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Aromatherapy for Sleep Enhancement – (Insomnia)
Essential oils act quickly on the brain and nervous system to induce relaxation and also help
to ease muscle tension that can interfere with sleep. Taking a warm aromatherapy bath at
night is a wonderful way to prepare for a restful night's sleep. Sip a cup of relaxing herbal
tea, dim the lights, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to slip right into bed after your
bath-don't distract yourself with other tasks that might stimulate your nervous system. The
following essential oils are especially helpful for relieving insomnia.
Chamomile has a herbaceous, sweet and slightly tart fragrance that helps to relieve
insomnia caused by nervous tension. Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) tends to have a
sweeter fragrance than German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
Clary sage has potent sedative effects on the nervous system and has a slightly euphoric
effect that is helpful for relieving insomnia. It also has muscle-relaxing properties. Clary
sage has a warm, sweet, musty scent.
Lavender has soothing, sedating, and balancing effects on the mind and body. It has a
floral, herbaceous fragrance with sweet or balsamic undertones.
Marjoram eases muscular and nervous tension and has relaxing and sedative effects. It has
a sweet, spicy herbaceous fragrance.
Aromatherapy Sweet-Dreams Bath for Insomnia
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops marjoram essential oil
3 drops clary sage essential oil
2 cups Epsom salts
1 cup baking soda
Draw a bathtub o/warm (but not too hot) water, adding the Epsom salts and baking soda
while the water running. Add the essential oils to the bath just before entering the tub,
mixing the oils into the water with you hand. Sip a cup of relaxing passionflower or lemon
balm tea, and soak for 15-20 minutes. Immediately slip into bed after toweling dry.
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