How to Treat Insomnia With Aromatherapy

Herbs and aromas have sedating properties that can help you overcome insomnia. However, it is important to first identify the reason that sleep is so elusive for you. If you feel irritable, it is better to treat the stress first than merely to sedate yourself at night. Daily life is filled with complex emotions that need to be sorted out for the best chance of deserved and needed rest. Aromatherapy and herbal remedies can help with the discovery process.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled or purified water
• Lavender essential oil
• Jasmine essential oil
• Bergamot essential oil
• Lavender-scented candle
• Lavender leaves
• Lemon verbena candle, oil and leaves
• Fresh mint leaves
• Jasmine tea

Instructions

1. 

   Soothe yourself to sleep with aromas. Using an oil vaporizer, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of jasmine and 2 drops of bergamot essential oils to distilled or purified water . An hour before going to bed, light the vaporizer. Don't forget to blow out the candle before drifting off.

2. 

   Burn a lavender-scented candle or soak in a lavender-infused bath before bedtime. For your soothing bath, place a handful of lavender leaves in a muslin bag or stocking. Run hot bath water over the bag, allowing the lavender to infuse for 10 minutes before easing into the tub.

3. 

   Immerse your bedroom in the scent of lemon verbena with a candle or oil diffuser. Drink a cup of lemon verbena mint tea before going to bed. Boil distilled or purified water. Pour over 1/2 cup each of fresh mint and lemon verbena leaves, lightly packed. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. 

   Savor a cup of jasmine tea or bathe your bedroom in its calming and sedating essential oil scent.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a healthcare provider regarding warnings about herbs that may interfere with your current medications.

Resources

• Aromatherapy for Insomnia
• Essential Oils for Sleep
• Lemon Verbena Tea
• Green Pharmacy for Insomnia Products