Homemade Sleep Salve: A Natural Remedy for Restful Sleep

Finding Restful Sleep with Homemade Sleep Salve

As I grow older, I’ve noticed that achieving a good night’s sleep has become increasingly challenging. To combat this, I’ve created a homemade sleep salve that helps me fall asleep quickly, stay asleep (so I don’t wake up in the middle of the night), and enjoy deep, restorative sleep. This natural remedy ensures that my mind and body receive the rejuvenation they need each night.

Top 12 Essential Oils for Promoting Sleep

1. Lavender

2. Cedarwood

3. Vetiver

4. Marjoram

5. Neroli

6. Roman Chamomile

7. Bergamot

8. Wild Orange (also known as Sweet Orange)

9. Frankincense

10. Patchouli

11. Hawaiian Sandalwood

12. Ylang Ylang

Ingredients for Making Your Own Sleep Salve

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• Coconut oil (check out my favorite brand here)
• Olive oil
• Beeswax (I source mine from here)
• Essential oils — Below, I provide four distinct recipes featuring various combinations of essential oils, allowing you to utilize the oils you may already have on hand.
• 4 oz tin jars (purchase here) OR charming 2 oz glass mason jars (buy here)
• Wooden sticks for stirring (find them here)
• Heat-safe glass measuring cup or bowl (like these)
• Optional decoration: Modge Podge (buy here) and scrapbook paper (buy here)
• Free printable of the recipe (find it here)

Steps to Create Essential Oil Sleep Salve

Step 1: Melt the Beeswax

Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax to a heat-safe glass measuring cup or mason jar.

Step 2: Use the Double-Boiler Method

To do this: Heat 1-2 inches of water in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Place the heat-safe glass measuring cup with the beeswax into the saucepan. This gentle heating will melt the beeswax. Stir occasionally and be patient; beeswax has a relatively high melting point and can take 10-15 minutes to melt completely.

Step 3: Combine with Oils

Add 1/4 cup of coconut oil to the melted beeswax.

Step 4: Add Olive Oil

Next, add 1/4 cup of olive oil.

Step 5: Stir and Heat

Continue heating in the double boiler until everything is completely melted, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Cool and Add Essential Oils

Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils (aim for a total of 60-70 drops).

Choose Your Essential Oil Blend

• Option #1 – Deep Sleep Blend
  • 25 drops Lavender
  • 25 drops Cedarwood
  • 20 drops Vetiver
• Option #2 – Sweet Slumber Blend
  • 20 drops Neroli
  • 20 drops Sweet Orange
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 10 drops Cedarwood
• Option #3 – Serene Sleep Blend
  • 35 drops Sweet Orange
  • 20 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 10 drops Bergamot
• Option #4 – Peace & Calm Blend
  • 25 drops Hawaiian Sandalwood
  • 20 drops Lavender
  • 10 drops Roman Chamomile
  • 10 drops Frankincense

Step 7: Pour into Containers

Carefully pour the salve into a 4 oz container or divide it into two 2 oz containers. Tip: I used a 4 oz metal tin, but glass jars and certain plastic jars (look for plastic #1 PET or plastic #2 HDPE) are also suitable for storing this salve.

Step 8: Clean Up

Beeswax can be tough to clean with just soap and water. Wipe out the glass bowl or measuring cup, and any utensils used to stir the mixture with paper towels before it hardens. Once you’ve wiped off as much as possible, wash as usual with soap and water.

Step 9: Allow to Cool

Let the salve cool completely before placing a lid on it. This process may take a few hours, but you can speed it up by placing it in the refrigerator.

Step 10 (Optional): Decorate the Lid

If you used a tin container, consider decorating the lid with scrapbook paper and Modge Podge:

• Cut scrapbook paper to fit the lid.
• Use a foam brush to apply a thin layer of Modge Podge to the top of the lid.
• Adhere the paper to the lid, smoothing out any bubbles from the center outward.
• Cover the top of the paper with another layer of Modge Podge to seal it.
• Let it dry completely.

How to Use Your Sleep Salve

1. Apply the sleep salve to your feet and legs at bedtime.
2. Next, rub it into your pulse points on your wrists.
3. Finally, cup your hands over your mouth and nose, inhaling deeply for several seconds. Exhale slowly and repeat as needed to calm your thoughts and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Exploring Other Essential Oil Sleep Aids

I adore this sleep salve but don’t rely on it every single night. Why? Our bodies can become desensitized to essential oils and other sleep aids if used too frequently. Therefore, I like to alternate both the essential oils I use and the methods I employ for sleep. This is part of the reason I provided four different essential oil blends for this salve. Try one blend one night and then switch it up the next time.

Additionally, consider mixing it up with other homemade sleep aids to keep your body from growing too accustomed to any single approach. Here are some DIY sleep aids to try:

• 12 Best Essential Oil Diffuser Blends for Sleep

• Calming Magnesium Body Butter

• Pillow Spray

• 15 Recipes for Relaxing Bath Salts

• Silent Night Bath Salts

• Sleep Rollerball Blends

Get Your Free Printable Recipe

Download my essential oil sleep salve recipe for easy reference!

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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical care and never disregard professional medical advice.

Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!