How To Use Essential Oils To Reduce Anxiety & Promote Better Sleep

The use of essential oils can be traced back to ancient India, Persia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Essential oils were created by placing roots, flowers and/or leaves in fatty oils to soak. Using essential oils in our everyday life can be seen as a ritual, connecting us to our ancestors’ way of life, mother nature and mother earth. The practical uses of essential oils are also powerful. 

Three popular ways to use oils:

1. Topically, on the skin. This allows the essential oil to saturate the skin and penetrate the dermis more effectively. This can be done by:

   1. Adding the oil to a body lotion and massaging it in. Jojoba oil is a great example!

   2. Applying to specific area such as the wrists or temples

   3. Adding drops to a bath and soaking in the water
      

2. Gently inhaling the scent. This is a form of aromatherapy and it can be done in the following ways:

   1. Using an oil diffuser

   2. Wearing the oil as a perfume

   3. Rubbing the oil into the palm of your hands and then deeply inhaling

   4. Putting a few droplets of the oil on your pillow before going to sleep
      

3. Safely ingesting – * Note: Do your research and make sure each oil is safe to ingest!

   1. Adding drops to water, smoothie, tea, etc.

   2. Taking it in pill form, like a supplement

   3. Placing a drop under the tongue and letting it dissolve

Five Essential Oils for better sleep and wellbeing:

Essential oils can be useful in promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety. Here are some oils that are often recommend for better sleep and mental wellbeing:

1. Lavender: One of the most commonly sought after essential oils. Lavender calms the nervous system, combats insomnia, reduces stress and has a sedative effect. It has a very gentle and soothing scent with floral/earthy undertones.

2. Chamomile: In addition to promoting better sleep, this essence also greatly reduces inflammation and can be used to heal wounds.

3. Rose: Effective in reducing the frustrating effects of PMS. Using it to massage the abdomen can also be very helpful in reducing stress and anxiety for women, especially.

4. Valerian: This one has a woody smell and might be an acquired scent for some. In addition to its uses for sleep and anxiety, valerian can also be used to help with headaches, shakiness, and heart palpitations.

5. Jasmine: This oil is wonderful for reducing anxiety but does not necessarily promote sleepiness. It can also be used as an aphrodisiac and helps improve mood regulation.

The essential oils mentioned above are just a few of many! There are so many more delightful and effective essential oils to try. It’s also important to note that while essential oils can be wonderful aids, they probably won’t solve issues that might be more deeply seeded like chronic insomnia or intense anxiety. If you are someone who struggles with either of these, hypnotherapy could be an excellent resource for you. Check out my course ‘6 Weeks to Better Sleep’ for insomnia and browse the website to learn how hypnotherapy could improve your life!