The reading specialist in me would like to start by giving you the main idea of this post.
I was a teacher for 20 years. I get it. There are reasons to want to use essential oils in the classroom.
There are germs. Lots of germs. A classroom is basically a breeding ground for all the microbes.
You want your students to stay focused or to keep them calm before the big class party.
Also, let’s face it, kids can smell a little less than desirable once they hit a certain age. I taught middle school. Enough said.
All are valid reasons to use essential oils…
BUT
1. Some students may be allergic to the essential oils you are diffusing. This is not something most parents are aware of so you won’t find it in their medical records. So basically, you won’t know until there is a problem.
2. Some essential oils can induce seizures or cause asthma attacks. A child I know has an asthma attack when around Frankincense. Frank is also a great essential oil for respiratory issues. So you can see that even if an essential oil is known to help support respiratory health doesn’t mean it does that for everyone. If you have students with asthma and epilepsy, you need to take my advice very seriously.
3. It can cause the opposite reaction you intended. For example, let’s say you are diffusing for the purpose of calming the students. But for certain students, it can make them more hyper. (e.g. lavender and ADHD children). Not every child will have the reaction you intend.
4. Aromas can change emotions. Have you ever smelled something and it was so awful to you that it was hard to concentrate? Same goes for kids. Not everyone will like the same scent you do.
5. Essential oils conjure up memories and sometimes those memories are bad. I know an adult who is disgusted by the smell of roses. It’s not because she dislikes the aroma, but it reminds her of her mother’s funeral. Therefore it brings a strong emotional-turned-physical response. I know there are a lot of students that have dealt with trauma in some form. You as a teacher will have no idea which scents can trigger this trauma so it is best to avoid them altogether.
So, what SHOULD you do?
1. Diffuse citrus essential oils at your desk when the students are out of the room. Do a minimal amount for a half hour. Someone that walks into your classroom should not even notice that you are diffusing. You want it barely noticeable. This will be very low risk.
2. If you are wanting to use essential oils for yourself (let’s say you have a headache or are stuffy), then use an aromastick/personal inhaler. The scent doesn’t travel with these yet can support you when you need it. Plus, they are small and portable. I carry them with me all the time.
I truly believe that teachers have the best intentions when diffusing in the classroom. They believe they are helping their students because that’s what teachers do!
Sadly, in the effort to make more essential oil sales, companies promote these unsafe practices. Therefore they become “popular” ideas and people try them without knowing any better. The misinformation out there is outrageous. Please educate yourself from professional aromatherapists whose education is not connected to a company. You won’t ever regret learning from those with your best interest, not your wallet, in mind.
