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SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series: Natural Sleep Remedies
Please Help Me Sleep Better At Night!
Lavender as a Sleep Aid
Lavender (L. angustifolia
and others) is a shrubby flowering bush indigenous to the
mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean and is considered
have been first domesticated by the Arabians, then later
spread across Europe by the Romans.
Lavender was brought
to North America by the Pilgrims and was one of the first
garden plants imported to Australia in the 19th century.
It can be found in abundance in the wild in many parts of
the world as well as being garden grown in a sunny, well-drained
area, preferably in mildly alkaline soil. The smaller species
will also grow quite easily in well-drained pots. This popular
flowering herb’s essential oil has been demonstrated to depress
the central nervous system in a manner comparable to pharmaceutical
tranquilizers.
Lavender is very
useful and effective in its usage as a sleep aid. In addition
to the use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it may also
used in the form of an essential oil distilled from the leaves,
flowers and stems of the plant.
Lavender oil can
be applied topically to relax the muscles or its aroma can
be inhaled for a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential
oil on the feet is a particularly effective method for application,
as anything on the feet is absorbed quickly.
It is widely used
in aromatherapy and can be added to bathwater, dispersed
in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed
in. The essential oil leaves and flowers can also be employed
in a sachet underneath the pillow.
It should be noted
that allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in some
individuals applying lavender products externally.
To safely detect
an allergic reaction it is always a good idea to do a spot
test before administering a full application.
Also note that
not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing — some, such
as Spanish lavender, can have just the opposite effect.
Lavender
Mint Tea (One serving)
Ingredients:
•
1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 teaspoon dried
lavender flowers)
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 2 teaspoons
dried mint)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Rosemary, lemon balm or lemon verbena, and rose geranium
may also be added for an interesting multi-herb herbal tea.
Preparation:
In
a teapot or saucepan combine the lavender flowers and mint
(either loose or using a tea infuser). Pour boiling
water over
the mixture; steep 5 minutes. The infuser can then be
taken out or the leaves removed with a strainer.
Homemade Lavender Sachet
You will need:
•
Lavender plant (stems, leaves or buds)
• Lavender essential oil
• A handkerchief
• 2 needles (1 large to fit 1/4" ribbon and 1 regular
size)
• Thread
• Ribbon (1/4" wide)
It should be easy
to find all the necessary items listed above from your local
craft or floral
supply store. You may use lavender
harvested from your own plants or order the lavender buds
online (just enter “lavender” or “lavender buds” into your
favorite
search engine to find an online retailer).
Instructions:
- Fold handkerchief
in half, and then fold it in half again. You can iron the
handkerchief for a crisper look, or simply leave it as
is.
- Now, sew three
sides together using needle and thread (or a sewing machine).
- Open the unsown
side of the handkerchief and proceed to fill it (like a
pillow) with lavender plant pieces and/or buds. Be sure
to use a lot of plant material, but don’t stuff it too
tight. The end result will be a lot like a beanbag. Sprinkle
the pieces with lavender essential oil. 8 to 10 drops should
be more than enough.
- Thread your
large needle with 1/4" ribbon and loosely thread to
keep the plant materials inside your homemade sachet.
- Tie the whole
thing off with a knot.
- Enjoy your
new sachet
 
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