Essential oils can profoundly affect our emotions. Certain blends are energizing. Other can help you sleep.
For centuries, aromatherapists have recommended certain oils for relaxation. These include the well-known lavender, Roman chamomile and sweet marjoram. However, some of the more uncommon oils, such as ylang ylang and patchouli, can also help you unwind.
It seems unlikely that plant-based extracts can influence our mood. But modern science is beginning to confirm this. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center website cites current research about lavender. Apparently, there’s proof it can calm your nervous system.
Some people refer to certain oils as “natural tranquilizers.” I’ve even heard one specific blend called “liquid Ambien.”
Used properly, aromatherapy is much safer than prescription medication. Chemical tranquilizers have side effects. In addition to the risk of addiction, it’s now known that regular use of sleeping pills increase your risk of heart attack.
Relaxing Essential Oil Blends Recipes
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything, I receive a referral fee, at no extra cost to you.)
I used to have a lot of trouble sleeping. But that was before I adopted a healthier lifestyle, and started using essential oils. (Well-selected homeopathic remedies also helped greatly.) Tossing and turning at night is now a distant memory. Sometimes, I still have trouble sleeping. But only if I go to bed too late to begin with, since this seems to disturb my sleep cycle.
Using lavender, patchouli or another calming oil helps me fall asleep faster. But aromatherapists believe that combining oils makes them especially effective. Doing so creates a synergy, making the individual ingredients more potent.
Judging by the number of products available, a growing number of people are using these all natural tranquilizers, which don’t require a prescription.
Nearly all of the major essential oil companies now make “relaxation” blends. These typically include lavender essential oil, along with other aromatics that have calming properties.
Anyway, here is one homemade relaxation recipe, made from specific oils I’ve used myself.
- 4 teaspoons of carrier oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil (available here)
- 2 drops of geranium oil (available here)
- 2 drops of vanilla oil (available here)
- 2 drops of ylang ylang oil (available here)
- 2 drops of patchouli oil (available here)
The patchouli oil is optional. The other four oils have a sweet, floral scent. So you might want something to spice it up. The addition of the patchouli essential oil gives it more depth. But it’s really a matter of personal preference. I love the smell of patchouli. But I realize not everyone does. If you don’t have your own essential oil collection, it would also be okay to just get one or two calming oils from the list above, and see how you like them.
I will warn you this recipe works. Don’t use it unless you want to sleep. While writing this article, I made the mistake of rubbing this mix on my wrist. Very quickly, I wanted to take a nap. Just to be safe, you may not want to drive or operate heavy machinery if you use this recipe.
Easy Essential Oil Recipe For Sleep
Anyway, combine these ingredients in a clean glass jar. (Make sure it has a lid that fits.) About 10 minutes before bedtime, rub some of this mixture on the inside of your wrists. You can also put it on the bottom of your feet. This is considered an excellent way to help the oils reach your bloodstream.
Essential oils are very strong. They must always be diluted before applying.
You’ll also notice that a homemade mix tends to mature. So it’s possible you’ll like the smell even better after a couple of days.
How To Use Essential Oils for Better Sleep
Another easy relaxation remedy is to put one drop of lavender essential oil on a cloth, and place it near your pillow. What I like about this method is that if it smells too strong, I can move the tissue farther away. (You can use lavender or another of the oils listed in the recipe above, if you don’t feel like mixing up a blend with a carrier oil.)
Essential Oil Blend to Sleep
Essential oils work better if you rotate them. Or, at least they do for me. I use different oils and recipes. For instance, I’ll use lavender, geranium and other florals for two or three nights. Then I’ll switch to something more “woodsy,” like clary sage, patchouli or cedarwood. So here’s another sleep recipe.
- 1 teaspoon of carrier oil
- 1 drop of clary sage (available here)
- 1 drop of patchouli (available here)
- 1 drop of cedarwood (available here)
Again, mix these together and store away from light and heat. You can apply this the same way, putting these diluted aromatics on your wrists or your feet. Instead of using them for massage, some people like to put oils in a cold air diffuser. This method also allows the medicinal compounds to travel into your bloodstream, via your lungs.
All of the oils I included in the links above are from Plant Therapy. This is a family-run business located in Idaho. It has impeccable safety standards. Its products are tested twice, once independently. The plants it uses grow without chemical pesticide sprays or artificial fertilizers. Plant Therapy, in my own humble opinion, is a really good alternative to MLM products.
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 under the direction of a health care professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
For Additional Reading
Does Lavender Oil Help You Sleep?
Lavender Oil Sleep Relaxation Research
