Summary  

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health.

The modes of  application of aromatherapy include:

• Aerial Diffusion for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection

• Direct Inhalation for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, expectoration as well as psychological effects

• Topical Application for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care

• Oral, Rectal and Vaginal Interfaces for infection, congestion, parasites, perfumery for body fragrancing, anointments

Aromatherapy and Sleep

All stress related conditions, including insomnia, respond well to aromatherapy.

Essential Oils for Sleep

Relaxing baths with essential oils of Roman camomile and geranium will help a person to unwind before sleep. A glass of camomile tea will complete the process.  Relaxant effects may be provided by oils of camomile, lavender, neroli, rose and marjoram. Add a few drops to your bathwater or sprinkle a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale.

The following essential oils may be useful for management of sleep....

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)

Benzoin is a sedative, warming, and relaxing.

It is useful for: Sleeplessness caused by worry, emotional exhaustion, tension, bronchitis, and coughs.

Caution: Some people may be sensitive to this oil.

German and Roman Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla and Chamaemele Nobile)

Chamomile calms nerves and stomach, induces sleep, and is especially good for children.

Useful for: Insomnia and anxiety.

Caution: Can cause dermatitis in some people.

Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis)

Lavender is calming, soothing to nerves and digestion, anti-depressant, pain-relieving, and lowers blood pressure. it is non-toxic, and non-irritant.

Lavender is useful for: insomnia, tension, depression, headache, catarrh, stomach cramps, shock, earache.

Rose (Rosa Damascena)

Rose is relaxing and soothing. It is an aphrodisiac, nervous and digestive tonic, and helps menstruation. Rose in non-toxic, and non-irritant.

Rose is useful for the treatment of: insomnia, nervous tension, depression, headaches, painful periods, nausea, asthma, loss of sex drive.

Sandalwood (Santalum Album)

Sandalwood is relaxing, aphrodisiac and antidepressant, expectorant, calms digestion. It is non-toxic, and non-irritant.

Useful for: insomnia, depression, nervous tension, catarrah, colic.