Drifting off for a restful night’s sleep can be a challenge some evenings. The key to turning off your mind at the end of a busy day and making the transition to restful and rejuvenating sleep is to relax. And with the help of aromatherapy and herbal remedies you can achieve better sleep, night after night.
Restful sleep is enough of a benefit, but many natural sleep aids also have more to offer. By inducing a state of relaxation and reducing anxiety these natural remedies will also reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Using Herbs as Sleep Aids
A variety of natural herbs help induce sleep. Some herbal remedies may be more effective than others, so test them out to find the options that work best for you.
Fall Asleep with Lavender
Lavender is versatile and effective. The purple flower can be made into essential oils, perfumes, candles and more. The relaxing qualities of lavender help you unwind and prepare for sleep. Lavender can also be used to ease pains and aches, and it is even useful for disinfecting and deodorizing. Spray lavender essential oil on your sheets before climbing into bed.
Relax with Chamomile
Chamomile tea is one of the best sleep aids out there. When brewed into a tea, this flower provides a sedative effect that many swear by as a pre-bed ritual. For optimal results drink chamomile tea about 30 minutes before bed.
Calm Down with Lemon Balm
Leafy lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is known for reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation. The sedative qualities of lemon balm have been used to induce sleep for thousands of years. Lemon balm can be dried and brewed as a tea; mix it with chamomile for a tasty and effective drink. The leaves can also be used to create a tincture. Lemon balm possess antiviral properties that are proven to help fight both colds and cold sores for an added benefit.
Rest with Valerian
The flowers of the valerian plant can be used for tea and extract from the root can be consumed in capsule form. However you take your valerian, the results will be the same: reduced nerves and anxiety and even relief from muscle pain. Many people dislike the flavor of valerian tea, but the flavor can be masked by brewing it along with chamomile or even lemon balm. Valerian root pills are more effective and should be taken about an hour before bed.
End Restlessness with California Poppy
The California poppy is a flowering plant found throughout the U.S. and Mexico that is distantly related to the opium poppy. There are very trace amounts of opiates found in California poppy, but it is the sedative alkaloids that are also present that will help you rest. When used to make a tincture, California poppy reduces anxiety and acts as a sedative.
Sleep Through the Night with Passionflower
When ingested, passionflower is thought to not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep. Tea or tincture made from passionflower allows the mind to rest and sets the stage for a good night of sleep. However you choose to use passionflower it’s most effective when taken 30 minutes before bed.
Turn in with Turmeric
Replacing your evening wine or afternoon coffee with turmeric tea is not only a great way to fall asleep—it’s also a great aid in weight loss. Plus turmeric tea eases aches and pains with its anti-inflammatory power. Turmeric is a wonder spice with so many benefits: it’s a satisfying replacement for sugary foods or wine; it fights inflammation and helps fat cells from forming; and best of all, it improves sleep and hormone regulation. There are tons of recipes online for turmeric tea, and other ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Gently Drift Off with Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang aids in relaxation which in turn helps to induce sleep. Ylang Ylang can be used as an essential oil applied to your skin or you can spray your sheets or add to bath water.
Other Methods to Enjoy Aromatherapy
Essential oils and teas are effective methods to enjoy the benefits of herbal remedies and aromatherapy, but there are other ways to experience herbal benefits.
Light Candles
Candles give off a faint flicker of light that can induce a sense of peace, and when infused with a scent can also be used as aromatherapy. SOL’s lavender and clary sage candle creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere that will help you wind down after a hectic day. If you are feeling stressed, try our lavender and eucalyptus scented candle for sensory induced stress relief; or achieve a peaceful vibe with a lemon and lavender candle. Candles are a great way to set the tone for relaxation and enjoy the benefits of herbal aromatherapy.
Benefits of Warming Therapy
Warming therapy is the use of heated items, such as neck, back and body wraps and pillows to increase relaxation. SOL Organic offers a variety of warming therapy products, all of which are made from Fair Trade Certified™ 100% organic cotton. Our warming therapy wraps are infused with lavender and are microwavable. When warmed, they can be used to soothe aches and gently radiate relaxing scents. When combined with aromatherapy, warming therapy can create a restful sensory experience that gently relieves the stress of the day and prepares you for quality and rejuvenating sleep.
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