Deep sleep elixir
You will receive step-by-step guidance on how to make a simple yet powerful preparation with these herbs. It takes some time and patience, but it is so easy to make, and also handy and largely safe for most of us to use regularly as an herbal remedy for sleep.
Before you blame insomnia… Avoid these sleep killers
If you are having trouble sleeping, it may not be insomnia, but your daily habits. Some of the biggest sleep disruptors are too much screen time before bed, stress and racing thoughts, heavy meals late in the evening, caffeine in the afternoon, and an irregular sleep schedule. These factors disrupt the production of melatonin, raise cortisol levels, and keep your body in alert mode when it should be winding down.
ā Fix it: Reduce screen time at least one hour before bed, manage stress with calming herbal tea such as chamomile, avoid heavy meals and caffeine in the evening, and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. These small changes can make a big difference in how well you sleep.
Click here for a full list of hidden sleep disruptors and how to fix them.
Benefits of lavender for sleep
Lavender is a common herb with many well-known benefits and uses; it is best known for its calming or relaxing effects. It has a wide range of applications, and you can now learn how complex it can work to improve sleep health.
Studies have shown that Lavender not only has a positive effect on the depth of sleep, but also helps to increase activity upon waking. This makes it such a practical herbal choice for sleep health in every season of life.
It is an herb that can improve the depth of sleep (helps increase the time you spend in a slow, deep sleep state), reduce interruptions in sleep, and improve your ability to fall asleep. It promotes both sleep and the quality of sleep.
The relevant herbal actions of Lavender here are as a calming agent, nerve relaxant, pain reliever, and anxiolytic. Many compounds play a role in strengthening the benefits of Lavender for sleep, but it is ultimately the unique synergy and essence of the whole plant that contains the healing and balancing herbal magic.
It is, however, still interesting to know something about the phytochemistry of Lavender that contributes to the sleep benefits. Linalool, an anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) and stress-relieving compound, and Silexan, which is also an anxiolytic, are two of the well-studied compounds present.
So lavender not only helps reduce stress and anxiety, which ensures deep sleep, but it also provides a lasting sense of calm upon waking.
Homemade lavender and chamomile sleep elixir
Here you will learn everything you need to know about making an herbal preparation with lavender and chamomile. This preparation is effective in extracting a broad spectrum of compounds from both plants and results in a powerful elixir for deep sleep.
Honey is added to this tincture to make an elixir; it has many added benefits, one important one being that it balances the bitter tones of the herbs used, and increases the palatability of the remedy. If you do not take honey, simply leave it out and make a traditional tincture.
If you do not harvest your own herbs, you can never be completely sure where they come from or what they have been sprayed with. That is why it is best to grow them yourself. The Medicinal Garden Kit gives you lavender and chamomile seeds, so you always have fresh, pesticide-free herbs for sleep and relaxation, directly from your own garden or windowsill.
Order your own remedies now and start growing them today.
Below you will find everything you need and the step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
10 g (0.35 oz) Chamomile
10 g (0.35 oz) Lavender
60 ml (2 fl.oz) honey
300 ml (10.14 fl.oz) Suitable alcohol such as vodka, cane sugar spirit, or brandy. The alcohol strength should ideally be 60–70% (120 to 140 proof)
Distilled water (needed if you want to adjust your alcohol percentage)
Equipment — Phase 1
400 ml (13.5 fl.oz) jar
Spoon
Scale
Measuring cups or jugs
Label and pen
Equipment — Phase 2
Fine-woven cloth or coffee filter for straining
Container such as a jar or bottle
Bottle for storing leftover tincture
Dropper bottle for pouring tincture for immediate use
Label and pen
Step-by-step DIY method
Phase 1
Weigh 10 grams of dried lavender.
Weigh 10 grams (0.35 oz) of dried chamomile.
Prepare and measure the alcohol (use an online calculator if you want to adjust the strength). Aim for 300 ml (10.14 fl.oz) of 60–70% alcohol.
Measure 60 ml of honey and add it to the tincture jar.
Add the herbs, along with the honey.
Add the alcohol.
Seal the jar and shake well.
Label your Elixir and place it in a shaded spot for 1 month, or ideally 40 days. Do not forget to shake it daily.
Phase 2
Give your elixir one last shake.
Prepare your sterilized straining and bottling equipment.
Strain the tincture, making sure all liquid is pressed out of the plant material.
Fill as many dropper bottles as you need for use, and place the rest in an airtight storage bottle.
Label your bottles for use and storage.
Enjoy your Deep Sleep Elixir.
Recommended use and dosage
The recommended dosage for adults who really struggle with sleep is 15–20 drops. If you simply want to relax more deeply and improve your sleep quality, 10–15 drops are perfect. The dosage for children (3 years and older) is 5 drops or less.
Be sure to read the section on possible contraindications and do your own research before taking herbal medicines. Tinctures and elixirs should always be taken diluted in water, or even in a glass of milk or tea. It is recommended to take this elixir 15–20 minutes before bedtime.
These are a few of the possible contraindications to watch out for:
– There have been cases where lavender had a disrupting effect on the hormones of immature young boys.
– Some people may have allergic reactions to lavender or chamomile, especially if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. If you are unsure, start with a very low test dose.
– Caution and further research are required if you are taking other sedatives or sleep medications.
Having trouble sleeping? This is how I naturally take control
Some nights, no matter how tired you are, sleep just doesn’t come. Your mind doesn’t want to stop, your body feels restless, and before you know it, you see the clock moving closer to morning. Making your own sleep tincture is a wonderful way to take control of your rest.