Lavender Sleep Balm to Ease Your Dreams

A few nights ago, I woke with a start.
It was 3 AM and my mind had just recalled an important task for the following day. I tossed and turned, trying to find the restful sleep I had been jolted from, but it was useless: my mind now raced with to-dos, lists and errands that had to be done. While sleep hasn’t been eluding me as much over the past few months, this habit of worrying over little things right before bed — and in the middle of the night — is one I’ve never been able to break.

The next day, determined to get a good night’s sleep I whipped up this lavender-infused sleep balm. Quick and easy to make, adding a small dab to my wrists and temples is the perfect before-bed ritual to help ease my mind and quiet my frenetic thoughts. Keep a pot of it by your bed to have on hand for 3 AM wake-ups, or anytime you crave some calm in your life:

Lavender Sleep Salve

Ingredients:
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops chamomile essential oil
3 drops bergamot essential oil
2 tbsp beeswax
1 tbsp jojoba oil
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Place a clean glass jar inside a sauce pot that is partially filled with water. Place the beeswax, olive oil, and jojoba oil inside the glass jar, and heat on medium until the beeswax is completely melted, being sure the water doesn’t boil over. Stir with a wooden chopstick to combine.

Once the oils are melted and mixed together, add in the essential oils and mix with the chopstick. You can add more or less essential oil depending on your preference.

Very carefully pour the oil blend into a clean metal or glass container with a lid (I found mine at the craft store). Allow to cool completely before covering and storing in a cool, dry place.

The balm will keep for awhile, but is best used within a year as the oils lose their potency over time. To use, rub on pulse points before bed and breathe deeply. Sweet dreams!