Combining These Essential Oils Will Help You Sleep

If you can’t sleep you can’t function, sleeplessness and insomnia are an increasing factor in our lives right now. Learning to tackle this problem is vital; sadly, the answer is not as simple as it should be. Much research has been carried out into sleeplessness and insomnia. Traditional methods often use drugs to solve the problem. Drugs are not the only way forward; there are some natural remedies and simple tips we can use to help get your sleep rhythms back on track and your energy levels up. Remedies using essential oils are centuries old and often used in natural health care and holistic treatments for sleep problems and associated issues. We have some suggestions you may not have thought of, but first, let’s look at some specific oils in detail.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender (Lavandula) is a purple-flowering herb with a recognisable warm musky smell. When you use lavender oil, the following happens. ● Inhaling the oil or applying it by massaging helps to relieve anxiety, and once in your system, it acts as a mild sedative, bringing relaxation and calm. ● Lavender oil interacts with your nervous system to reduce agitation, helping to quell anger and aggression and in turn restlessness. ● Lavender oil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. ● Pain relief is also a recognised side effect.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a yellow flower from the Cananga odorata tree grown in Indonesia, Madagascar and the Philippines. The aroma is sweet and rich, instantly recognisable for its distinctive aroma. The therapeutic properties of ylang-ylang essential oil include: ● Using in a diffuser or applying topically can relieve anxiety and once in your system, it acts as a sedative, bringing relaxation and calm. ● Ylang-ylang oil also interacts with your nervous system to reduce agitation, helping to relieve the feeling of anger and aggression. ● The oil is an antiseptic and generally helps to promote the feeling of well being. ● Ylang-ylang oil once inhaled can promote feelings of happiness.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense (Boswellia) is made from gum resin from the Boswellia carteri tree and is associated with the smells of Arabia and Africa. A heady, musk widely used in incense and perfume that promotes the following: ● Frankincense oil has antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation. ● The oil is an antiseptic and generally helps to promote the feeling of well being. ● Diffusing the oil or applying topically helps to relieve anxiety acting as a mild sedative, bring relaxation and calm. ● Frankincense oil once inhaled can promote feelings of happiness. These oils have been chosen because they combine well. Lavender oil is the top note, followed by ylang-ylang and then frankincense. For massage purposes and with most essential oils used topically, it is a good idea to combine with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.

Carrier Oil

Using a carrier oil for massage or topical application with essential oils is important because essential oils are potent and will cause irritation if applied directly to your skin. When deciding which carrier oil to use consider the following points: ● Choose an oil with little or no scent; the essential oils are the star, not the carrier oil. ● If the budget allows it is better to buy therapeutic-grade carrier oils, preferable cold-pressed and 100% pure or organicrn● Choose a moisturising oil, Jojoba oil if your skin is dry; and an emollient oil like apricot kernel oil if your skin is itchy or flaky. ● Do not use butter, petroleum jelly or mineral oil, as these are not suitable carriers and will irritate sensitive skin. If you are diffusing or vaporising the essential oil is usually mixed with distilled water. You may prefer a waterless electric diffuser; the oil is placed directly on to fibre matt, this is excellent for avoiding spills.

Diffuser Formula To Help You Sleep

Combine lavender, ylang-ylang and frankincense oil in the following and use it to spray on your pillow or bedding just before bed or add to your waterless electric diffuser (oils only) ● 4 drops of lavender oilrn● 2 drops of ylang-ylangrn● 1 drop of frankincense Add this recipe to 60 ml / 2 oz. Distilled water in a spray bottle or reed diffuser and use it regularly.

Massage Oil Formula to Help You Sleep

Massage is a great way to aid relaxation and help induce deep sleep. Try using the above formula of lavender oil, ylang-ylang and frankincense as described for diffusers but with different ratios and including a carrier oil. ● 10 drops of lavender oilrn● 5 drops of ylang-ylangrn● 2 drops of frankincensern● 125ml of carrier oil Mix the formula in a dark glass or plastic bottle that can be recycled. It is possible to add the massage formula to your bath. A warm bath with essential oils is another way to help you relax, add two dessert spoonfuls to your bath; the combination aids restful sleep.