Month: August 2020

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Sleep and The Body Coach

I love this guest blog post about sleep found on the Body Coach:  https://www.thebodycoach.com/…/sleep-and-mental-health-1231….

Essential oils can also aid sleep as they have calming and mood enhancing effects, and can easily be introduced as part of a sleep routine whether you add your favourite oils to a diffuser in your bedroom before sleep, or a warm evening bath with oils, or simply a few drops onto your pillow at night.

Studies have shown that essential oils work because we inhale the aromatic molecules via our olfactory system (found in our nasal septum) releasing neurons into our limbic system, the part of our brain that deals with emotion, memory, motivation, and pleasure. We have no conscious control here and so the scent of essential oils can have a profound influence on us, affecting our behaviour. Indeed, prolonged use of oils can create new pathways, new memories and therefore new patterns of behaviour such as enhanced mood, relaxation, calm….sleep.

A lovely combination of oils could be Sweet orange, Lavender and Ylang ylang in your diffuser (2 drops of each).

Another combination could be Bergamot, Chamomile, Vetiver.

Or just use a favourite oil on your pillow at night, such as Lavender, Geranium, or Lemongrass.

  • Lemongrass


Try just one drop of one the oils onto your pillow (reverse side) every night for a week and see if it makes a difference. I know it will.

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Menstruation pain and the benefits of a warm bath

Water is healing

Menstruation can leave women feeling bloated, congested and uncomfortable. Essential oils can help with pain and mood and I would recommend adding 2 drops of each essential oil group mixed (6 drops in total) with either body oil or bath salts into a warm bath:


* Clary Sage, Chamomile, Vetiver (2 drops of each)
* Lemon, Lavender, Ylang ylang (2 drops of each)
* Basil, Juniper, Neroli (2 drops of each)
* Thyme, Fennel, Frankincense (2 drops of each)

There are many health benefits of taking a bath and combined with aromatherapy the effects can be enhanced. Water is a natural pain relief which is why it is offered during birth and is used as hydrotherapy. Submerging ourselves in water can support our body and mind whether it is taking an ice bath to relieve muscle pain, bathing in a hot spring for its natural mineral content, or taking to the water for leisure or fitness. Wild swimming is also said to have benefits such as increasing our white blood cell count, stimulating our lymphatic system and boosting blood circulation.

However, just taking a long soak in a warm bath at home can help aid relaxation, restful sleep and help us unwind, taking some time out when life gets busy. Being in warm water can increase our levels of serotonin, the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well being. When we are relaxed, we can breathe deeper, which will lower our heart rate and improve our respiratory system such as our sinuses and lungs. Regular and deep breathing has a positive impact upon our blood flow and is good our immune system too. A strong immune system helps ward off viruses and infections. As well as calming our nervous system, being in water is low impact and can relieve our joints, bones and muscles, alleviating any pain and discomfort we may be experiencing. Water is good for our skin and using essential oils in our bath can help nourish our skin, our hair and nails.

Take some time out, have a warm bath, relax and breathe in the wonderful scent of essential oils. These oils are particularly recommended for women experiencing discomfort due to period pain however, anyone can benefit from the oils suggested.

Stop treatment if you experience skin irritation. Avoid during pregnancy.

Here is an interesting article on bathing and depression: https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2018/oct/23/why-a-daily-bath-helps-beat-depression-and-how-to-have-a-good-one

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Stay cool….

Feeling hot and bothered? A good natural cooling agent is Peppermint (Mentha piperita) with its strong, fresh, menthol aroma. When I imagine Peppermint I think green and herbaceous, which could be because it’s from the same plant family as herbs such as Basil and Marjoram to name a few. Peppermint is a good pick me up, useful for tired minds and bodies as well as any digestive complaints such as nausea or colic. Because of it’s wonderful cooling effect, it is well suited as an inhalation or a spray. Combine 2 drops of Peppermint with 2 drops of Lemon and 2 drops of Grapefruit in your diffuser to calm and freshen up your space. Alternatively, add the same amount to between 15-30ml of water in a small spray bottle for a refreshing face or body mist. Use as often as you need and enjoy the fresh minty, tangy scent which will help you cool down. Avoid during pregnancy, keep away from eyes, use in low dilutions.

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Aroma masks!

A great video for those who want to enhance their face mask using essential oils. Oils I would recommend which support the respiratory system and breathing would be Eucalyptus oils (Citradora, Smithii, Globulus) for a camphor like aroma. Also, citrus oils such as Lemon (Citrus limon) or Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) for a fresh sharp aroma. Or try Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) or Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) for a floral aroma. Do not use in pregnancy, keep away from eyes, do not use on children.