Smart Mom’s Essential Oil Family Guide For Fall/Winter

When the leaves begin to turn, the kids return to school, and the weather requires us to begin layering, Smart Moms know that it is time to shift gears on their essential oils.  Our immune systems need to be extra protected, especially when our kiddos become exposed to the new germs that begin to make the rounds in school buildings and other public places.  And then make their way back into our homes.  In addition to reviewing proper hand-washing technique and the vampire sneeze-or-cough stance, essential oils can aid you in amping up your lines of defense against the outside seasonal gunk.  As always, I suggest discussing the use of essential oils with your trusted healthcare professional before using anything new.

IMMUNE-BOOSTING BLENDS

Whether you decide to mix together your own blend or opt for one premade by a trusted company, you always want to make sure that you are using high-quality essential oils.  The best essential oils for supporting the immune system include Clove, Lemon, and Melaleuca, with the addition of Eucalyptus for kids older than 6 years.  Using these oils together in a rollerball bottle can keep your family protected and less susceptible to the threats of the season.  You will also notice below the different dilution rates that I am recommending based on your children’s ages; this will ensure that they are receiving the proper amounts of the essential oils for their bodies, but still be in tune and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.  In my book, The Smart Mom’s Guide to Essential Oils, you can find this recipe for making your own Immune-Support Blend along with many other helpful tips for keeping your family in top condition during this season.

For an easier solution, we prefer to use dōTERRA’s On Guard Protective Blend for guarding against seasonal and environmental threats at my house.  Not only has it been through rigorous testing for quality and effectiveness, but it contains a proprietary blend of essential oils carefully blended for the purpose of protecting your body against threats.  In addition, dōTERRA also has an entire line of On Guard products, including Cleaner Concentrate and Laundry Detergent, to keep your home protected as well.  On Guard Protective Blend can even be used with water as a cleaner and deodorizer around the house when mixed and shaken in a glass spray bottle.

AIR EFFECTS

Did you know an easy way to get essential oils into your family’s systems and make your house smell amazing is by diffusing?  Diffusers are amazing little machines that can disperse the essential oils into the air so that you can harness both the aromatherapeutic and physical benefits of the oils at the same time without worrying about topical application.  My favorite kind is an Ultrasonic Cool-Mist Diffuser that emits a light mist containing the essential oils into the air.  Many also have amazing Zen light features that turn them into a nightlight for kiddos who may need some help getting a restful night’s sleep.

Other ways to get these benefits may be surprising.  You can put a few drops of essential oils onto your home’s air filters so that it travels through your air ducts and home; my favorites include Clove or Citrus oils to purify and deodorize the air.  Try dōTERRA’s Purify Cleansing Blend for a fresh and effective way to rid your home of unwanted odors and support immune health at the same time.  Add a drop of your favorite seasonal scent like Peppermint or Cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner’s filter and be amazed at how enjoyable this chore becomes.  Clip a clothespin to your car air vents and add a drop of Lavender essential oil to enjoy aromatherapy while you travel – and to calm down the kiddos screaming in the back seat!  And never underestimate the power of a cotton ball.  They can be oiled with Peppermint and popped in many cracks and crevices around the house to deter rodents, smells, and creepy crawlies of all kinds trying to get warm in your home.  Or add your favorite citrus scent and pop them in shoes, gym bags, trash cans, and other areas with undesirable scents.

Looking for a quick way to spice up your holidays?  Try the following diffuser blends to give your home a warm glowing feel during these chilly months:

HEAD ON SUPPORT

Most people don’t think about scalp support as a necessary element in supporting their families, but there is also an uncomfortable truth circulating in homes around the country – Lice.  It happens, and more frequently than you may think.  In fact, many states in the U.S. are dealing with something they are affectionately calling “SuperBugs” – lice that isn’t responding to normal over-the-counter treatments.  And who wants to resort to chemicals to protect or rid our loved ones of these disgusting little pests?  Rest assured, there are essential oils for this pesky problem and you can add them to your shampoos and conditioners right away in order to protect your clan from these nasty little head bugs.  Melaleuca essential oil, also known as Tea Tree, and Lavender essential oil can provide your family with a first line of defense against this infestation.  Simply add a drop or two of each to your normal family shampoo and conditioner, and use as normal.

If you get the news that there is an outbreak at your child’s school, begin spritzing.  In a 2 oz. glass spray bottle, mix 10 drops of Melaleuca with 5 drops of Lavender and fill the rest with half distilled water and half quick-evaporating and disinfecting Witch Hazel (or vodka, in a pinch!).  Before tightly pulling back your kiddos’ hair in the morning, shake and spritz on your hairbrush or in their hair to protect them from wandering critters in their classroom.  You can also use this spray to add some repelling scent to their backpacks, your car seats, and their hats, gloves, and coats.  And maybe discourage selfies where heads touch together.  Prevention is key where lice is concerned.

LIPS IN SYNC

Another way to work essential oils into your family’s routine and to nourish their lips and promote oral health in the process is as simple as DIY Lip Balm.  Not only will you get long-lasting, powerful aromatherapeutic benefits by apply the scent right below your nose, but your lips will thank you for keeping them moisturized and nourished as well as protected from potential seasonal hazards.  In addition, you can use this basic recipe to create other easy solutions for your family by swapping the essential oils for other needs, like a Boo-Boo stick, a Bug Bite Reliever, or even travel perfume for you, Mama!

Smart Moms, there are a wealth of other solutions you can use in your home to improve and support your family’s health and wellness.  I would love to be your guide with my new book, The Smart Mom’s Guide to Essential Oils.  From simple solutions for everyday emergencies to year-round habits to support health and wellness and rid your home of toxic chemicals, this guide will either help you to begin your journey with essential oils or enhance your adventure with specific solutions for families and for keeping yourself in top condition.  Let me empower you with essential oils as your tools!