Sensing A Good Nights Sleep

If a good night’s sleep is what you’re after, the answer might be right under your nose, literally. This month’s essential aromatherapy oil is Vetivert. It is one of few essential oils known to sedate. Blended in massage oils or diluted in bath & shower oil, Vetivert essential oil can assist with calming an overactive mind, relieving symptoms of stress and exhaustion, soothing irritability and instilling peace and tranquility – qualities in our lives that can be demonstrably absent in today’s busy world.

You can identify Vetivert by its very distinct and pungent odor. Compared with other essential oils, Vetivert has a much more potent smell. It’s characterized by its deep, smoky, earthy fragrance. It resembles a tuft of grass and is commonly grown in Indonesia, Haiti and Java. Oil is extracted from the plant’s roots through steam distillation. As with some vintage wines, unlike many essential oils, Vetivert improves with age rather than deteriorating, exemplifying the plant’s durability.

Trouble With Sleep
This oil can be especially helpful for those suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. It is also effective for those who simply have a hard time unwinding after a long day at the office, running around getting shopping done or picking up kids from school.

Aromatherapy Associates combines Vetivert with Chamomile and Sandalwood essential oils to achieve a powerful and effective sleep aide that combats the overactive body and mind and helps to battle sleepless nights.

Breath It In
You may use a vaporizer or an electric burner to extract and disperse the oil throughout a space, such as your bedroom or bathroom. A simpler way to diffuse the fragrance would be to add the oil to a bowl of hot water and let the steam rise up and fill your room. In this way, the fragrance is disseminated throughout the room much like steam from a sauna would be.

Vetivert is not indicated to cause any side effects, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, but the quality and concentration of the essential oil can have strong effects, so it is recommended that you consult an expert before using this oil within any other products to ensure suitability.

And Relax…
An added benefit of Vetivert is its natural ability to moisturize and nourish skin. So, combined with a shower or bath oil, Vetivert is affective in aiding relaxation and making skin silky smooth. It helps boost your immune system as well.

So, go home. Run yourself a nice hot bath and combine Vetivert with you normal shower or bath oil (consulting an expert first). Let yourself unwind before snuggling up on your couch with a warm cup of tea. Then, turn on a favorite film before climbing into bed for a good night's sleep.