How Can Herbs and Essential Oils Help Me Sleep Better?

Better sleep is possible with essential oils!

Calming herbs can range in use from a hot cup of Chamomile tea to a soothing Lavender bath for the kids. Beyond the common herbs we have all heard of, many others have properties that reach depths we rarely consider that can help calm the mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes the answer to a good night’s sleep involves calming all three and approaching better sleep with herbs and essential oils that can calm children as well as adults. Aromatherapy or diffusing oils are the most common applications for using herbs to achieve better sleep. Diffusing, topical application to certain areas of the body, basic inhalation, and even using oils internally are options of how to attain the benefits of essential oils. For topical application place 2-3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand and choose key areas like the temples, neck, soles of the feet, over vital organs, on top of the head, or the stomach area to apply. Essential oils made to be taken internally are called Flower Essences and we have a wonderful selection on our site that address a variety of issues.

Which Essential Oils Promote Sleep?

Points of application for essential oils.

One of the most common and calming oils, used in children’s baths or lotions, is Lavender. Adults can benefit the same as children by diffusing this essential oil while preparing for bed to promote relaxation both physically and emotionally. (Rub a few drops on the soles of your feet if you don’t have a diffuser.) Take a deep breath while the oils are airborne and feel the calming energy that comes over you. Passion flower, Chamomile, and Valerian are essential oils that can be used for relaxation as well. A few drops of Valerian root oil rubbed on the soles of your feet, or inhaling Chamomile oil will help you achieve calm and relaxation much like the use of Lavender. Diffusing Frankincense or rubbing a few drops on your temples or the back of the neck will help induce calmness and is often used to increase spiritual strength. There are even oils that will enhance dreams and stabilize emotions.

Essential Oils During the Day for Better Sleep at Night

Orange essential oil for relaxation.

Just as a good diet or exercise promotes a healthy day and sound sleep, essential oils have similar benefits to the body. Enhancing energy levels during the day with essential oils will curb the body’s need to drain the adrenal glands, thereby promoting a more relaxed approach to all the day’s tasks. Many essential oil fans will tell you that they use at least one oil each day based on its appropriateness to that specific day. Maybe Orange oil for a more relaxed mood or Peppermint and Rosemary for mental alertness; choosing which oil will bring the most benefit to your challenges that day can help ensure you achieve better sleep.

Experimenting with oils and gaining some basic knowledge will allow you to further enjoy their benefits. Herbs and essential oils can play an important role in a healthy day and a great night’s sleep. To read more about herbs for sleep, visit a previous blog here. Essential oils and other natural choices for better sleep can be found in the Mind, Mood, and Sleep section of our store. You can also check here to see essential oil kits, aromatherapy for your car, essential oil patches, and more!

**Please note that essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply pure vegetable ail to the area to dilute. Please read label directions for each oil before using.**

Share on Facebook

Insomnia? Try herbs to help you sleep better!

Did you know that sleep is the single most important factor in your daily health? Sleep rejuvenates and repairs you physically and mentally, and most of us don’t get nearly enough. The old adage of “eight hours a night” is a good starting point, but many people require more. If you are sleep deprived, it has been shown that three consecutive nights of nine and half hours of sleep or more is the magic bullet to reverse the damage. This of course can be difficult to achieve. Stress, physiological imbalance and uncomfortable conditions can keep you awake at night. So what can you do to help restore balance?

Herbs for Sleep

There are numerous herbs that have been used as sleep aids throughout history. What you want is an herb that relaxes your body and calms an overactive mind. Chamomile, Skullcap, Valerian and Passion Flower are but a few examples. Any of these can be used in combination as a tea or in a capsule in the evenings. As well, taking 400mg of magnesium before bed can help you get a restful night’s sleep.

Having been an employee of both Kroeger Herbs and now Hanna’s Herb Shop, I have tried many products. Of the line we produce, Serenity capsules, SLP Tea, Valerian Root and Kava Kava tinctures are all excellent for promoting relaxation and are wonderful herbs to help you sleep better. Good health and good night!

To learn more about how essential oils can help you fall asleep and stay asleep, see a recent blog post here.

Share on Facebook