World Sleep Day: 4 Essential Oils to aid better sleep
To celebrate World Sleep Day, we're taking a deep delve into the world of aromatherapy to bring you the best essential oils to help promote calm, peaceful sleep. We caught up with the Elemental Herbology Training Manager, Antonia, to get the lowdown on the best essential oils and bespoke blends to have you drifting off in no time.
Neroli
Extracted from the delicate and highly scented flowers of the bitter orange tree, the essential oil of neroli is an intoxicating blend of floral and citrus aromas. Neroli is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering our levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and instead encouraging the brain to release serotonin - a mood-stabilising hormone - resulting in a more peaceful nights’ slumber.
Rose Damask
Originating from Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran, rose damask essential oil has been traditionally used in aromatherapy for many years to manage depression and anxiety. Known as the ultimate ‘feel-good’ essential oil, rose damask is thought to help improve sleep quality by heightening activity within the branch of our nervous system responsible for switching on our relaxation response.
Lavender
Probably one of the most widely used essential oils in the world, lavender’s soporific effects are well documented. In addition to its muscle relaxant properties, when inhaled, lavender is believed to slow the heartbeat and inhibit the branch of our nervous system responsible for the ‘flight or fight’ stress response, producing a light sedative effect and improving the overall quality of our sleep.
Ylang Ylang
Meaning ‘flower of flowers’, the intensely floral and slightly heady aroma of ylang ylang has been used in aromatherapy to treat cases of extreme stress, anxiety or shock. Considered to be one of the best essential oils for relaxing the mind and body, ylang ylang can help prepare us for sleep by lowering our blood pressure and heart rate, as well as slowing our breathing – all of which help our body tell the brain that it’s time to switch off.
The best aromatherapy blends for better sleep
Our Soothe collection uses a perfectly balanced blend of neroli, rose damask, lavender and ylang ylang throughout the range to help relax the mind and promote great sleep. Enjoy the Soothe Bath & Body Oil and Soothe Aromatherapy Candle as the perfect way to unwind in the evening, treat skin to the anti-inflammatory benefits with the Calm & Soothe Facial Oil, and leave skin hydrated from top to toe with the Neroli & Rose Damask Body Wash and Cream.
