Essential oils have been used by our ancestors for various purposes. Among the most rewarding benefits of essential oil are relaxation and better sleep. Our everyday lives are filled with stressors such as hectic schedules, pollution, lifestyle and many more.
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Everyone wants to take a break from stress and enjoy a more relaxing day ahead. One of the best ways to achieve a relaxed body and mind is through a good night sleep.
The use of essential oils is one of the most natural ways to effectivelya chieve good rest and sleep for a better day ahead of you. These oils are not only fragrant; they also contain substances that nourish the mind, body and soul.
Technically, essential oils are not oils as they do not contain fatty acids that constitute actual oils. In essence, essential oils are concentrated components of a plant that possess cosmetic and medicinal properties. Most essential oils are an- tiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. That is why some of them are great additions for homemade cleansers and household medical kit.
In addition, essential oils are minuscule in size, meaning the skin easily absorbs them. That is why they nourish, soften and heal the skin effectively. Since essential oils are 100% natural, pharmaceutical companies are not able to patent them.
This is the reason why only a limited number of researches are done aboutt hem and most of the information referring to them are passed on from thousands of generations through personal experience and use.
Best Essential Oils for Sleep
Most people suffer from sleeplessness due to stress, insomnia, sleep apnea, emotional issues and other sleep-related concerns. Luckily, there are essential oils that have been used for thousands of years to deal with the mentioned issues due to their ability to induce sleep.
Benzoin Essential Oil – It comes from the extracts of the Benzoin tree. This Golden-colored oil is thick, resinous and aromatic. It has a vanilla-like aroma that makes it so relaxing and wonderful. This oil is used to relieve stress, ten-sion, nervousness and anxiety. Its tranquilizing effect makes it a highly effec-tive sedative, allowing you to doze off and wake up to a relaxed and happy morning.
Bergamot – The rind of this citrus fruit is cold-pressed to extract the oil. It is acommon addition to black tea, giving it a sweet, citrusy scent and is known as
Earl Grey Tea. The flavonoids in Bergamot make it a great relaxant, soothing nerves, anxiety, tension and stress. It also stimulates the feeling of sedation and relaxation similar to serotonin and dopamine, giving you a more relaxing and satisfying sleep.
Chamomile – Among its various kinds, Roman Chamomile is best used for relaxation, stress relief and better sleep. Its light, floral scent gives you a sense of peace and calm.
Cedarwood – This essential oil allows the brain to stop overthinking and over-processing. It is very relaxing and soothing.
Clary Sage – It is widely used to treat patients with depression. It has a slight, earthy, herbaceous scent with a bit of a fruity note. It relaxes the mind and body and relieves stress.
Frankincense – This colorless to pale yellow oil is steam distilled from the gum resin of the Boswellia tree found in Africa and Middle Eastern countries.
It has a slightly lemony, balsamic aroma with a hint of camphor. It calms and relaxes the body and soul, making it an effective sedative and stress reliever.
Geranium – It effectively relieves stress and balances the hormones for overall relaxation. It is also great for skin care.
Jasmine – This essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the evergreen Jas- mine plant. It has a beautiful fragrance, making it a common addition to teas.
The smell of Jasmine relaxes the mind and body, relieves stress and induces sleep.
Lavender – Dubbed as the best essential oil of all time due to its versatility and many health benefits, lavender is the only one that can be used directly as is, without mixing it with any carrier oil. Its deep, rich aroma calms the senses, body and mind, giving you a deeper and more relaxed sleep.
Lemon – It is a favorite among many due to its sweet, citrusy scent that pro- motes feelings of happiness. It also relieves tension. The rind of the lemon fruit is cold-pressed to get the oil. It is also antibacterial and antiviral. It re- lieves mental fatigue, exhaustion, restlessness, insomnia and sleeplessness.
Marjoram – There are various essential oils from different plants that are sold under the name Marjoram. Sweet Marjoram is best for sleep-related issues as it has relaxing and sedating properties. It relaxes the mind and body, making you feel relaxed, happy and calm. It promotes deep sleep and overall body relaxation.
Neroli – It has high relaxing properties and is non-irritant. It is effective in relieving insomnia due to panic attack, depression, anxiety and shock.
Orange – The rind of this citrus fruit is cold pressed to extract the essential oil. Its sweet, fresh, citrusy aroma brings calm and peace to the mind and body. It also uplifts your mood and relaxes you entirely.
Rose – The rich flowery scent of rose essential oil is very soothing and relax- ing. It is also a known aphrodisiac. Aside from helping you doze off to sleep, it also helps bring back your sexual drive.
Sandalwood – This sweet, aromatic oil is derived from the heartwood and root of the plant. Its intoxicating smell is very relaxing and lullabies you to sleep.
Valerian Root – This essential oil contains GABA receptor modulator known as the Valerenic Acid which is a sedative. It prevents the enzyme-caused GABA breakdown in the brain, causing sedation. It calms the nervous system and promotes better sleep.
Valor – It relaxes and balances the nervous system. It also strengthens the mind and the body. Valor essential oil can also help with snoring.
Vetiver – This essential oil is extracted from the roots of the Vetiver plant. It has a rich, earthy smell that may not be appealing to first time users. It is recommended to mix it with other essential oils such as lavender or chamomile to balance off its aroma. Vetiver helps relax the brain so you can have a peaceful and restful sleep.
Ylang-Ylang – Its delicate, rich, flowery aroma makes it a favorite among per-fume makers. It is relaxing and calming, causing a sedative action that puts you to a deep sleep.
