4 min read
2024-10-03
Nighttime Oils to Enjoy Before Bed
Written By: Robin Lander
Nighttime is one of the most popular and effective times to enjoy the calming aroma of essential oils. A select blend of nighttime essential oils before bed can help create an ambiance of tranquility and peace while drifting off to sleep. Some of the best ways to use essential oils at nighttime are in a diffuser, a massage or body oil applied before bed, a relaxing aromatic bath, or a linen spray.
When it comes to choosing which essential oils to add to a nighttime blend, those made from flowers are a great place to start. After all, people have been giving flowers to each other for thousands of years for good reason. Flower aromas are known to help calm and uplift the spirit and bring a sense of comfort. Lavender essential oil is a bedtime classic, and these particular Lavender oils are great choices:
In addition to Lavender, there are many other floral and herbaceous essential oils to consider. Fruity/floral Roman Chamomile is lovely in a nighttime massage, bath blend, or diffuser, especially combined with Lavender - High Elevation and Red Mandarin. This is a favorite combination for children as well. The heady, euphoric floral aroma of Ylang Ylang is amazing on its own, but it really blooms when combined with Frankincense and Sweet Orange. Neroli is made from blossoms of the orange tree and has an incredibly comforting aroma. Or let the worries of the day fly away with the carefree aroma of Indian Jasmine Absolute.
If deeper, earthier aromas are preferred, the peaceful and centering oils of roots, resins, and woods are great to explore. Vetiver is a sweet and earthy rootlet with a cooling and comforting aroma. Spikenard root, with its pungent, earthy, musky, and Valerian-like aroma has been used for thousands of years. Another ancient, the balsamic/citrusy Frankincense Somalia, is a great choice, although any Frankincense will do. Sandalwood, with an aroma that inspires peaceful contemplation, is another favorite that blends well with many other oils.
For those who like to keep things light and sweet, many of the cheerful and familiar citrus oils are known for their calming, refreshing aromas that work well in nighttime blends, particularly Sweet Orange and Red Mandarin. Or find out why honeybees are so enchanted by Monarda – Bee Balm.
Ready to make a nighttime blend and not sure where to start? One easy method is to follow the basic blending guidelines of perfumery by choosing oils from all three categories of base notes, middle notes, and top notes. This note classification is based on an oil’s evaporation rate with base notes evaporating more slowly and top notes more quickly (you can learn more about these concepts in our article on Natural Perfumery Basics). For example, to help create a balanced, pleasurable, and longer lasting-blend, choose one earthy/woody aroma as a base note, one flower aroma as a middle note, then one citrusy aroma as a top note.
Base Notes: Vetiver, Frankincense, Spikenard, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Copaiba
Middle Notes: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Clary Sage, Jasmine Absolute
Top Notes: Sweet Orange or Blood Orange, Bergamot, Red Mandarin, Petitgrain, Monarda – Bee Balm, Yuzu
Example Nighttime Blend #1:
You can vary the number of drops depending on the odor intensity of the oil, or your personal preference, and you can use more than one oil from each category.
Example Nighttime Blend #2:
After creating your nighttime blend, here are some different ways to enjoy it before easing into bed:
Nighttime Diffuser Blend
Follow your diffuser manufacturer instructions. Most diffusers use 8-12 drops of essential oils at a time. More information can be found in our article About Aromatic Diffusers.
Bedtime Massage or Body Oil
Mix 10-15 total drops essential oils to every one ounce of vegetal carrier oil such as Jojoba or Sunflower Oils. Apply a few drops of the blended body oil to the upper chest area, inner arms, neck and/or bottom of the feet and massage in gently.
Nighttime Bath
Add 8-10 total drops essential oils to 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil and stir into the bath just before entering. Alternately, add the blend to a footbath with ½ cup Epsom Salt. Use caution, as this could make the bathtub slippery.
Bedtime Linen Spray
Add 8-12 total drops of essential oils to every one ounce of distilled water in a spray bottle (preferably made of glass or aluminum). The bottle must be shaken well before each use to evenly disperse the essential oils in the water. Lightly spray around the area of the bed and pillows at bedtime, being careful to avoid the eyes. Alternately, add 1-2 drops of your nighttime blend to a cotton ball and tuck it inside your pillowcase.
If you are new to aromatherapy and the idea of blending essential oils seems complicated, don’t let that keep you up at night. Choose one of these nighttime essential oils and spend an evening or two getting to know it with one of the suggested methods of use. Then, add other essential oils as you feel comfortable. Always check with your healthcare practitioner before using essential oils if you have any serious medical conditions, and it is always a good idea to do a patch test before applying an oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Enjoy your nighttime essential oil blends – and sweet dreams!
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