Teachers know how hard it can be to keep all their students focused and on task. A quiet, serene classroom with students working diligently is often considered the impossible dream. While essential oils aren’t a magical cure for kids’ craziness, certain oils can aid in focus, concentration, calmness, and general feelings of well being, according to Laurie von Holdt, an essential oil wellness advocate.

Before diffusing any essential oils in your classroom, check with your administration, school nurse, and parents. While oils are completely safe for most children, you’ll want to make sure none of your students have allergies or medical conditions that can be negatively affected by them. You’ll also want to look for oils that are unadulterated, such as DoTerra so you can be sure you’re only diffusing pure oils.

Once you get the green light, here are some quick facts about specific oils and their various classroom effects to get you started.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored or endorsed by any essential oil company or essential oil representative.

Essential oils for the classroom!
Via @your_essential_educator

1. Improve focus and concentration

Lemon

If you’re looking for an oil that does several jobs at the same time, lemon is a strong option. Not only can lemon oil help students calm down and focus on their schoolwork, but it can also help boost the immune system and keep infections at bay. Additionally, a couple drops of lemon oil in your diffuser might help students center themselves and boost their mood.

Lime

Similar to lemon, lime oil can help with mental clarity and is a great way to focus students through a quick-paced lesson.

Orange

Like lemon oil, orange oil can help with focus and concentration, but it may also act as a memory aid. Diffuse a bit of orange when your students are learning new spelling words or working on memorizing math facts.

Grapefruit

Like other citrus oils, grapefruit oil is a good way to help encourage focus and concentration, but it can also help boost mood. Grapefruit oil might also help improve the immune system and keep the air in your classroom fresh and smelling clean.

Rosemary

Not only does rosemary smell great, but it is also one of the most recommended oils for concentration and memory. Just a couple drops are all you need because it has a powerful smell.

Vetiver

Vetiver had three great benefits in the classroom. It promotes focus and concentration, it helps calm the mind, and it can soothe anxious feelings.

Frankincense

This oil smells great, but it can also help children focus and have a clear mind. It also promotes memory and can help soothe anxiety.

FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION OIL BLEND

FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids

Try this blend for focus and concentration: 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of lime, 2 drops of Frankincense, and 2 drops of peppermint.

2. Motivate students to learn

Peppermint

If your students need a pick-me-up or you are having trouble motivating them to learn, put a few drops of peppermint in your classroom diffuser. Peppermint is an energetic oil and can help give dragging kids a burst of energy. If you or your students are complaining of a headache, peppermint can also help ease the pain. It can also help promote clear breathing.

Ginger

A few drops of ginger oil in your classroom diffuser can help students with memory. Try diffusing it while studying for a test or presenting new information.

Wild orange

Like peppermint, wild orange is an energizing oil. It can inspire creativity and productivity, boost concentration, and help ease mental fatigue.

Spanish sage

When you’re presenting new information or asking students to recall what they’ve already learned, add a few drops of Spanish sage to your diffuser. It helps with mental performance, memory and recall, and alertness.

CLASSROOM MOTIVATION BLEND

classroom motivation, motivate students to learn, OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids
classroom motivation, motivate students to learn, OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids

Try this blend to motivate students: 3 drops of peppermint and 3 drops of wild orange. Or encourage good memory with 1 drop each of rosemary, basil, lime, bergamot, and ginger.

3. Calm a rowdy class

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most common and well-known essential oils, and it has a pleasant and calming scent. Diffusing lavender in your classroom can help students calm themselves by helping to reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Put a few drops of lavender oil in your diffuser right after recess or PE to help your students calm down and get back into classroom mode.

Bergamot

This oil smells a bit fruity and flowery, and the plant is one of the main ingredients in Earl Grey tea. A few drops of bergamot can help calm your students and relieve agitation. It can also help increase feelings of well-being and ease symptoms of anxiety.

Cedarwood

This oil smells like nature and can help soothe anxious feelings, calm the mind, and bring mental clarity.

Douglas fir

Douglas fir is another oil that smells like nature. It can help relieve mental fog and calm children down.

CALM A ROWDY CLASS BLEND

Calm your class down with 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of bergamot. Three drops of lavender and 2 drops of cedarwood is another calming blend.

calm a rowdy class, motivate students to learn, OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids
calm a rowdy class, motivate students to learn, OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids

4. Keep yourself and your students healthy

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another strong oil that can mask other odors in your classroom. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help kill germs in your classroom and keep your students healthy.

Clove

Clove is another antibacterial and antiviral oil that can help keep your classroom less germy and better smelling. It can also support memory. A few drops of clove oil in your diffuser is all it takes to start reaping these benefits.

Eucalyptus

When cold season descends upon your classroom, eucalyptus oil is a great one to have on hand. When diffused, it can help ease symptoms of congestion because it acts as an anti-inflammatory. Teachers all know that congested kids have a harder time concentrating, so in a roundabout way, eucalyptus might also help your students focus on their assignments.

Melaleuca (tea tree)

This oil can clean and purify your classroom air. Melaleuca can also help ease symptoms of congestion, colds, and coughs, and help bring about feelings of calm.

HEALTHY CLASSROOM BLEND

Try combining 5 drops of melaleuca and 4 drops of clove or keep germs away with 3 drops of melaleuca, 2 drops of lavender, and 2 drops of lemon.

healthy classroom, keeps the germs away, motivate students to learn, OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids
healthy classroom, keeps the germs away, motivate students to learn, OIL BLEND , The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in the Classroom, oils for kids

Mix oils for stronger effects

While using one oil at a time can certainly offer benefits, mixing oils together can offer your students even more benefits. When your class gets a bit wild, diffuse lavender and bergamot together. If you need your class to get motivated, diffuse a few drops of peppermint with any of the citrus oils. If several of your students are feeling unwell, diffuse a combination of cinnamon, clove, and melaleuca. When students need to think and ground themselves, try blending lemon, peppermint, and vetiver.

Another great technique to try in your classroom is to choose what oils you’ll diffuse during the instruction part of your lessons. Diffuse the same oils when giving your students a test over that material. This helps memory connections happen.

Whatever oils you choose to diffuse in your classroom, your students will benefit!

The Best Essential Oils to Diffuse in Your Classroom