They can cause allergic reactions, among other negative side effects. Surprising Uses for Lavender , WebMD, October 1, Elisabeth Anderson, Jinpeng Li, Essential Oils - An Overview , Michigan State University Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, August 17, Abby Olheiser, FDA warns three companies against marketing their products as Ebola treatments or cures , The Washington Post, September 24, Michele Freeman, Chelsea Ayers, et al.

Department of Veterans Affairs, September Sachiko Koyama and Thomas Heinbockel, The Effects of Essential Oils and Terpenes in Relation to Their Routes of Intake and Application , International Journal of Molecular Sciences, February 25, Regulations and Licensing Information , National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

National Cancer Institute, Aromatherapy With Essential Oils PDQ® : Integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies , University of Michigan Health System, November 7, Annette McDermott, How to Use Carrier Oils , Healthline, August 15, Megan Buerger, Essential oils are potent, risky and promising.

Moon Joo Cheong, Sungchul Kim, et al. Migiwa Komiya, Takashi Takeuchi, and Etsumori Harada, Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice PDF , Elsevier, June 15, Angela S.

Lillehei and Linda L. Halcon, A Systematic Review of the Effect of Inhaled Essential Oils on Sleep , The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, June 10, Charlene Gamaldo, MD, medical director, Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep and Wellness , email interview, January 18, Jade Shutes, The Quality of Essential Oils PDF , National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

After testing 17 diffusers, our favorite is the Urpower 2nd Gen ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser. After using 41 sleeping bags in the Western wild, we have a range of recommendations for car-camping and backpacking. Here are the six best. What science says about essential oils Navigating the murky waters of essential oils can get tricky.

The therapeutic-grade label has no regulatory definition and is simply a marketing ploy. Essential oils should be extracted from a specified, Latin-named plant species. You should be told the country each ingredient is from, the process used to grow it, and even the part of the plant utilized.

How to shop in the real world In practice, it takes diligence to find oils that meet these standards. Sources 1. Surprising Uses for Lavender , WebMD, October 1, 3. Elisabeth Anderson, Jinpeng Li, Essential Oils - An Overview , Michigan State University Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, August 17, 4.

Abby Olheiser, FDA warns three companies against marketing their products as Ebola treatments or cures , The Washington Post, September 24, 5. This is why we love essential oils. Not only are oils relatively affordable and natural, but they are also easy to use.

Be sure to check use instructions for each oil before ingesting or using topically—depending on the source and the blend, not every oil is suitable for every type of application. Lavender, one of the more popular essential oils, is most commonly used for relaxation and sleep.

When used before bed, studies have shown that lavender oil can not only help you fall asleep but also improve overall quality of rest. Our favorite method of using it, is by diffusing lavender oil an hour or so before turning in for the night.

You can also create a bed spray with 2 cups distilled water, 1 tbsp witch hazel, and drops of lavender. Mist a bit lightly over your sheets before going to bed. A little goes a long way with this powerful scent. Ylang ylang essential oil comes from the Cananga tree native to Asian and South Pacific rainforests—the oil is especially fragrant and known for its sedative effects.

Both Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia offer USDA organic options. Diffuse a few drops of this oil in the evenings to create a relaxing environment in your home or add to a warm bath to alleviate stress and tension.

Our favorite way to use this oil is by combining a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil with fractionated coconut oil and massaging it into your shoulders each night.

Marjoram essential oil has many uses including its ability to aid sleep.

Lavender essential oil is a rich, floral, and herbaceous oil that is stress-relieving and sleep-inducing. Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, produces beautiful pinkish-purple flowers that give off an intoxicating floral aroma. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean area of Europe.

Woolzies Lavender Essential Oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowers of the plant. Peppermint essential oil is a cooling, stimulating, and uplifting oil with a fresh minty scent. It helps to relieve congestion, respiratory issues, halitosis, headaches, and muscle pain.

Peppermint, also known as Mentha piperita, is a hybrid plant of water mint and spearmint. It is indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. This plant has light purple flowers and serrated green leaves with a fragrant minty aroma. Woolzies Peppermint Essential Oil is extracted by steam distillation using the leaves of the plant.

Rosemary essential oil is a sweet woody oil that can reduce stress and improve memory and mental alertness. It has energizing and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary, also known as Rosmarinus officinalis, is an herb indigenous to the Mediterranean coastline.

It is part of the mint family and has blue-purple flowers and needle-like leaves that have a sweet herbal smell. Woolzies Rosemary Essential Oil is extracted by steam distilling the leaves of the plant.

Sweet Marjoram essential oil decreases stress and supports the immune and cardiovascular systems. Its aroma is sweet, herbal, and spicy. Also known as Origanum Majorana, this herb has long symbolized happiness. It is native to Asia Minor, but it grows plentifully across the Mediterranean.

Marjoram has thin, gray-green leaves and, in early summer, small lilac flowers. Woolzies Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops. Roman chamomile essential oil is a calming, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic oil that has a floral fruity aroma.

It can help to reduce anger and irritability and promote sleep. The Roman chamomile plant, also known as Chamaemelum nobile, is cultivated in Argentina, Europe, and North America. It has grayish leaves and daisy-like flowers that have a fruity scent.

Woolzies Roman Chamomile Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant via steam distillation. Sweet orange essential oil is a mood-boosting, cleansing, and energizing oil with a sweet citrusy aroma. It can encourage creativity and freshen the air.

Sweet orange oil can be inhaled, diffused, applied topically, and used for cleaning. The orange tree, also known as Citrus sinensis, is a citrus tree that produces round orange fruit and sweet-smelling white flowers called orange blossoms.

The tree originated in the Far East and is now grown in many temperate climates. Woolzies Sweet Orange Essential Oil is extracted by cold-pressing the rind of the orange fruit.

Clary sage essential oil is a relaxing and soothing oil with a floral, fruity, herbal aroma. It helps to calm the nerves and soothe irritated skin and sore muscles.

Clary Sage, also known as Salvia sclarea, is an herb that grows in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and central Asia. It has pink flowers and gray-green leaves that have a sweet musky scent. Woolzies Clary Sage Essential Oil is steam distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant. Vetiver essential oil is a calming and grounding oil with an exotic earthy aroma.

It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can relieve insomnia. Vetiver, also known as Chrysopogon zizanioides, is a grass native to tropical areas of Asia that reaches 5 feet in height.

It has long sharp-edged leaves and aromatic roots that grow downwards preventing soil erosion. Woolzies Vetiver Essential Oil is steam distilled from the roots of the plant. Rose essential oil is a sweet floral oil that encourages romantic and uplifting feelings.

It benefits emotional balance and skin health. This hybrid flower originated in the Middle East and has two varieties: Summer Damasks and Autumn Damasks.

It has vibrant pink flowers with a sweet intoxicating aroma. Woolzies Rose Essential Oil is steam distilled from the flowers of the plant. Bergamot essential oil is both a soothing and stimulating oil that can help with focus, anxiety, and pain.

It has a floral and slightly spicy citrus aroma. The bergamot tree, also known as Citrus bergamia, is a delicate citrus plant that produces white flowers and yellow-green fruit known as bergamot orange.

It is grown commercially in Italy and has a spicy citrus aroma. Woolzies Bergamot Essential Oil is extracted by steam distilling the peel of the bergamot fruit.

Dilute drops of the Deep Sleep Blends in 20ml 2 Tbsp of carrier oil before applying to the skin. Make bath salts to encourage relaxation and relieve stress. Combine 3 cups Epsom salts, 30 drops Sweat Dreams Blend and ½ cup carrier oil.

Mix this well and store it in a jar. Add 2 scoops to a warm bath and enjoy. Make soothing bath bombs using the Stress Relief Blend. Combine 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup citric acid, ½ cup cornstarch, ½ cup carrier oil, and 15 drops Stress Relief Blend.

Mix this well and roll it into a ball and wrap tightly in saran wrap. Let this harden and dry for 24 hours before dropping it into a warm bath. Make a calming room and linen spray by combining 1 cup water, ½ cup pure vodka, and 30 drops Stress Relief Blend in a spray bottle. Shake well and mist into the air and onto linen and clothing as needed.

got these as a present and was nervous at first since the different blends sounded like odd mixtures but they all blend so well together and you really get to smell each hint of each ingredient to thoroughly enjoy everything in the blend.

I love this set. Absolutely amazing scent combos. I use these to make bed time sprays or just to use for stressful days. The sweet dream is my favorite!

Close search. Cart items. For example, doTERRA recommends applying Balance to the soles of your feet, wrists, or palms at the beginning and end of the day to help you feel calm and relaxed. Lavender and sage can also be applied directly to the skin.

Before applying an essential oil topically, be sure to dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil. Applying undiluted essential oils to your skin can cause irritation.

Common carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, and extra virgin olive oils. As a general rule of thumb, you should use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for every 1 drop of essential oil. You can also add drops of these essential oils to a diffuser. This will release the scent into your home. If you prefer not to leave your diffuser running, you may consider adding a few drops of essential oil to your pillowcase shortly before bedtime.

This will allow the scent to linger throughout your sleeping hours. Before applying these oils over large areas of skin, be sure to do a patch test. Dilute your chosen oil and apply the mixture to a quarter-sized amount of skin to do a patch test. The inside of your arm is usually a good place to do this.

Wait 24 hours to see if you experience any irritation or discomfort. This may cause unpleasant side effects, such as upset stomach and nausea. Children, women who are breastfeeding, and women who are pregnant should exercise caution when using essential oils.

If you want to start using essential oils, consult your doctor. Some oils may interfere with medications that you may be taking or cause an allergic reaction. You can usually find essential oils in holistic health stores and through online providers, such as Amazon.

If you plan to apply your chosen oil to your skin, remember to dilute the oil first. You should also do a patch test. This can prevent undue irritation and inflammation.

If you begin experiencing any unusual side effects, you should discontinue use. Keep reading: Tips to sleep better ». Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Valerian root is commonly used as a natural sleep aid, but you may wonder whether it has any negative effects.

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