The power of aromatherapy

“Some essential oils with calming and relaxing properties can help us get to sleep,” explains Karyne Sauriol, product manager at Lotus Aroma. Among the many essential oils that exist, the expert advises turning to ones like orange and lavender (muscle relaxants), tropical basil and bergamot (helps relieve headaches that may interfere with sleep), Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang and

lavandin abrialis (helps calm the nervous system) or mandarin oil (promotes a restful sleep). “The choice remains primarily an olfactory preference,” says Sauriol. While a diffuser may be the easiest way to take advantage of this type of aromatherapy, you can also put a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief that you keep on your nightstand, or you can opt for a relaxing bath by mixing a hint of Roman chamomile or lavandin

abrialis to a neutral foaming product. “Few essential oils can be applied to the skin directly in their purest form,” warns the Lotus Aroma expert. “It is necessary to dilute them, and because they are not water soluble, appropriate dilution products, such as a shower gel, vegetable oil or fragrance-free cream, must be used.”