Say goodbye to sleep time struggles with this easy, DIY sleep salve. Made with a blend of herbs and essential oils to promote relaxation, this homemade salve is also silky smooth and wonderful for your skin. A natural remedy that’s the perfect bedtime solution.
If you’re like me and your mind is always “on” it can be a struggle to fall asleep at night, no matter how tired you are.
Though I do have a very well-mapped-out bedtime routine, this DIY sleep salve has been a game-changing addition.
Made with lavender and chamomile flowers that naturally promote relaxation, just the act of rubbing this salve on helps my body slip into a calmer state. Add the wonderful soothing scent of the essential oils and you’ll be shocked at how well a simple salve works.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
All-natural: Made with all-natural ingredients and no additives.
Soothing: The combination of herbs and scents in the sleep salve is perfect for telling your mind to relax a bit.
Luxurious: Everything about the salve is lovely from its scent to its silky texture.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Flowers: The base of this recipe is infused oil. Though this is definitely an extra step it makes a world of difference just as it does in my homemade calendula face toner. I use chamomile and lavender flowers for the best results.
Carrier oil: Any oil you have to hand will work. Sweet almond oil is my favorite DIY products but apricot kernel will work as well.
Beeswax: White or yellow beeswax pellets will work.
Coconut oil: Make sure to use actual coconut oil and not fractioned oil as otherwise it won’t solidify as well.
Essential oils: For maximum calmness use a blend of cedarwood and lavender.
Infusing The Oil
Don’t panic when you see “4-6 weeks” in the directions. This is a full-on infusion and great if you plan ahead. It's actually how I make my homemade baby lotion. Essentially you need to:
- Place crushed herbs in a dry jar
- Cover the herbs with oil making sure the oil is over the herbs at least 1 inch
- Cap the jar and shake
- Let it sit in a sunny area for 4 ish weeks
- Strain out the herbs
You can learn more about how to infuse oils in this blog post. However, you can speed up the process by doing an oven infusion or even a slow cooker one.
Learn different (and faster!) methods to infuse herbs and choose the best one for you.
Expert Tips To Make It
Make sure not to get water into the jar as it’s melting together or sitting. Doing so will cause it not to last as long.
Let it sit on the counter overnight to set so that it finishes with a smooth texture.
Wait a minute or two after you’ve removed it from the heat to add the oils, otherwise, the mixture is too hot and can damage them.
Learn everything you need to about Do’s and Don’ts of homemade lotions.
Any essential oil combination can work though I do think this one is best. Velvetier is a great sleepy-time one also.
How To Make Sleep Salve
Step 1: Infuse the lavender and chamomile flowers with your carrier oil in the method of your choice.
Step 2: Melt the coconut oil, beeswax, and infused oil in a double broiler.
Step 3: Whisk in essential oils.
Step 3: Pour into a jar and let sit overnight to set.
How To Use It
To use the sleep salve, dip your finger into the jar and rub the mixture gently onto your temples and neck or the bottoms of your feet (where a lot of absorption happens).
Move slowly and really inhale the scent.
Do this 15-20 minutes before bedtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can easily make the homemade sleep salve with essential oils in place of the herbs. Just know that it won’t be quite as healing.
Commonly used are lavender, chamomile, cedarwood and sandalwood. However, any that you find relaxing in addition to lavender can work.
Technically yes. However, a lot depends on the dilution of essential oils. If making this strictly for kids, I would avoid the essential oils and just use an herb infused mixture. Most kids can use this sleep salve after the age of 8 but it’s still worth chatting and confirming with your doctor first.
Other DIY Recipes You’ll Love
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DIY Sleep Salve With Essential Oils
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Infused Oil
- ¼ cup Lavender flowers
- ¼ cup Chamomile flowers
- 1 cup Carrier oil almond oil is my favorite
For The Sleep Salve
- ¼ cup Infused oil
- 1 tablespoon Beeswax
- ¼ cup Coconut oil
- 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
Instructions
Make The Infused Oil
- Add lavender flowers and chamomile into a jar and fill with a carrier oil of your choice.
- Allow to sit for 4 to 6 weeks. Make sure to shake every day. Then strain.
Make The Sleep Salve
- Melt coconut oil, beeswax, and infused oil in a double broiler.
- Whisk until combined and let sit 1-2 minutes. Add in your essential oils.
- Put into a container. Allow to cool down overnight, then put your lid on.
Notes
Wait a minute or two after you’ve removed it from the heat to add the oils, otherwise the mixture is too hot and can damage them. Any essential oil combination can work though I do think this one is best. Velvetier is a great sleepy time one also. Know that you can easily make the homemade sleep salve with essential oils in place of the herbs. Just know that it won’t be quite as healing. Makes roughly 4 ounces. Store it in a cool, dark place. As long as you don’t get water or moisture into the jar it will last 3-6 months.
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