If you frequent the blogs of lifestyle, herbalists or you are interested in spiritual practices, you have surely heard of aromatherapy: that experience that allows you to balance the mind, body and soul through smells. It is highly acclaimed by its followers, but is it truly useful?
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy consists of the use of essential oils from plants to treat physical and emotional disorders, as well as to improve the well-being of our body and mind. These oils are obtained from aromatic plants, bark, seeds and other parts of them, through steam distillation and highly concentrating their aroma.
This practice is usually complementary to other types of healing practices: both official medicine and spiritual healing. Although it is not recommended to use it as a substitute for traditional medicine if you suffer from any serious pathology, it is highly recommended to relieve the psychological stress linked to these.
It works thanks to the sense of smell and the absorption of aromas into the blood. Through smell, these odors penetrate the limbic system, which is in contact with humor, instinct and emotions, helping to segregate chemical substances that allow the release of these emotions. It is also possible due to the olfactory memory, which usually has certain memories and emotions linked to it.
Is it useful for sleeping?
Our mission is always well-being and rest, so it is worth asking if aromatherapy is beneficial for sleep. The answer is very simple: yes, it is.
Aromatherapy is the perfect complement to promote relaxation before falling asleep: helping to relax, relax muscles, produce melatonin and fall asleep.
There are many ways to get odors to your mind and body: through essential oil diffusers, the oils themselves in contact with the skin (care must be taken with those that can irritate it), with mists for the pillows, candles (which should be extinguished before going to sleep)... In short, an infinite number of ways to smell.
The best essences for sleeping
The oils or aromas that best adapt to rest are the following:
- Lavender: the magnificent “sedative” properties of lavender on the nervous system, muscle relaxation and its antiseptic function have never been a secret.
- Bergamot: this small citrus fruit is very common in infusions recommended for sleeping, in addition to having a delicious-smelling essential oil.
- Hierbaluisa: a plant with great calming properties, especially for anguish, anxiety and depression.
- Tangerine: mandarin essential oil, contrary to what one might think, has a very soft aroma that helps people fall asleep, especially for restless people.
- Roman chamomile: also known as chamomile or chamomile, it is perfect for sensitive people whose sleep is frequently stolen by shocks in their daily lives. It is also recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure.
