If you suffer from insomnia, you don’t need me to tell you how disruptive this condition can be. When sleep doesn’t come, you lie awake worrying. Will I get enough rest tonight? Will I be exhausted the next day? Will I be too tired to work?
These thoughts alone are enough to keep you awake.
For a number of years, beginning in my early 20’s, I endured many sleepless nights. Sometimes, this problem appeared to resolve itself. But it returned whenever I faced any type of stress.
Essential Oils for Sleeping
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Essential oils are the one thing that finally helped break this pattern. I now use individual oils, as well as special synergy blends designed for relaxation.
If someone had tried to convince me aromatherapy would help, before I could experience it myself, I wouldn’t have believed them. I had to see for myself.
Aromatherapy Oils for Insomnia
Please understand that I’m not promising or suggesting that essential oils are a panacea for everyone else’s insomnia. I’m simply sharing my story of how they helped me. I bought my first bottle of essential oil because I like using natural remedies. Many people online were discussing these plant-based extracts.
My first selection was a frankincense/jojoba mix. I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I used it as a facial moisturizer. People then began telling me how good and “rested” I looked.
Next, I bought some lavender essential oil. I heard this was good for insomnia. That is true, and I still use it for that purpose. But I also found other oils that can help me relax.
Aromatherapy to Help You Sleep
Another aromatic that’s considered good for insomnia is clary sage essential oil. It seems to work for me. One or two whiffs and I’m off to dreamland. The clary sage plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It’s scientific name is Salvia sclarea. Its popular name probably derives from the belief that it can benefit the eyes. In fact, this is what it’s still best known for. (But please, never put this oil near your eyes, even if it’s diluted.)
Medicinal plants tend to work on different levels. Clary sage is an emotional balm, able to soothe the nerves. Aromatherapists consider clary sage to be good for anxiety and tension relief
This oil is often recommended for women who suffer from hormone imbalances, especially around midlife. This can also lead to sleepless nights.
Plant Therapy Clary Sage
Anyway, shown below is Plant Therapy clary sage essential oil. Plant Therapy is by one of my favorite companies, one I know I can confidently recommend. Plant Therapy is a family-owned business that makes excellent products. I now use Plant Therapy oils, along with other labels not sold through multilevel marketing channels.
One bottle of clary sage oil should last for a long time. This is a strong oil, so you’ll only need a drop or two on a cloth or a tissue. You can place this by your pillow as you go to bed.
If you want to use this oil on your skin, make sure it’s diluted. The standard recommendation is one drop of oil to one teaspoonful of a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, olive or fractionated coconut oil.
It’s also not a bad idea to rotate the oils you use for sleeping. I like to use clary sage a couple of times a week. In between, use various oils, such as lavender and cedarwood essential oil, which also functions as a natural tranquilizer.
Essential Oil Blend to Sleep
If you are relatively new to aromatherapy, and you don’t have your own collection of oils, a good way to get started is with a blend. This is a bottle that contains a premixed recipe of oils chosen for their reputation as being good for rest and relaxation. Plant Therapy Sleep Aid Synergy Blend contains mandarin, ylang ylang, lavender, neroli and valerian essential oils. In addition to rotating my oils, I also like to combine them. That’s because aromatherapists believe that mixing certain oils together creates a more potent synergy.
I own Sleep Aid Synergy Blend myself, and it does seem to work. It has a strong aroma of ylang ylang. This tropical flower has been used for ages as a natural relaxation remedy. It contains lavender as well, one of the best known aromatics for restful sleep.
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Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Some medical professionals advise against using clary sage with alcohol or some prescription drugs, as it is a powerful natural sedative.
Essential oils should never be used on cats, despite the yawning feline in the picture above.
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