Essential Oils Research - Can they be used effectively in the classroom?

Essential Oils, what?


A while ago, my friend and co-worker had a doTerra essential oils party at her house. She's been using them at home for some time and really finds them useful. Since we're both teachers, we started to brainstorm to see if there were any applications for the classroom. We both teach special education students and there's a lot out there about teachers who use essential oils in their classrooms. First though, some general information before we get too far into the discussion of EOs in the classroom.

1. I'm not endorsing any one brand of essential oils. There are varying degrees of quality and price for any number of companies. Personally, it really depends on what you are using the EO for.
2. Do your research! Dabbling is not always beneficial. Be sure you are getting your information from someone who knows what they are talking about!
3. Before you use EOs in your classroom, check with parents. You never know what a kid might be allergic to.
4. Not all diffusers are created equal. My $30 Now EO diffuser from Amazon.com works well, so does my $20 one from Wal Mart! However, I would not recommend that you use a diffuser that sucks up the H2O from a straw/filter. I bought a $10 one from Wal Mart to try out (see if it would work for my classroom) and it was awful.  No scent other than melting plastic and the citrus blend I had in the diffuser (5 drops!) started to erode the innards! Quality is important, people!

Ok, so in the classroom - what would work? Could we use EOs effectively to help focus and calm students OR focus and keep them awake! The research has begun and so far, the studies are inconclusive. In Europe, some German schools have had great success. In the states, not so much. Additionally, EOs can be very personalized and this makes it hard to determine whether or not they're effective. Moreover, to evaluate changes in student performance can be very subjective.


For next year, there will be a lot more research done on my part. There has to be more peer reviewed studies out there! Plus, I'll do my own research with some tracking forms to see how well it does with my populous.


If you're using essential oils in the classroom - leave a comment on how it's going for you! The more information the better!