Even though essential oils have been used for centuries in other cultures, they have only become popular in the states and the last few years. Essential oils for sleep are a powerful ally that can help you go to sleep without dependence on prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, which often come with negative side effects such as addiction.

When choosing essential oils, select aromas that are pleasing to you since aromas that you do not like are unlikely to bring about the desired effect. However, sometimes a professional blend or even one that you have created yourself will contain an ingredient that you do not like on its own but is acceptable in the blend, much like individual ingredients in a recipe for cooking. Essential oils often differ in their effects on each individual, so a little experimentation may be in order.

While essential oils are safe, there is a potential for an allergic or unwanted reaction, so if you are sensitive to many substances, add only one or a few types to your regimen at a time. If you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant or lactating, many essential oils have contraindications for use. Nearly all the essential oils must be diluted before using them on your skin, but there are some exceptions.

A good book written by a knowledgeable author on essential oils can help you achieve the greatest benefits by advising you about how a particular essential oil affects most people. With some experimentation, you can learn how the various aromas and properties of essential oils affects you. The best way to learn quickly is to pay attention to your body, and be ready to take a break, even from aromatherapy blends that are very effective for you.

How to Choose a Quality Essential Oil

While there are many brands of essential oil, only a few are of therapeutic grade. If an oil is not of therapeutic grade, then it usually has inferior ingredients to dilute it, or even synthetic ingredients. The price of an oil is determined by what parts of the plant are used, the rarity and difficulty of growing the plant, the extraction method used, the packaging, and whether or not the plant is grown organically. The bottle or the accompanying literature should state the botanical name of the plant in Latin, the country or region of origin, the extraction method used, and if applicable, the USDA or other governing body's organic seal. Quality oils are also bottled in amber or cobalt blue to lessen the amount of light entering the bottle, since light degrades the properties of the oil. Keep essential oils in the refrigerator or in a dark, cool place to extend their useful life.

Essential Oils for Sleep

Many essential oils have been proven to be relaxing and conducive to sleep. There are many recipes online as well as professional blends, but you can just use a single ingredient. Choose an essential oil for its aromatherapy qualities depending on what issues are causing your lack of sleep.

Lavender (Lavendula) essential oil is one of the more popular aromas to induce sleep. It is typically one of the less expensive varieties, since the whole plant is processed for its essences. There are many varieties of lavender with different properties, and some smell more medicinal whereas others have a sweeter aroma. Experiment with several types until you find one that you like and respond to well.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara) is used for insomnia, stress, and grief. Neroli is extracted from the blossoms of sweet orange or bitter orange trees.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) may be familiar to you from the 1960s. Patchouli has been prized for hundreds of years for its sweet, musky aroma, and its ability to bring about a meditative and serene state of mind.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is for its sedative qualities for insomnia, tension, nervousness, and general well-being. Its somewhat floral, musky, or the aroma is often mixed with other essential oils.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) has a calming and grounding effect. It has a sweet and balsamic aroma this often mixed with other oils, especially lavender, thyme, and rosemary. Since it is harvested from several types of cedarwood from different parts of the world, different brands may have different aromas.

Valerian Root (Valeriana fauriei) has been used for sleep, relaxation, and calming effects since Hippocrates time. It has a musky, woody, balsamic aroma that is often blended with lavender, cedarwood, pine, and patchouli.

Essential Oils For a Cold or the Flu

For cold and flu symptoms eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil has proven effective to loosen mucus and soothe the throat.

Fir (Abies siberica) has anti-infectious and antiviral properties and is used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

Both fir and Eucalyptus can alleviate aches and pains associated with colds and the flu.

Aromatherapy is as much an art as it is a science, so it may take a little experience to bring about the best remedies. If you invest in several essential oils, investigate recipes to use them for other purposes besides sleeping, such as skin care, first aid, odor elimination, and for cleaning your home.

Our website provides great resources on choosing essential oils in order to fall asleep faster.You will find many resources on how to go to sleep better by visiting our website. Please visit us today to learn more about different ways on how you can sleep better, faster, and more
peaceful.