As mothers we have a hard time turning off our thoughts during the night. A lot of things still going around in our heads from the day that passed or thoughts about the days ahead. Many people deal with sleep problems and sleep slaves can help with relaxing your body and mind.
Essential oils and herbs can be incorporated into the salve to add a therapeutic benefit. You can also make your own infused oil with a certain flower such as calendula. Salves work topically on the skin for conditions such as cuts, scrapes, cough, menstrual cramps, muscle pain and sleep. The reason it is so great for sleep is because salves are the slowest way to get essential oils into your bloodstream. This makes it ideal for sleep since it is such a long duration during the night.
A salve in general is a therapeutic fatty oil or combined oils mixed with beeswax to achieve a harder consistency with a longer shelf life. Typically salves last at 1-2 years, but without beeswax the oil used itself can become rancid within a short time. Salves can vary from soft consistency to a harder balm like consistency.
Many carrier oils can be used within a salve. The different properties in the oils themselves is something to consider when choosing one best fitted for your skin type and need. Some great options are:
- Grapeseed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Calendula Oil
- Coconut Oil/Fractioned Coconut Oil
When choosing essential oils to use for your sleep salve there are many options. Something to consider when choosing the oils is which oils might be stimulating instead of relaxing. Another thing to consider is if you are pregnant or on any sort of medications which will interact with the essential oils themselves. You can always reach out if you need help determining which oils are safe for your current lifestyle.
Essential oils which have bee known to be calming are:
- Lavender
- Cypress
- Patchoulli
- Frankincense
- Roman Chamomile
- Vetiver
- Green Mandarin
- Ylang Ylang
- Bergamot
Like I said, some of these can be stimulating such as bergamot and ylang ylang if putting too many drops in a blend. If you are just starting out use a combo of non stimulating oils that you know such as lavender and chamomile to see how you react first.
Time to Make a Salve
First you need to decide on how much you need to make. If it is just for yourself and family then 1 cup of carrier oil will be just fine. Typically 2 cups of salve is combined to 2 cups of carrier oil and 3 tablespoons of beeswax with the desired amount of essential oil drops.
Step 1
Measure the carrier oil and place in a small stainless steel pot.
Step 2
Add the beeswax and stir on low heat with a chopstick or popsicle stick every few minutes until melted.
Step 3
Open up the glass bottle or salve jars and pour your essential oils in before the hot salve. My suggestion is always 8 drops of essential oil or blend per 2 ounces.
Step 4
Check consistency by adding a few drops with your chopsticks onto a spoon. Let the spoon freeze for a few minutes and run your finger across the drops of salve once set. If you like the consistency, then proceed to the next step. If you would like the salve harder add a little more beeswax and if you want it softer then add a small amount of carrier oil. Continue until you reach a consistency that you like.
Step 5
Pour your oil from the pot in to the glass jars with the essential oils already on the bottom. Stir gently with a toothpick or popsicle stick. I always cover the tins with a paper towel and let them cool overnight before adding the lids on them. This helps to avoid any condensation in the jars.
An Example Sleep Salve Recipie
Here is a recipe that involves essential oils which are safe during pregnancy and most people find this scent very relaxing and grounding.
2 cups carrier oil
3 tbsp grated beeswax
10 drops lavender
5 drops roman chamomile
5 drops sandalwood
I have seen a sleep time salve do wonders for clients that are having trouble sleeping, even within pregnancy. Of course there are other things to consider when dealing with sleep and adding a salve can just be something which can be incorporated into your routine.
There is a FREE printout that you can download if you are looking for ways to decrease your stress levels during the day, including four techniques to keep calm and six aromatherapy blends that I use with my clients to help them maintain their anxiety and stress levels.
CLICK HERE to get your printout.
