students during the learning process.” Other studies have found that it also enhances creativity, helps speed up mental performance and has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

Rosemary 

Even though rosemary is best known for its culinary potential, this herb has much more to offer than just a dinner roast. Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean, Rosmarinus officinalis produces a deeply herbal, aromatic fragrance with potent floral tones.

Volant’s organic Rosemary Essential Oil is one of the best essential oils for both concentration and calming an overly active mind. It can also be used for gastrointestinal support if you struggle with anxiety-induced stomach pains. If you get anxious and nervous while learning or during tests, rosemary essential oil would work well for you.

A 2020 study from the National Library of Medicine found that volunteers who inhaled rosemary essential oil experienced decreased cortisol (stress) levels, heightened mood and improved performance during exams.

How to use essential oils for studying

So, you’re interested in using essential oils for focus and concentration while adjusting back into the school routine. Great! But how can you incorporate them into your day in a way that is easy, simple and accessible during school or study hours?

Here are some ideas.

Apply topically to the skin

Dilute your essential oil(s) with a carrier oil such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil for your own personal, uplifting balm for when the mental pressure is building. You can apply the balm to the insides of your wrists, behind your ears and on your neck, or dab it just under your nose for a gentle diffusion throughout the day. Just make sure to dilute it well, especially if it is a potent oil.

Inhale directly

If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, rub a drop or two of essential oil into your palms (diluted with a carrier oil if needed) and cup them over your nose and mouth. Inhale and exhale the fragrance completely for a rejuvenating olfactory boost. Or even quicker (but not as long lasting), just take the lid off and inhale directly from the bottle!

Steam shower before class

You can set the tone for a productive, active day by starting it off with comforting essential oil steam. Add a few drops to the floor of your shower and allow the vapors to rise upwards while you inhale them.

Use a spritzer

These are especially great in summer. Add a few drops of your favorite oil(s) to a small glass spray bottle and fill with purified water. Simply shake and spritz the air around you whenever you need a fragrant burst of energy to get you through your project or study session.

Use a diffuser

Volant’s range of stylish Scandinavian minimalist, modern diffusers are effective yet elegant. You can add a few drops of your preferred oil(s) to the diffuser and let it infuse the air around you. Ideal for use before or after school or if you want to use essential oils for concentration while studying, this is one of the most effective options.

As you can see, there are loads of different ways to use essential oils for studying that are easy, practical and accessible no matter where you are. Even younger children can be taught these methods of essential oil use to help cope with school-related stress, lack of concentration or fatigue.

Back to school essential oil blends

If you like the idea of using a combination of essential oils for focus, you can choose from our wide range of organic essential oil blends designed for enhancing specific moods.

There is an essential oil blend for focus, relaxation, energy boosting and even sleep. Together, these oil blends can set you up for a more well-rounded mental and emotional state so that you’re in the best headspace possible for learning and cognitive growth.

Whether you need to pep yourself up for a test or unwind after writing one, these five back to school essential oil blends from Volant are here to support you on your journey.

Energy 

Utilizing the power of citrus, our Energy Essential Oil Blend contains Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot and Amyris. With all the chaos that goes on in this world, it’s useful to have a resource you can rely on to bring you back to life with fresh energy and enthusiasm – and that’s what this blend is all about.

Relax 

If you’re feeling nervous or uncertain about a new subject or simply about going back to school after a break, having a relaxing blend on hand can help you manage those uncomfortable feelings. Volant’s Relax Blend is created using Ylang Ylang, Palma Rosa, Grapefruit and Eucalyptus – all oils which promote calmness, relaxation and ease.

Focus 

Focus forms a huge part of what academics and learning requires of us. Without focus, completing tasks and achieving success can be very difficult. Volant’s organic essential oil blend Focus contains Rosemary, Clementine, Cinnamon and Vanilla essential oils for an uplifting, invigorating burst of mental energy, clarity and concentration.

Breathe 

Sometimes, all you need to do in order to overcome a challenge is simply breathe. The organic Breathe Blend from Volant harnesses the therapeutic properties of Wild Orange, Lavender, Magnolia and Copaiba to help ground, soothe and comfort you while opening up your airways and allowing the oxygen to flow when you need to take a moment and recharge.

Sleep

Proper rest is a crucial part of constructive learning and memory retention. Without sleep, trying to absorb new information becomes very difficult.

Volant’s Sleep Blend contains Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Palma Rosa and Frankincense to help promote the production of sleep hormones and aid you as you transition into deep, restorative rest so you can relax, fall asleep faster and get a better quality sleep.

Guide to buying essential oils for back to school

When purchasing any of these oils, be sure to look for a 100% pure essential oil - not an extract. This ensures that you're getting an authentic product with all the therapeutic benefits of a raw, purified oil. If it’s organic, even better! All of Volant’s oils meet these criteria and can give you the boost your brain and body need. The oil blends Energy, Relax, Focus, Breathe and Sleep are also original Volant blends that can only be found on our website.

FAQ 

Q: Are Volant essential oils safe for children?
A: Yes, Volant’s range of essential oils and blends are safe for both adults and children over 6 to use aromatically. This makes them perfect for use for back to school.

Q: What are carrier oils and why should I use them?
A: Carrier oils are milder, more neutral natural oils rich in fatty acids that serve as a dilution agent for essential oils that are too potent on their own. Fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil are some of the most common carrier oils, but you could also use grapeseed, avocado or sweet almond oil.

Q: Can I use essential oils while pregnant?
A: Most essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, but some are known to carry a higher risk of causing skin irritation or allergic reaction. Some essential oils to avoid using during pregnancy include Oregano, Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot and Chamomile. If you are uncertain, consult a doctor before using any essential oils – even if they are organic. 

Get into the back to school mood

Going back to school can be a daunting experience that can lead to stress and anxiety. However, with the right tools in hand, anyone can cultivate healthy coping mechanisms to improve their mental state and boost their mood for better learning.

Essential oils are one of the simplest, most effective and nicest-smelling ways to combat minor fatigue, poor memory and stress.

With the support of natural herbs, plants, flowers and fruits, everyone can benefit from the many healing properties that essential oils contain and use them to push their educational experience to the next level. Using essential oils for concentration and going back to school is easier than ever.

Whether you need essential oils for concentration before an important test or exam, to deliver a burst of refreshing energy before starting the school day or just to put you in a better mood, Volant’s organic essential oils and blends can help you.