Aromatherapy Questions — Cats, Classrooms & More

By Caryn Gehlmann

Here at e3, we have a unique approach to answering aromatherapy questions. While many businesses hate to give away trade secrets for free, our certified clinical aromatherapists love to spend time with our customers, as we freely share our research and experience to answer any aromatherapy questions you might have. 

For example, a few months ago, I answered the phone and spoke to a school teacher who wanted to know if she should diffuse essential oils in an enclosed space since she has cats. We chatted for at least 30 minutes and spoke about various topics, including essential oil tips for the classroom. Then she mentioned that it was her Grandma, who is a yoga teacher in LA, that originally introduced her to e3 essential oils. I asked, “Who are your grandparents?” I almost fell off my chair when she told me, she had no idea that we were not only long-time friends, we were also related (long story)!

It’s my great pleasure to introduce you to Rebekah Lyons. Read our interview below to learn more about the answers I had to Rebekah’s aromatherapy questions and the great ways she’s begun to use essential oils for her personal health and to help her students learn in the classroom.

Tell us a little about your background.

I’m currently a second-grade teacher in Georgia, although I’m originally from South Carolina. I was always drawn to the arts, especially dance, and have degrees in education and dance. I’ve done work for a professional ballet company and taught both dance and aerial yoga, a discipline that helps you gain core and arm strength. I also love education and teaching in the classroom, so I’m continuing my education by studying for my Masters in Educational Leadership.

How were you introduced to essential oils?

My grandparents are very health conscious and for as long as I can remember have used essential oils. They do their research and are long-time customers of essential 3. My life changed in January of 2021 when I got COVID. Unfortunately, it was a serious case that required going to the hospital. It wasn’t life-threatening thankfully, but it did knock me out! My grandmother sent me some essential oils to help me get more comfortable with my breathing. I started doing research and learned how essential oil aromas have an impact on our nerve receptors and can help us relax. 

How did Caryn answer your questions about essential oils?

I was really enjoying the e3 blends my grandparents had sent me but I was a little concerned about diffusing oils at home because I have two young cats. So I called Caryn and we discussed the sensitivity cats have to essential oils. She recommended that rather than using an air diffuser in an enclosed area with my cats, I could try personal diffusion instead. I didn’t know that was an option but I got an aromatherapy inhaler and I love it. 

I also talked to her about using essential oils in the classroom and Caryn’s suggestions were very helpful. She’s worked with many teachers around the country on how to use aromatherapy as a tool to help students learn. She also sent me a study on Geranium and Lemon Essential Oils impact on the COVID-19 virus. As an educator, I really appreciated getting this kind of research. I also appreciate that Caryn will use her experience as a clinical aromatherapist to come up with custom blends to help you address your particular challenge.

How are you using essential oils in your classroom?

The first thing I did was to get permission from the school and all of the parents to use essential oils in the classroom. I have two diffusers I use throughout the day and I’ve seen a huge difference with the kids since I’ve started incorporating aromatherapy. In the morning, they’re full of energy and it can be challenging to get them to calm down and focus. I use a blend Caryn sent me of Geranium and Lemon which is very sweet-smelling and helps the kids shift into learning. In the afternoon, they experience a bit of an after-lunch slump which doesn’t help as we start our math curriculum. So I began diffusing Peppermint and I find this helps them to focus and concentrate throughout the afternoon.

How do you personally use essential oils, especially now after having COVID?

Since COVID, I’ve struggled with migraines. I got roll-on bottles and I dilute e3’s Head Soothe blend or Peppermint and put it on my temples or the back of my neck and usually within minutes I feel some relief. I also use e3’s Relax blend at night to help unwind for bed. I teach during the school day and then have Master’s classes at night, so this blend is especially helpful so that I can relax and get a better quality of sleep after a busy day. 

I used to have plug-in air fresheners, not realizing that the synthetic fragrances were giving me headaches. I threw them out and now I rely on e3’s Concentrate blend. In addition to being a full-time teacher, I’m a full-time student studying for my Masters. After teaching energetic 7-year-olds all day, it can be hard to find the energy to start my online classes when I get home. Concentrate blend in my aromatherapy inhaler helps pick me up.

I’m also starting to use Lemon essential oil for all-natural cleaning products. I’m enjoying learning more about how to blend and make my own products and e3 is a great resource on learning how to do that.

Thank you, Rebekah, for sharing with us all the ways you’re using essential oils and welcome to the e3 community! If any of you, our readers, have aromatherapy questions, reach out to us on Facebook or contact us via the website. To receive more suggestions on how to incorporate aromatherapy in your life at work or at home, sign-up for our newsletter and you’ll get 20% off your first order.