Insomnia Salve
When using a Pestle and Mortar it can be rewarding to unearth old folk recipes that would have been compounded for external use. Take a bit of time to experiment at home to become familiar with the process of grinding and mixing various herbs with oils and fats by hand.
Ingredients:
Rosemary leaves, Mint leaves, Calendula petals, Sage leaves, Lavender sprigs
Olive oil
Grated beeswax
Lavender pure essential oil
Apparatus:
Bain-marie
Pestle and Mortar
Muslin or fine mesh sieve to strain
Sterilised jar
NB: An unguent, salve or ointment is used for soothing and healing and is spread or rubbed into the skin to aid burns, wounds, rashes, abrasions, itches, and other conditions such as restlessness or as a decongestant chest rub. See our Seasonal Diary for a post on ‘The alchemy of unguent making’ for more information.
Method:
Gather approx 1 tablespoon each of fresh herbs of lavender, sage, calendula, mint and rosemary and roughly chop.
With a pestle and mortar grind the herbs with 5/6 tablespoons of olive oil. It’ll be a dark green paste.
Place in a bain-marie to warm and then strain out the liquid from the plant pulp.
Add the strained herb oil with 2 tablespoons grated beeswax into a bain-marie (clean) and gently heat together.
When combined and the wax is melted remove from heat and add a few drops lavender pure essential oil.
Pour into a small dark glass jar, tapping the jar onto the worktop to release air.
Allow to cool before sealing and labelling. Do a skin test patch 24 hrs before use.
Apply to both temples 1 hour before bedtime.Store in the fridge.
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Please note: We always recommend that you do a 24hr patch test with any homemade external recipes to test against skin reactions. This recipe is adapted from an old folk remedy and does not constitute medical advice.