Aromatherapy, or the use of essential plant oils for healing purposes has been around for centuries. It is quickly becoming a staple in many homes and with its various uses and benefits, it’s no wonder!
From the soothing scent of lavender to help you relax and sleep, to invigorating lemon to energize your senses, this ancient practice is back in a big way in modern times. Just like so many ancient healing practices, we are returning to a more holistic approach when choosing to live more naturally.
First, a little science
Every nerve in the body travels through the spine to get the brain to induce a reaction. The sinuses are the only anatomical structure that connects straight to the olfactory pathways in the brain. That means that when we take a sniff, the scent molecules travel directly to the brain and trigger a reaction. There is a lot more going on here, but know that our amazing brain can, quickly distinguish pleasant from offensive odors, and trigger an emotional or physical response attached to certain memories when that scent was present.
Now, a little history
Aromatherapy can also treat our skin when bruised, inflamed, irritated and infected. Records show that there is evidence of the use of plant extracts as early as 3rd century Egypt. Fast forward to the 20th century, through many years of trade caravans across Europe, experimentation and discoveries, the word aromatherapy was coined finally in 1926. A chemist in France while distilling lavender oil discovered its antiseptic properties when he dipped his burnt hand into the vat. Over a couple of days his burn healed, and it became known as a healing plant, despite the fact it’s been used since nearly the beginning of time.
Lavender, the most popular of essential oils
Lavender is the most recognizable of the essential oils, most used by the average person without fear of toxicity or harm from lesser-known plants oils. The lovely purple lavender plant is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and wonderfully relaxing properties. The nervous system reacts almost instantly when you inhale the scent straight from the bottle or from a diffuser. As a room spray mixed in the proper dilution rates with distilled water and a stabilizer, a little spritz on your pillow will whisk you away to dreamland. It is by far one of two very popular and widely used essential oils when it comes to getting the best night’s sleep and reducing anxiety and stress.
Chamomile, another scent to help you sleep
The other sleep-promoting essential oil is Chamomile. You may recognize the name and perhaps have used it as a tea after a meal or before bed. The oil is extracted from its distinct little white flowers which are known to help reduce anxiety, relieve insomnia, and promote lasting sleep. Like lavender and most other oils, using it in a diffuser or room spray will be very effective to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
Other essential oils that help promote relaxation include Ylang Ylang and Bergamot which are known to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Adding a few drops into some boiling water and taking a few deep breaths will work wonders for your improved sleep experience. Sandalwood and Cedarwood essential oils are less floral, and woodsier and richer in scent but are known to have incredible properties to help release anxiety and stress.
As spritzers, these oils can be also used on your mattress as well as on your duvet a few minutes before going to bed so that you can easily relax.
The only caveat: pets do not do well around essential oils, whether diffused into the air or licked from a treated part of your skin. Their livers do not have the enzymes necessary to break down the molecules. Consulting with a registered aromatherapist or naturopath would be wise before using any oils on your skin or home when you have pets. A patch test is also just as wise.
Aromatherapy can be a life changer in the ways it can improve your sleep experience. If you are considering additional bedtime improvements to help you meet your wellness goals, we invite you to visit with our sleep experts in store for upgrading or updating your mattress or sleep accessories.