Prevent germs spreading in your classroom using Essential Oils

So, we are still in the thick of Winter and I am doing everything I can to prevent getting sick again! It's so hard though as germs just seem to be lurking around every corner in school. We can disinfect our desks all day long but that still doesn't do enough to prevent germs from spreading in the air of our classrooms.

I recently have been getting into Essential Oils, and have enjoyed their positive effect on my mood and my health so far - so much so, I decided to do some further research into bringing the benefits of them into my classroom, namely for preventing the spreading of germs to start with.

Essential Oils are known for their healing properties and providing complete body / mental wellness. Some essential oils are particularly effective at disinfecting the air too - this is desperately needed in a classroom full of sneezes and coughs by hundreds of people all day long!

Germs spread fast in classrooms

They are so easy to use. All you need to do is get a diffuser for your classroom which dispenses these essential oils into the atmosphere for hours, killing off any germs and bacteria lingering in the air. I prefer to get ones that do not use heat as that can damage the oils. Here are some great cool mist ones from Amazon that also have optional mood lighting which can create a lovely ambiance in your classroom too!
Click to see these on Amazon.com

URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser

ArtNaturals Essential Oil Diffuser

Here are some of the benefits of using a diffuser in your classroom:

• Reduces bacteria, fungus, mould and bad odours
• Increases oxygen 
• Relaxes, relieves tension, and clears the mind
• Improves concentration, alertness and mental clarity
• Stimulates secretion of endorphins
• Relieves tension and headaches

Diffuse essential oils in your classroom to kill germs in the air

Here are some of the best essential oils for killing germs and bacteria in the classroom (be sure to get 100% pure essential oils):

Click the names below to find them on Amazon.com and learn more about each one:

• Tea Tree - antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial. It’s great for cold and flu viruses, respiratory conditions and boosting the immune system.
• Lemon Oil - stimulating, calming, anti-infectious, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, and antifungal.
• Eucalyptus -sterilises the air with a fresh, crisp clean scent that also lifts the spirits.
• Ravensara - antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antiviral qualities that disinfect the air and helps those dealing with the flu recover faster.
• Cinnamon bark - anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and antifungal. It can also maintain a healthy immune system.
• Thyme - anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal. It is great for chest infections and coughs and is a great memory booster and antidepressant.
• Rosemary - antiseptic and antimicrobial. It increases concentration and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
• Lavender - anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal. It can eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain and and treat respiratory problems.

Essential oils are great for body, spirit and mind

Simply pop a few drops of any of the oils above into the water in a diffuser (or mix some oils together if you like!) and let the essential oils fill the room, oxygenating the air and killing those germs! If your classroom is quite large, you can even have 2 on the go. You'll also be pleased to know that many of these will increase focus, mental clarity, relieve stress and headaches and so much more. I wish I had known about this years ago when I started teaching, I bet I could have dodged so many illnesses...!

Have you ever tried essential oils in your classroom? How did you like it? Let me know in the comments below!