Alternative Medicine

We all use aromatherapy, in its most basic form, every day. The smell of baking bread, a rosewater perfume or an aversion to bad smells are all powerful stimulators of memory and sense. In its technical application, it is an effective and soothing way to balance moods and manage energy and is an effective way to relieve sleeplessness. The oils provoke a variety of different responses by stimulating olfactory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain that control emotions, causing a series of chemical reactions effecting a physical or emotional change in the body. If you don’t appreciate a particular scent, it won’t relax you and you should try something else. Oils can be used by adding them to a bath, burning them in a diffuser or using them in a compress. For sleep problems, they can be particularly effective in the form of massage, especially if your poor sleep is due to muscle tension.

Always buy pure oils, rather than synthetic oils. Most essential oils require a carrier oil, such as olive, sunflower or almond oil, and should be mixed before use in massage as they are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation. Their potency means you only need a very small amount. For massage on adults, 28 mL of carrier oil should have only 12 to 15 drops of essential oil added. When using it in the bath, 10 to 12 drops of essential oil should be used. The water temperature should be sufficiently hot to ensure that the oils mix fully with the water. This has the duel effect of helping oil to soak into the skin and producing an oil enhanced steam that is breathed in – make sure the doors and windows are closed to encourage maximum inhalation. When properly stored in a cool, dark place, essential oils can last years. Once they are combined with a carrier oil, however, they will turn rancid within three months, so use them up.

The following essential oils are known to be effective for aiding a good nights sleep. In their dried form some can also be used to stuff sleep pillows, which will promote rest as you sleep. Herbs such as basil and marjoram can be ingested in food dishes or made into teas.

Basil

This herb can promote calm and rest for those suffering from nervous insomnia or fatigue. It is also regarded as an aphrodisiac, which is ideal if you are feeling too tired to even contemplate sex. The flower heads and leaves can be used in cooking, so ingest their benefits with a refreshing mozzarella, tomato and basil salad.

Clary Sage

This is regarded as an all-round panacea, and supports the central nervous system in many of its duties. From fatigue, depression and headaches, it can relieve many of the problems associated with poor sleep. Its benefits can be gained from eating it fresh, as well as in essential oil form. Add it to salads, or stuff chicken breast with it.

Frankincense

It is an ancient and widely used gum resin from Africa and the Middle East that can aid meditation. Place a few drops on a piece of cotton wool or in a small dish of water near a warm radiator before you start to meditate. Inhale the fragrance deeply throughout your session.

Geranium

Use geranium essential oil for renewing and reviving a tired mind. It is also a great antiseptic and insect repellent and one of the most useful and important aromatherapy oils. Use it in self massage to fight the fatigue caused by poor sleep or stressful demands.

Lavender

Amazingly effective encouraging sleep and relaxation. In studies published by the medical journal, The Lancet, lavender has been shown to be as effective as sleeping pills for the elderly. A great way to promote rest is to add a few drops to your ironing spray when you are ironing sheets, this way you can subtly infuse local sleep space with the scent. You can always freshen up the scent by spraying directly onto your pillow. Alternatively, put a few sprigs in the linen cupboard. Lavender has traditionally been used to provide relaxation and drowsiness, but be careful, using more than 1 to 2 drops can have the opposite effect.