Lavender
Lavender isn’t just a beautiful purple flower with a delicate floral scent, it has been used for centuries for its multiple health benefits. Its main use today is to help improve sleep. With insomnia and poor sleep becoming more prevalent, smelling lavender before bedtime can help with relaxation; boosting dopamine levels and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).
Diffusing a couple of drops of lavender essential oil in your bedroom, keeping a sachet of dried lavender near your bed, or even drinking a caffeine-free lavender tea can help with achieving a more restful, restorative sleep. Lavender also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which may help to calm skin irritations, insect bites and soothe achy joints. Always choose a good quality, pure essential oil for diffusing or rubbing on the skin. Also note: it’s best to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying directly to the skin, as they are very potent and may cause irritation.