by Dan Stannard

Created on: August 10, 2011

I will first of all like to state that I am not yet a qualified herbalist, I just know that which my Nana has passed to me, the remedies passed through my family for a long time, and the remedies I have picked up in varying herbal almanacs, grimoires and handbooks.

All mentioned have been tried and tested on myself. Please make sure you have no allergies or reactions to any of the following remedies before trying them - if you are in doubt seek medical advice from a qualified professional. 

With the Disclaimer out of the way, let me begin.  As a sufferer of insomnia, I have had to find alternatives to conventional medicines due to a rather inconvenient allergy to a lot of different chemicals.

What I shall do, is post a rub, a tea, a bath and a pillow. A meditation technique will also be described. 

The rub 

In a mortar and pestle  (or blender - which ever take your fancy) blend/crush a handful lavender flowers and leaves (preferably fresh), 10 drops of a light oil such as almond, sunflower or grapeseed, and 3 drops of ylang ylang oil. The scent should be rather pungent and sweet, with a strong menthol tone to it. It should have a medium/thick consistency. When you have achieved this, apply to a small unseen areas and leave for an hour and wash off to do a reaction test - if a rash develops cease use. If no reaction, rub lightly into your neck, and relax. Drink a warm drink (like the one below, maybe) and before bed, wash with warm (not hot) water. Relax and Sleep.

The Tea

In a saucepan, heat water, with a spoon of runny honey, a handful of lavender flowers, a handful of primrose flowers and two cloves (per cup of water). Heat, but do not allow to boil, strain into a mug, settle down and drink. Note, this can also be cooled, chilled and served over ice and lime for a very refreshing summer drink. (Or with a splash of vodka for a delicious cocktail.)

The Bath

Run a warm bath as per usual. In a bowl, mix 3tsp of vodka, a few drops of lavender oil, two drops of basil oil and about 6 drops of a carrier oil (see above rub). Mix together and pour into the bath. Add some more lavender flowers and basil leaves and relax in the bath. Burn some candles and just remember not to fall asleep in the bath.

The Pillow

This is really simple. Fill a pillow case with a mixture of dried lavender and dried hops. Sew the pillow case shut and use as an ordinary pillow.

Meditation Technique

As you lie in bed, feel the covers over on your skin. Feel their weight against you, warm and safe. Starting from your toes, visualise each inch of your body relaxing - tell yourself that you don't have to relax, but it would be nice for you to do so. Allow your body, bit by bit getting heavier, your toes, fingers, legs, arms, stomach. Drift off to that place on the border of sleep and waking. With your eyes closed, let everything worrying you leave your body as you breathe out. Breathe in the scent of the night, let it intoxicate your mind, relax and drift away to sleep.

Also, if you haven't the access to the herbs, a good alternative is a few drops of lavender oil and chamomile oil on your pillow as you settle down for the night. 

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