Make Your Own Natural Stress Relief Products
I don’t have to tell you that stress, and insomnia, and sleeplessness are all signals that something in our life is out of balance.
Stress is probably the single-most pervasive health and wellness threat in our world.
Sleeplessness and insomnia are made worse by stress and are often caused by it. So
finding ways to get natural stress relief is one the most vital aspects of healing.
If you are suffering from a stressful life, dealing with sleeplessness or insomnia you will appreciate the suggestions in the following
with ideas to promote greater balance and often provide immediate stress reduction.
Stress Relief and Natural Sleep Aids
By Toria Benson
Sometimes when the moon is full, or when I have too much on my mind, I have trouble sleeping. Rather than watch the clock slowly go around and around, I turn to nature for a little assistance.
When my brain keeps me up at night, replaying things that happened, or worrying about things that may happen, I try a gentle cup of my homemade sleepytime herbal tea.
:
Calming Herbal Tea
- 1 t. lemon balm
- 1/2 t. chamomile
- 1/4 t. catnip
- 1 t. honey (optional)
Put the herbs into a tea ball, and add to a cup of boiling water. Cover the cup and steep 10- 15 minutes. Remove the tea ball before drinking. If you do not have a tea ball, add the herbs directly to the water, and strain after steeping.
Valerian – A Natural Sleep Aid
When sleeplessness is a long-term problem, valerian may help. It is relaxing without making you feel drowsy in the morning. Valerian works as a sedative, and is most effective when used over a period of time. A liquid extract, of its roots and rhizomes, generally works better than pills. It should be found in any health food store or food co-operative.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland. Its production is stimulated by darkness, and it helps regulate our sleep cycles. I take it as a dietary supplement when there is too much light to sleep, or when my regular sleep hours have to be altered.
Can’t sleep because you are feeling a little down? Try a few drops of bergamot essential oil in your bath water. It not only helps with insomnia, but has up-lifting qualities as well.
Herbs to Help You Relax – Lavender Recipes
Nothing beats lavender when you need to relax, or when you need your children to relax! It promotes sleep, relaxation, and relieves anxiety. My children love when I put a couple drops of lavender essential oil on their pillows.
Instead of buying an expensive aromatherapy linen spray make your own essential oil relaxation remedy.
Making Your Own Essential Oil Linen Spray
- 12 oz. distilled water
- 3 drops rosemary or peppermint essential oil
- 1 oz. 80 (or more) proof vodka
- 1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil
Place in a spray bottle and shake well before using. It may be sprayed before ironing, or directly on sheets to freshen. (Test on a corner of fabric before applying.)
Making a Dream Pillow
Here’s a simple project for making one of my favorite dream products, which also makes a lovely gift. Using two small squares of fabric, put the outsides together and sew around three sides. Turn inside out so the outsides are now shown. You might choose your cloth with the healing powers of color in mind. For peaceful sleep and balance, use white or silver cloth. For gentle sleep with healing, use green cloth. To help you remember your dreams, use dark blue cloth. To receive “messages” from your dreams use lavender or purple cloth.
Stuff with 1 part dried lavender and 1 part hops. Hops is excellent for nervous stress, and calming the mind. Hand-stitch the remaining side. Experiment with the filling. Try mixing in some chamomile to calm nerves, and or rose petals to relax and soothe. If you want to stimulate and remember your dreams, try adding 1 part dried mugwort. (Mugwort should not be used if pregnant.)
We all have trouble sleeping every now and then, but if sleeplessness is a long-term problem, you may want to address any underlying stress in your life.
Sweet dreams!
Find High Quality Affordable Herbs
A favorite resource for affordable herbs that are organic and high quality is Mountain Rose Herbs.
More information on this can be found in our free online health magazine.
