5 Essential Oils & Frankincense Blends For Better Sleep

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It’s no secret that we love searching for ways to improve the quality of our sleep. This is why we love essential oils. Not only are oils relatively affordable and natural, but they are also easy to use. And with so many incredible benefits—including stress relief and deeper sleep—it’s no wonder our ancestors have been relying on them for years.

For a natural way to get your best night’s sleep, here are five essential oils to incorporate into your evening routine. Many share ethics and certifications or specifics regarding sourcing, so you can understand exactly what you’re using on your body and in your home. Be sure to check use instructions for each oil before ingesting or using topically—depending on the source and the blend, not every oil is suitable for every type of application. If you’re avoiding topical use, here are our favorite diffusers to consider.

1. Lavender

Best For | Relaxation, calming, grounding & harmony
Scent | A floral aroma with hints of pine
Price | Thrive Market ($9.49/30ml), Saje ($22/10ml), Helias ($18/15ml)

Lavender, one of the more popular essential oils, is most commonly used for relaxation and sleep. When used before bed, studies have shown that lavender oil can not only help you fall asleep but also improve overall quality of rest. We love that Thrive’s essential oil is organic and the company is B Corp for added assurance on what we put on our bodies! Our favorite method of using it, is by diffusing lavender oil an hour or so before turning in for the night. You can also create a bed spray with 2 cups distilled water, 1 tbsp witch hazel, and 10-20 drops of lavender. Mist a bit lightly over your sheets before going to bed. A little goes a long way with this powerful scent.

2. Ylang Ylang

Best For | Calming, balancing & connection
Scent | Floral with hints of rose & jasmine
Price | Thrive Market ($11.39, 15ml), Saje ($22/10ml), Plant Therapy ($18.99/10ml), Aura Cacia ($9.26/7.4ml)

Ylang ylang essential oil comes from the Cananga tree native to Asian and South Pacific rainforests—the oil is especially fragrant and known for its sedative effects. Both Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia offer USDA organic options. Diffuse a few drops of this oil in the evenings to create a relaxing environment in your home or add to a warm bath to alleviate stress and tension. Our favorite way to use this oil is by combining a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil with fractionated coconut oil and massaging it into your shoulders each night.

3. Marjoram

Best For | Relaxation, calming, warming, & pain support
Scent | Spicy with notes of pepper
Price | Plant Therapy ($10.99/10ml), Saje (blend, $20/10ml), Florihana ($8.50/5.65ml)

Marjoram essential oil has many uses including its ability to aid sleep. It’s a herb native to the Mediterranean and North Africa; similar to Oregano. It can be applied topically to the nape of your neck to relieve stress, and it is a popular oil to calm children before naps. Diffuse in your room before sleep, or mix 3-5 drops into our recommended lavender linen spray for a calming mist. Pro tip—try Saje’s blend which has both Marjoram and Lavender oils in it! For a budget-friendly option, combine fractionated coconut oil with 10-20 drops of Florihana’s organic marjoram essential oil. Apply to the bottoms of your feet and the back of your neck for a deeper night’s sleep.

4. Frankincense

Best For | Comforting, soothing & meditative
Scent | Sweet & woody with notes of citrus & spice
Price | Thrive Market ($11.39/15ml), Saje ($54/10ml), Plant Therapy ($9.99/10ml)

Historically thought to be the most valuable oil of all, Frankincense was used in Egypt as incense and originated from the resin of Boswellia Sacra trees. Frankincense is a wonderful sleep aid because of its aromatherapeutic benefits, relieving stress and promoting relaxation. Place a few drops of oil into your hands, rub your palms together, and inhale before laying down to sleep. Once or twice a week, we love adding a few drops of Frankincense to steaming water for a mini nighttime facial. This is wonderful for your lungs and skin!

5. Sleep Blends

Best For | Comforting, soothing & relaxing
Scent | Ranges from earthy & floral, to fruity and light
Price | Grove Co. (starting at $11.99/30ml), Saje (starting at $20/10ml)

Essential oil sleep blends are the perfect choice when you’re looking for an easy way to benefit from a variety of sleep support botanicals. The most common oils that you’ll find in these blends range from lavender and chamomile to marjoram and citrus. Grove Co., a cruelty-free and certified B Corp company makes a sleep blend featuring the power of orange and chamomile for soothing your senses, while reader-favorite Saje offers oils that promote restful sleep—and can even help with snoring! Try infusing your sleep blend into your laundry by adding a couple of drops to a wool dryer ball for a comforting scent you can wear anywhere.