Oils have been used for thousands of years for a handful of reasons. From medicine to cosmetics to self-care; oils have properties that help the human body. The focus here will be on its ability to help sleep and relaxation.
Picture this; you’re laying in your comfy bed, surrounded by pleasant aromas. In this case, rather than candles, which can be a fire hazard, you have an oil diffuser. A product such as this consistently puffs the scent of oil which you will smell throughout the night. Allow us to take you through the history of certain oils and why they may help you on your sleep journey.
How smells help us relax
The answer is all in our olfactory senses. This is the human nose and nasal cavities. It is what helps us perceive smells. When you smell a certain fragrance, a stimulation in your olfactory occurs which in turn helps us to feel a sense of relaxation.
This is why the scent of certain oils (the one we list for you) may be a great help to fall asleep and stay relaxed. Over time, if you start to pair a particular smell with relaxation, that link will help to create a pattern of sleep. You can think of it as a trigger in a sense. The smell will trigger the feeling of relaxation or sleepiness.
Lavender Oil
This is the oil most people are probably familiar with. Lavender oil has been around for centuries. In ancient Egypt, lavender was used for perfume, cosmetics, and even mummification.
Typically, royal families and high priests were the ones who used lavender. It was a symbol of wealth. Wealthy men would wear solid cones on their heads and as they melted, lavender perfume would cover their bodies.
The ancient Romans used lavender for cooking, bathing, and even for healing purposes. Lavender was used to clean wounds and burns. Roman soldiers had Lavender with them during war. Similarly to how we use bug spray, they used lavender as a repellent for insects as well.
In the case we care about the most, lavender is an oil with excellent relaxation properties. The chemical makeup of lavender concerning relaxation is linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor. These components act as relievers for feelings such as anxiety, aggression, and restlessness.
Chamomile Oil
Another oil that was used decades before, chamomile is an herb that offers a multitude of solutions to problems; mainly healing.
Ancient Egyptians would dedicate Chamomile to their Gods. They believed it was a gift bestowed upon them by the Egyptian Sun God, Ra. Due to its praise, it was used in the tombs of Pharaohs. Romans used chamomile in medicine, drinks, and incense. They used Chamomile as a fragrant that was used at gatherings and celebrations.
The chemical makeup of Chamomile includes apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and antioxidants such as chamazulene and azulene. Specifically, Apigenin is the component of Camomile that creates a sedative effect by pairing to the receptors in the brain that are in charge of sleepiness and the decreasing of anxiety.
This calming effect helps to relax and leads you to a restful night’s sleep. Relaxium actually includes Chamomile and its properties in our supplements. Its pairing with a concoction of other herbs (Valerian, Hops, and Passionflower) helps to provide this sense of relaxation and calmness. We have a specific product, Relaxium Calm which also helps to do this.
Sandalwood Oil
Just like how it sounds, Sanaldwood oil is extracted from sandalwood. The trace of its origin dates back more than 4000 years ago. The cool thing about sandalwood oil is that it can be kept for long periods of time if stored correctly.
In Hinduism, sandalwood was used for the ritual bathing of the gods. Mythological manuscripts written in ancient times stated that Brahma Vavivarta Purana and The Goddess Lakshmi live in the sandalwood tree.
Egyptians were known to use sandalwood to cure skin disorders, preserve the dead and show devotion to the gods.
The wood, earthy smell it spreads helps to reduce anxiety, leaving you more relaxed. It can also have a sedative effect which could help those suffering from insomnia.
Valerian Oil
Another herb Relaxium uses. Valerian is a planet that is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is an herb that has been used for medicinal purposes in earlier times in places such as Greece and Rome.
The medical issues that Valerian has been known to aid with are issues such as insomnia, fatigue, migraines, and stomach cramps. The presence of Valerian helps to increase a chemical called GABA, (gamma-aminobutyric). This chemical helps to regulate the nerve cells in the body which then leads to a calming effect that can help things like anxiety.
How should I use these oils?
We hinted at one in the beginning but there are a few different ways you can use these oils.
These include:
- An oil diffuser
- Pillow spray
- Physical application (on your temple, wrists, and soles of your feet)
- A tissue
- Bath salts
You shouldn’t directly ingest any oils. You can purchase tea that includes these herbs’ properties, but never ingest drops of any oils.
Natural Remedies are always the best
There is a reason herbs such as these have been used for thousands of years. They truly do work. Using natural ingredients that come from the earth is bound to typically result in a positive manner. This is why Relaxium uses components from these herbs as well. We don’t create products with ingredients that will cause harm.
So if you’re feeling stuck, maybe consider implementing oils into your life! Smells are a powerful thing. They help to calm your senses and bring positive feelings.
To restful and healthy days ahead.
The Relaxium Team
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://nourishedessentials.com/blogs/healthwellness/essential-oils-for-sleep-how-do-they-work