Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. This holistic practice promotes both physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants through distillation or mechanical methods like cold pressing. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and topical application through products like:

• Clay masks
• Diffusers
• Inhalers
• Bathing salts
• Body oils, creams and lotions.


When inhaled, the scent molecules in the essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves to the brain and affect the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain. When applies, essential oils are absorbed into the skin. There are over 100 essential oils. Lavender oils, peppermint oils, rose oil, etc. are but a few of the popular ones. Does Aromatherapy really help you sleep?


Studies have shown that the aroma of the essential oils can trigger the nervous system to transmit signals to the limbic system of the brain. The same part of the brain that houses emotion and memory. This can be used to condition your brain to associate sleep with a particular scent. If you have trouble sleeping, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils through the following ways:

• By diluting the essential oil and applying it to the sole of your feet, wrist, or palms at the start and end of the day to help you feel relaxed. Carrier oils are necessary because undiluted essential oils can cause irritation to skin. Common carrier oils include coconut, jojoba and extra virgin olive oils. You should use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for every 1 drop of essential oil.

• You can also add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to a diffuser. This will release the scent into your home.

• You can also consider putting a few drops of essential oil to your pillowcase shortly before bedtime.

Article credit : Cocci Beauty