BEDTIME BALMS

Whether you’re treating jetlag or trying to improve your body clock at home, these all-natural DIY balms can help you sleep better.

FOR NICE NAPS

What you need

1 tablespoon pure beeswax

¼ cup coconut oil

15 drops of bergamot orange essential oil 15 drops of copaiba essential oil

Method

Melt beeswax with coconut oil using a double boiler or by heating both in a microwave for 30 seconds. Add the essential oils and keep stirring for a minute. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and let it rest till it solidifies. Apply it on your chest, cheeks, and forehead before going to bed.

Benefits

The balm is calming and also moisturises the skin. Beeswax, a frequently-used ingredient in skincare products, provides consistency to the balm. Copaiba oil’s honey-like scent creates a conducive environment for a peaceful nap. Coconut oil is hydrating and rich in nutrients.

TO INDUCE CALM

What you need

20 gm safflower oil

20 gm shea butter

10 gm beeswax

5 drops of rosemary essential oil 7 drops of ginger essential oil

5 drops of frankincense essential oil Method

Over a double boiler, melt shea butter and beeswax along with safflower oil. Add the essential oils and let them infuse for a few minutes before pouring the concoction into a container to solidify. Benefits

Rosemary keeps nightmares at bay.

Ginger and frankincense, together, add spiciness to the balm. This aromatherapyinspired balm harnesses the power of relaxing scents, and the pacifying oils lull you to sleep.

FOR DEEP SLUMBER

What you need

½ cup coconut oil

½ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons grated beeswax 25 drops of orange and cinnamon essential oils (mixed together) 25 drops of sandalwood essential oil 25 drops of peppermint essential oil Method

Heat coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax over a double boiler. Add the essential oils and stir well. Let the mixture rest until it reaches room temperature. Apply the balm on your temple and palms, and under your nostrils. Benefits

The earthy aromas of sandalwood and cinnamon ease the mind, the oils calm your nerves, and peppermint comforts sore muscles.

TO TACKLE INSOMNIA

What you need

60 gm shea butter

2 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil

20 drops of lavender essential oil ¼ vanilla bean Method

Melt shea butter in a double boiler. Let it rest for two minutes or until it reaches room temperature. Transfer to a bowl and add Vitamin E and lavender oils. Split open the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Add the bean to the potion and stir well. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes—it will turn opaque white. Now, use a blender to mix everything once again for two minutes and let the concoction rest for some time. Benefits

Lavender evokes deep siestas; it has been used extensively to treat insomnia. Vanilla’s relaxing powers induce sleep, while Vitamin E acts as a preservative to prolong the balm’s shelf life.

TO BEAT ANXIETY

What you need

½ cup coconut oil ½ cup olive oil 30 gm beeswax 20 gm chamomile Method

Heat coconut oil and throw in some chamomile. Let it infuse for two hours. Next, strain the oil using a sieve until the herbal residue is segregated. Add olive oil and molten beeswax, blend well, and pour the mixture in a container to solidify. Benefits

Chamomile is known to cure anxiety and insomnia, owing to the presence of apigenin, an antioxidant found in the herb. Along with olive oil, it also helps to reduce inflammation in the body.