Rest and Relax with Bedtime Balm

I am the type of person who lays in bed and thinks about her to-do list instead of counting sheep or snuggling up with a good book. Needless to say--- I have had trouble falling asleep.

When I started using essential oils I was naturally drawn to many of the calming scents. I found that when I used them before bed I was actually sleeping soundly and falling asleep quickly for the first time in YEARS!!  {mind blown}

It really is so amazing what just a few drops of essential oil can do! If I don't use them before bed, I can really tell a difference in my quality of sleep. AKA: I wake up 5-10 times a night and that suuuuuuuucks. 

When I started using essential oils to support rest, I was using many of the single oils in this recipe, but individually. I decided to make this R & R Bedtime Balm to help combine the results of each individual oil and to stretch my dollar without compromising my new restful sleep!

P.S. This is also GREAT for kids! 

Rest and Relax with Bedtime Balm 
Makes ~2 oz 

• 2 TBSP Coconut Oil
• 1 TBSP Magnesium Oil or make your own DIY Magnesium Oil
• 2-4 tsp of Beeswax Pellets* depending on desired consistency (see note)
• 3 drops of Vitamin E Skin Oil
• 20-30 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 15-20 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
• 10-12 drops of Peace and Calming  
• 5 drops of Valor essential oil 

Melt the coconut oil and beeswax over a double boiler. Once it's melted, remove from the heat and add the magnesium oil, vitamin E and essential oils. Give it a good stir (or beat it with the mixer) and pour into a salve or balm container like this one.

*If you use 2 tsp of beeswax this will be a soft balm in the winter (see picture), but more liquidy in the summer. For a soft balm, I recommend using 3 tsp of beeswax in the summer and 2 tsp in the winter. If you want a firmer balm, then use 3 tsp of beeswax in the winter and 4 tsp in the summer. 

How To Use: 

I keep this in my nightstand drawer and I rub a small amount on my feet before bed. If I'm feeling particularly restless I'll also put some on my chest and back of my neck as well. Annnnnd.... I also may or may not sniff it a bunch of times too. Don't judge! It smells sooooo good!! 

Substitutions:

If you do not have the essential oils in this recipe feel free to substitute, but please remember to use high grade, non-adulterated oils! You may prefer using essential oils like RutaVala, Valerian, Frankincense, Release, Vetiver, Roman Chamomile or Stress Away in this recipe as a substitute for any of the oils listed in the recipe. There are so many essential oils that can help support sleep so please use your favorite!

If you are having a lot of negative emotions that are impairing sleep, you may also like to add Release essential oil. When I'm upset or angry, I always use Release essential oil and it helps me to let go of negativity. If you're looking to get the brand I recommend, you can read more about them here:  How to get quality essential oils at a 24% discount .

Magnesium Oil is also in this recipe and it's AMAZING for rest! It cannot be substituted for other carrier oils or it may reduce the balm's therapeutic quality. Don't forget that you can always make your own magnesium oil to save some $$. You can find the instructions on how to make your own here: DIY Magnesium Oil

Want more Natural Support? You can join my Natural Living Facebook Group or sign up for my FREE two week e-course about essential oils. 

Now go catch some zzzzzzzz....