As we age, we may naturally start to sleep for fewer hours at night. You might find this annoying but it is natural. You can however take steps to encourage your body to sleep more throughout the night.
And no, these steps do not mean you’ll be taking medication or any kind of sleep aid. There are a variety of all-natural ways to relax including using essential oils.
Some of the most popular ones include lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang. Each essential oil has its own unique scent and benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the best essential oils for relaxation.
Lavender Essential Oil
This oil is one of the most popular for relaxation. It has a floral, light, and refreshing scent. Lavender oil is extracted from the lavender plant and it promotes relaxation.
The benefits of lavender oil include:
- Reducing stress
- Improving sleep quality
- Soothing anxiety
- Easing depression
- Alleviating headaches
There are a few different ways you can use lavender oil for relaxation. You can add a few drops to your pillow before bedtime. Or you can add it to a diffuser and let the scent fill up your room. You can also add it to a bath or massage it into your skin.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil has a sweet, floral, and slightly herbaceous scent. Chamomile is extracted from the chamomile plant and is known as a sedative for its relaxing properties.
The benefits of chamomile oil include:
- Reducing stress
- Soothing anxiety
- Easing depression
- Alleviating insomnia
- Promoting restful sleep
You can use chamomile oil in the same way as lavender oil. Add it to your pillow, diffuser, bath, or massage it into your skin. You can also add a few drops of premium food-grade chamomile oil to tea or coffee.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
This essential oil has a sweet, floral, and exotic scent. Ylang-ylang oil comes from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree. It is used in perfumes and as a relaxant.
The benefits of ylang-ylang oil include:
- Reducing stress
- Soothing anxiety
- Easing depression
- Alleviating insomnia
- Promoting restful sleep
A few more essential oils for sleep include clary sage, patchouli, jasmine, rose, lemon, and bergamot.
Tips on Using Essential Oils to Relax and Sleep Better
When using essential oils for the first time, it’s always best to start with a lower concentration. You can always add more if needed but it’s difficult to remove it once it’s been added.
When applying essential oils to your skin, always dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. This will help to prevent any irritation. Do a patch test first by applying a small amount of the diluted oil to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.
When using diffusers, it’s best to start with 1-2 drops of oil and increase as needed. Be sure to research how to safely diffuse oils overnight.
Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. And when it comes to the consumption of essential oils, it’s always best to consult with a doctor first.
Start Using the Best Essential Oils for Relaxation Today
The research confirms lavender, chamomile, or ylang-ylang oil are the best essential oils for relaxation. Try them and see how they work for you. Don’t forget to follow the tips above when using essential oils for the first time. And always consult with a doctor before consuming them.
What other essential oils do you use for relaxation? Share this post with your friends and followers and get the conversation going.
