Lavender is a beautiful herb that has many benefits for your health and well-being. One of its most popular uses is as a natural sleep aid, as it can help you relax and fall asleep faster. In this blog post, I will show you how to make your lavender pillow spray with fresh lavender from your garden or local market. This spray is easy to create, smells fantastic, and can help you enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
Making your lavender pillow spray with fresh lavender is a delightful and rewarding experience! The calming scent of lavender can fill your bedroom with a sense of tranquillity, promoting relaxation and restful sleep. Here’s how to craft your fragrant spray using the fresh bounty from your garden:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lavender flowers
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup witch hazel or vodka (optional)
- 15-20 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Gather your fresh lavender. Choose lavender blooms that are just starting to open, as they have the strongest fragrance. Gently remove the flowers from the stems, discarding any leaves or debris.
- Prepare the lavender infusion. In a saucepan, bring the distilled water to a gentle simmer. Add the fresh lavender flowers and let them steep for 15-20 minutes, allowing the water to infuse with their calming aroma.
- Strain and cool. After steeping, use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the lavender flowers from the infused water. Let the lavender water cool completely before proceeding.
- Enhance the scent (optional). Incorporate 1/4 cup of witch hazel or vodka into the cooled lavender water if desired. Witch hazel is a natural preservative, while vodka helps the essential oil blend with the water.
- Infuse with essential oil (optional). For an extra boost of lavender fragrance, introduce 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil into the cooled blend of lavender water and witch hazel/vodka (if using).
- Bottle and spritz. Pour the lavender spray into a clean spray bottle. Please gently shake to blend the ingredients, and your homemade pillow spray is ready to use!
Tips:
- For a stronger scent, use more fresh lavender flowers or essential oil.
- Store your lavender pillow spray in a cool, dark place for up to a month.
- Test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of your pillowcase before spritzing generously.
- Enjoy the calming aroma of your homemade lavender pillow spray as you drift off to a peaceful sleep!
Remember, using fresh lavender is a beautiful way to create a natural and fragrant pillow spray. However, if you have any allergies or sensitivities to lavender, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using it.
Is it good to spray lavender on a pillow?
Using lavender on your pillow can be a lovely way to promote relaxation and restful sleep, but there are a few things to consider before spraying it directly:
Potential benefits:
- Calming scent: Lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties. Breathing in its scent can alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
- Antibacterial properties: Lavender essential oil has some antibacterial properties, which may help reduce dust mites and other allergens on your pillow.
Potential drawbacks:
- Skin irritation: Lavender essential oil can irritate the skin, especially for sensitive skin. It’s best not to spray directly on your pillowcase where your face will rest.
- Respiratory issues: Inhaling lavender can irritate the airways in some people, leading to coughing or difficulty breathing. If you have any respiratory problems, avoiding using lavender near your face is best.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people can be allergic to lavender. If you experience itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after using lavender, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor.
Safe alternatives:
- Spray your linens: Instead of spraying your pillow directly, mist your sheets or blankets with diluted lavender essential oil (15-20 drops per cup of water). Let the linens dry completely before using them.
- Use a diffuser: Fill an aromatherapy diffuser with lavender essential oil and place it on your nightstand or dresser. The diffused scent will fill the room without being concentrated directly on your pillow.
- Make a sachet: Fill a small pouch with dried lavender flowers and place it under your pillow or inside your pillowcase. The scent will be milder than essential oil but can still be relaxing.
Remember, everyone reacts differently to lavender. If you need clarification on whether it’s safe for you to use, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional.
Can you put fresh lavender under your pillow?
While putting fresh lavender under your pillow might be tempting, it’s not generally recommended for a few reasons:
1. Potential for allergies and skin irritation: Some people are allergic to lavender, and even for those who aren’t, direct contact with fresh lavender blossoms can cause skin irritation. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin.
2. Mess and moisture: Fresh lavender blossoms can be quite messy, with leaves and stems shedding easily. Additionally, the moisture from the flowers can cause mold growth on your pillowcase or even attract insects.
3. Overpowering scent: The strong fragrance of fresh lavender might be too intense for some people, making it difficult to sleep.
4. Discomfort: The stems and leaves of fresh lavender can be scratchy and uncomfortable to lay your head on.
Conclusion
Creating your lavender pillow spray is a simple and rewarding way to incorporate the calming power of aromatherapy into your bedtime routine. With its natural ingredients and customizable scent, this DIY project allows you to create a personalized sleep sanctuary for a restful night’s slumber. So, grab your supplies, unleash your creativity, and drift off to dreamland with the soothing scent of lavender!
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