How to Use Aromatherapy for Insomnia

Aromatherapy involves the use of scents taken from certain medicinal plants to supposedly heal the body, mind and spirit. Many claim aromatherapy can be used to treat everything from stress to the common cold. Those who suffer from insomnia have difficulty falling asleep and have a hard time staying asleep once they've nodded off. This condition may be addressed with aromatherapy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sandalwood oil
• Roman camomile oil
• Jasmine oil
• Diffuser
• Camomile oil
• Spikenard oil
• Clary sage oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Neroli oil
• Lavender oil
• Patchouli oil
• Bergamot oil
• Dropper
• Ylang-ylang oil

Use Aromatherapy for Insomnia

1. Whip up a slumber-friendly potion. Combine 10 drops Roman camomile with 5 drops clary sage and 5 drops bergamot. Soak a tissue with 2 drops of the blend. Place the tissue between your pillowcase and your pillow to help pave the way to dreamland.

2. Prepare a bedtime brew. Mix 2 drops of jasmine with 3 drops of Roman camomile, 4 drops of lavender and 6 drops of spikenard. Add this blend to a diffuser in your bedroom a few minutes before bedtime. Inhale and enjoy.

3. Massage your way to a good night's sleep. Prepare a blend using equal parts neroli oil and sweet almond oil. Use this mixture to give yourself a massage before bedtime to facilitate sweet dreams.

4. Take a warm bath. Prepare a bath before bed, adding 10 drops of patchouli, sandalwood or ylang-ylang to the water. Take a long soak to help combat insomnia.

5. Expand your knowledge of aromatherapy by purchasing "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Aromatherapy oils range in price from inexpensive to expensive, depending on factors like their country of origin and the manner in which they were harvested. Organic, wild-harvest oils are typically the best oils you can find--they are also the most expensive.
• Diffusers and droppers are readily available online and are inexpensively priced.
• If you're suffering from serious health issues like severe shortness of breath and chest pains, don't attempt to remedy your ailment with aromatherapy. Seek the attention of a doctor.
• When applying aromatherapy oils directly to the skin, be sure to mix them with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. Aromatherapy oils are very potent, and many could cause skin irritation or a toxic reaction if applied to the skin undiluted.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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