Fall is definitely a season of transition and adjustment. Fall can bring great relief from the hot, humid and soupy summer. The climate becomes drier, cooler, breezier and fresher. Being outdoors is more pleasant so people are out and about and more physically active. But, fall is also a time when the summer greenery fades, leaves dry up and fall from the trees and most herbaceous plants die back. Daylight hours diminish as well. In general, fall is a time when nature draws inward and people feel less grounded.

In the fall, people return to their routines: school, work and other duties. Whereas summer is whimsical and playful, fall is structured and productive. For some, fall is a time to get motivated, focus, concentrate and start new projects. For others, fall is unsettling and can make them melancholy, gloomy, anxious or even depressed.

Fall brings with it some physical issues as well. Many people suffer from allergies and the associated symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, sneezing and itchy eyes and throat. Colds and flus become more prevalent. Eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions can flair up with drier air, lower temperatures and less exposure to sunlight.

Stomach Ache Stick  is great for food poisoning, diarrhea (counter clockwise on stomach), constipation (clockwise on stomach), IBS, gas, cramping, heartburn, and stomach bugs/virus. Do not be stuck without this in your oils cabinet because we all know: kids puke at the worst times!
Peppermint: to help you avoid the indigestion. Peppermint is fantastic for soothing indigestion and heartburn. It’s also great for nausea and nasal congestion. Know this oil is cooling, so only use 1-3 drops and apply with a carrier oil in children. (Sidenote: I also use 2 drops peppermint in carrier oil, down the spine and the backs of knees if they are running a high, high fever. This has brought down a fever many times, for me, and the grand kids.)
Digestion: When you need a little more.

Tranquility: This is one of my all-time favorite oils! It smells like sleep to me at this point! It’s incredibly soothing and relaxing. This would be a great oil for kids as they head back to the classroom and need to get to bed earlier and have a restful night of sleep. Tranquility is also used frequently for panic attacks, teeth grinding, colicky babies and for those dealing with ADD and ADHD.

Lavender: Lavender is the #1 soothing smell for most people. People tend to have deeper, more restful sleep when lavender is used at night. Lavender oil is also considered the Swiss Army knife of oils, as it’s great for a variety of concerns including: bites, rashes, cuts, sun burns, eczema, dermatitis, seasonal allergies, hay fever, and burns. When in doubt, I use lavender!  

Roman Chamomile: Children and adults favor the smell of Roman Chamomile as it smells to many like sweet apples. It is helpful for sleep, depression, shock, and ADHD.

Vetiver:  is distilled from the roots of the plant. It’s rich and earthy smelling, and it’s my go-to oil when I need to help my brain “shut-off” for the night. It took me a while to get used to the smell, so if you are a vetiver newbie, you might try mixing it with a “lighter” oil, such as lavender or roman chamomile.

Cedarwood: This oil is known to increase focus, mental alertness, brain oxygenation, calmness and to be mood elevating. It is often used for children on the autism spectrum with challenges such as ADD or ADHD, but we can all benefit from its properties. Cedarwood is unique in that no other oil that exceeds it in oxygen-carrying capacity. More oxygen to your brain = more mental capacity.

We all know that sleep deprivation affects our brain function and performance. Cedarwood can help maintain a deep, restful, brain rejuvenating sleep. Just rub a drop on the back of the neck, at the brain stem, and up the spine to heighten focus. For help with sleep, diffuse in the bedroom overnight to keep the kiddos in a deep, restful sleep all night.

Here are few more oils that might help with your child’s specific needs:

Anxiety: Tranquility, Happy Memories, Strength.

Sleep: Tranquility, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood.

ADD/ADHD: Vetiver, Cedarwood, Lavender.

Sore Muscles: Sore Muscle & Headache Stick, Strength.

Stinky Shoes/Gym Bag: Cleansing.

Courage/Confidence: Strength, Tranquility.

Lice: Thyme, Geranium, Lavender.

Focus: Alert, B-Power, Lemon.

Bug Bites: 10ml Bug Stick, Cleansing.

Energy: Energy, Orange, Lemon, Peppermint.

Stress:  Antispasmodic, Lavender, Ylang Ylang.

A great blend is all about balancing notes -- typically a top, middle , and base, though some blends don't require a base -- to create a balanced and effective aroma.

The top note is the first scent impression, which gives way to the middle note--the star of the show. The base note gives the blend its staying power and usually comes to the forefront much later. Blending these three notes is all about creating a ratio that results in a harmonious cocktail that works (olfactorily or topically, depending on the blend) to address specific moods or ailments.

Let's call this one: Joyful
The sweet scent of this blend makes you feel all warm and fuzzy -- euphoric, even.

1 drop each of top notes: bergamot, lemon, tangerine
1 drop each of middle notes: ylang ylang, geranium, jasmine, Roman chamomile, palmarosa.

Let's call this one: Serenity
If you need a moment of peace, try this citrus-floral blend.

3 drops of top note: orange
5 drops of middle note: ylang ylang
2 drops of base note: patchouli

And this one: Fresh Air
This blend will freshen and deodorize the air, so dilute it with distilled water in a spray bottle.

1 drop each of top notes: citronella, lemongrass, lavandin
3 drops each of middle notes: rosemary, tea tree

Antioxidant
Apply this blend topically for its antioxidant benefits to the skin.

3 drops of top note: orange
2 drops each of middle notes: clove, thyme
2 drops of base note: frankincense

PMS
This blend works great for moderating emotions during a woman's monthly cycle.

3 drops of top note: lavender
1 drop each of middle notes: clary sage, fennel, marjoram, yarrow, jasmine

Alert
Clear the mind and gain a keen sense of alertness with this bright, sunny blend.

1 drop each of top notes: basil, peppermint, bergamot, lemon
1 drop each of middle notes: rosemary, geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, Roman chamomile, palmarosa

High Energy
This super energizing blend will give you an aromatic pick-me-up.

4 drops of top note: lemongrass
1 drop each of middle notes: rosemary, juniper, nutmeg, fir needle, clove, black pepper