Essential oils are really popular right now, but getting started with them can be overwhelming. It is helpful to have a guide that can teach you how to use them safely and effectively.
In the past couple months I have started to learn more about them. It's been great to have the guidance of Young Living distributor Ashley Grice.
She is a fantastic resource, and we are excited to share this guest blog written by her...
Back-to-School Wellness with Essential Oils
August always brings with it a sense of anticipation and excitement, but there’s nothing quite like the anticipation (and maybe even anxious-laden uncertainty) that we’re being met with this Back-to-School season. Whether your little ones are heading back for in-person education in the classroom, exploring e-learning options from home, or you’re homeschooling for the first (or fifteenth!) time, protecting the physical and emotional well-being of our Littles is at the forefront of our minds.
While we are faced with lots of different choices and decisions as parents, the good news is that keeping them supported and healthy as they embark on -what will likely feel like- a new adventure this year doesn’t have to be overwhelming or difficult.
Young Living Essential Oils has been supporting families on their wellness journeys for over 25 years, and the following are some of my family’s favorite essential oil singles, oil blends, and oil-infused products that have allowed us to experience exceptional health outcomes.
First, all things THIEVES!
Even if you’ve never used essential oils before, you’ve likely heard about this incredible oil blend and its use for overall wellness and immune system support. And those who have used it before know exactly why this is the first essential oil I’d never want to be without!
Young Living’s Thieves oil blend was inspired by the 15th century legend of French thieves who formulated a combination of aromatic herbs and oils that was highly effective in supporting their bodies amidst the bubonic plague that had been ravaging Europe during that time.
This brilliant arrangement of botanicals known for their antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-infectious properties allowed these thieves to rob those who had fallen victim to the plague without becoming ill themselves. If ever there was a time where we could use extra protection and support for our respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems, it’s now!
Thieves oil blend is a powerful combination of Clove, Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata, Cinnamon Bark, and Rosemary oils. It fills any space with a rich, warm, spicy aroma, and when diffused, has been proven to reduce harmful airborne bacteria by over 99%. Thieves oil can be diffused in an essential oil diffuser, applied topically with a carrier oil to one’s chest or back, the bottoms of feet (a favorite before bedtime!), or taken internally as a dietary supplement. Thieves oil blend also comes in a convenient, pre-diluted roller for easy application; I highly recommend having both on hand to easily experience all of the different uses.
Thieves Inspired Wellness Products
Thieves oil has also inspired an entire line of wellness products that safely and effectively support numerous body systems. For Back-to-School specifically, we highly recommend the following.
Thieves Waterless Hand Sanitizer: Kicks 99.99% of harmful germs to the curb! Free of harmful and toxic ingredients found in most mainstream brands, Thieves Hand Sanitizer is infused with soothing aloe vera gel, Thieves oil blend and Peppermint essential oil. 1oz bottles make it easy to keep healthy on the go; pop into coat pockets, lunch containers, backpacks, attach to diaper bags, hang on the outside of purses, and connect to keychains. We have them in literally all of these places!
Thieves Spray: Perfect for on-contact cleansing and disinfecting, Thieves spray is ideal for use on door handles, shopping carts, cell phone cases, steering wheels, and literally any surface that needs to be germ-free without saturated cleaning. My favorite daily use for Thieves Spray is on our masks! Facial masks are excellent at trapping dirt, dust, airborne debris, and become breeding grounds for bacteria. Give the inside and outside of you mask a spray between thorough washes, and you can breathe a little easier knowing you won’t be compromising your health in an attempt to protect it.
Thieves Lozenges and Cough Drops: Pop one of these delicious lozenges at the first sign of a throat tickle, and you’ll be sure to keep sore throats and coughs at bay. We love the lozenges for wellness support when visiting doctor offices and hospitals, when the office coworker is hacking in the cubicle next to you, or anytime you just want to enjoy the virus and bacteria-fighting powerhouse that is Thieves oil in your mouth and throat.
Thieves Household Cleaner: Imagine all of the powerful antiviral and harmful germ-fighting power of Thieves in a single cleaner that you can safely use on every surface of your home! Whereas chemical-based cleaners contain ingredients that have the potential to cause lung
damage, severe respiratory irritation, ocular impairment, and significant endocrine disruption, Thieves Household Cleaner is both safe and effective, and actually *supports* wellness in all of the above mentioned areas. This highly concentrated formula uses only about a capful per 16oz water-filled spray bottle. That means one bottle lasts a LONG time while saving you money and time, with the bonus of so much peace of mind.
Oils (and Oil Blends) to Support an Ideal HEALTHY Learning Environment
Orange: Both calming and uplifting, Orange essential oil is excellent for promoting positive moods and reducing feelings of stress. Orange is great on its own or combined with other citrus or floral scents for the perfect mood supportive oil experience.
Lavender: Probably one of the most popular and well-known essential oils in existence, Lavender is wonderful at promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety and insomnia, supporting healthy skin, and soothing cuts, burns, & other irritations.
Stress Away: This dreamy combination of Lime, Copaiba, Frankincense, and vanilla extract relieves nervous tension and brings on an instant feeling of relaxation. Nicknamed “vacation in a bottle,” this blend smells amazing in a diffuser and feels great applied to the insides of wrists or
worn as a perfume.
Peace & Calming: Much like the oil above, this promotes an incredibly calming environment that supports overall contentment and a deep sense of peace. Perfect to diffuse at bedtime or in a car diffuser at school pickup, this helps to release any stress or bottled emotion that may be holding us back from feelings like our best selves.
Valor: Perfect for first-day jitters or whenever anxiousness is taking center stage. Apply over the heart before yoga, prayer, or meditation for a deeper sense of grounding and concentration. A drop of Valor on the insides of our children’s masks can help to give them a sense of calm and
confidence that lasts all day.
Raven: Keep your airways clear and refreshed with this uplifting blend of oils like Ravintsara, Lemon, Wintergreen, and Eucalyptus Radiata. Diffuse generously in a family space, apply a drop to the inside of masks, or rub topically over the chest and throat for respiratory support and
comfort.
KidScents GeneYus blend: This soothing and earthy aroma is perfect for helping to ease feelings of stress and distraction, as well as boosting a clearer mind and mental/emotional grounding. A blend of cognitive supporting oils like Frankincense, Cedarwood, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, and Cypress help to maintain better focus and instill confidence to take on whatever challenge they meet. (Like all KidScents Oil blends, GeneYus is prediluted and safe for your little ones.)
Supporting Our Body's Immune System
It's imperative to keep our bodies supported and well nourished as we encounter whatever life decides to throw at us this Fall. Whether it’s the possibility of illness and viral particles, exposure to pesticides and chemicals in our food and water, or the massive chemical disinfecting that is happening in full force in both our classrooms and public spaces, we need to make sure our bodies are prepared.
NingXia Red is a whole-body, whole-food nutrient infusion featuring Wolfberry puree, superfruit extracts, and citrus essential oils. Loaded with things like antioxidants, Vitamin C, Zinc, and oleanolic acid, this delicious beverage packs a mega punch of immune support at just 2oz a day.
NingXia Red supplies the body with vital antioxidants and phytonutrients, while helping prevent oxidative stress. In addition to supporting a robust immune system, NingXia Red supports healthy energy levels without stimulants or synthetic ingredients. Your kids will love the taste and you’ll love the health benefits. Every member of our home has 2 ounces daily and it has been years since any of us have experienced as much as a stuffy nose!
Recipes for Diffusing Oils
In closing, I wanted to share some of my favorite Back-to-School diffuser recipes. Few things can create a positive, serene atmosphere, supportive of concentration and motivation like essential oils. In addition to reducing airborne dust particles and supporting overall respiratory health, diffusing essential oils have the ability to intensely impact our mood and emotions. As oils enter the brain through inhalation, first making contact with the olfactory nerves, they impact the amygdala, which is the emotional center of the brain. Likewise, the Limbic System is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, memory, breathing, hormone balance, and stress levels. This is why a smell can trigger such a powerful emotional response in us.
We know this year will likely feel unlike any school year in distant memory, but my hope is that with the suggestions and recommendations above, you can head into September with a sense of confidence, anticipation, and - most importantly - hope.
- Ashley
Ashley Grice
Ashley is a Christ-loving, homeschooling mom of three busy little boys, and is expecting her first baby girl before the end of the year. Passionate about gentle parenting and natural living, Ashley found herself journeying into a health-conscious lifestyle while pregnant with her first son in 2012. Seeking out safe but effective ways to clean her home, she stumbled upon Young Living essential oils, and quickly realized these little bottles had so many more uses than mere DIY cleaning recipes.
Fast forward almost eight years, and Ashley’s whole life has seemingly been transformed. From meeting the unique health needs of her husband who works in the field of public education and coaching competitive sports, to healing every bump, bruise, and big emotion her boys come across, she’s been able to witness first hand how powerfully Young Living essential oils can support their bodies and keep them all in an optimal state of wellness.
Ashley’s love for essential oil education has been shared with hundreds of friends an family members, and she feels honored to support a growing community of oil users both locally and across the United States. She hopes to eventually become a certified aromatherapist, and presently maintains an active passion in homeschooling her boys, preparing for another healthy and empowering homebirth, and creating a home environment that honors her commitment to God and her family.
If you would like to explore oils, Ashley would love to work with you. She is most easily reached through her Facebook account, but you can also call or text her at 630-915-4274.