Sleep is one of our most important functions, but probably one we understand least. That said, none of us need a medical degree to say what the effects are if we do start to suffer the odd bit of insomnia.

We’ve all felt it haven’t we?

How we feel sluggish, or even nauseous. Our memories become impaired and we even eat more. Before we get into the list of essential oil sleep blends, there's a few important considerations you should be aware of.

Essential Oil Sleep Blend Categories


I Can't Sleep	I Can't Switch Off	I'm Too Angry To Sleep	I'm Too Worked Up To Sleep
I'm Too Tired To Sleep	I Don't Feel Tired When I Go To Bed	I Can Get To Sleep But I Keep Waking Up	Shift Work
End Of A Relationship	Relationship Difficulties	Trauma	Nightmares
Aches And Pains	Feeling Under The Weather	Pregnancy	Baby Not Sleeping
Child Not Sleeping	Period Pains	Menopause	Restless Legs, Snoring & Moon Madness

Important: Due to restrictions around medicinal claims applicable to essential oil brands, we need to state that no essential oil or blend is or should be touted as being able to treat, prevent or cure insomnia and sleeplessness. Insomnia is a medical condition and you should seek advice and consultation from a medical professional.

The essential oils and blends on this page, are intended as being good to use to help you relax and create a state of calm before going to sleep. No claims are made about any essential oil or blend being able to prevent, treat or cure insomnia and sleeplessness.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.

Dilution rates of essential oils are generally at a rate of 1%, 2% or 3% ratio of essential oil to carrier. For facial use it's usually max 0.5%. Some essential oils are even less than this or not to be used topically at all so check the safety of every oil before use.

Do NOT use carriers or Epsom salts in your diffuser if you adapt any of the recipes. You will clog it up and break it.

NEVER use essential oils undiluted on the skin. If you adapt a diffuser or aromapendant blend, make sure to dilute with a carrier before using topically. Always check the safety considerations of the oils you plan to use.

We consulted with a very experienced clinical aromatherapist when putting together this post so it is peer reviewed by a professional in the field.

One Size Approach
Sleep & Oils
Sleep Hygiene
Best Oils
Methods Of Use

What we can all agree on, is there is nothing pleasing and about trying to get to sleep, but instead being left tossing and turning and getting extremely aggravated with your pillow. Essential oils can help a great deal by helping you to relax, but struggles to become mainstream as a solution, because medicine control laws prohibit them from being labelled as cures.

On this occasion though, that ruling is wise, because why I can’t sleep at night is probably different to why you cannot, so how can that be treated with a cookie cutter blend?

Well, the answer is obvious. It can’t.

There may be a whole host of problems from worrying, to being angry, to being in pain, to …the moon’s full!

So, there are many different aspects and of course we can’t expect lavender oil to baby sit them all, no matter how good a nurse maid she is. Sleep is a perfect example of when a qualified aromatherapist will serve you so much better than a DIY approach. That said we felt this would be an excellent opportunity to really drill down, get to know our oils on a much deeper level and start to think about aromatherapy in a much more dynamic way.

We’ll peel back the layers of an onion, if you will… See if we can start to understand where the wakefulness stems from and if we can switch off that tiny lightbulb for some peace.

It seems important to mention that there are two types of insomnia, with many subgroups, but let's look at primary or secondary insomnia.

In other words, is the sleeplessness the actual “disease” or is it happening because you have pain and it hurts to lie in one place for too long. If it’s secondary insomnia, obviously relaxing oils are not going to be the solution; it’s dealing with the pain that is.

So, we’re going to hit on our first conundrum here.

On one hand we want a good range of recipes because there are so many different reasons why you might be lying asleep, but on the other then, we have a sense of which type of oils will work…we don’t want rosemary or peppermint, for example, their very job is to wake you up. Grapefruit too, and most of the citruses are more for daytime…in fact I’d even go as far as to say mornings!

All these oils are going to be night-time warriors, and used in this way, actually there are many. To that end, if we are not careful, we will have hundreds of recipes, which use billions of oils and so none that you can realistically make.

You’ll see we learn to work within certain themes that echo each other and very slightly shift and change to adapt to what people need. There aren’t big shifts because that rocking into the land of nod should be gentle.

Finally, I have included several recipes because what works for me, may not work for you, and that doesn’t just apply to the oils. My solution to any problem is always to lie in a warm bath, sometimes with oils, sometimes without, but perhaps you agree with my husband that showers are the way because you don’t like “wallowing in your own filth.” (He does have a rather a cynical slant on life – but hopefully you get my drift!). A page full of bath salts will be no use to you.

On the flipside, shower recipes are next to no use, because you are going to need the oils on your skin for at least 19 mins – that’s how long it takes for them to permeate the skin – so really you may as well not even turn the water on!

Likewise, a back massage is difficult if you’re home alone.

Diffusers are a popular choice but invariably miss a very vital point. We can no longer smell when we fall asleep. It’s one of the faculties that switches off to allow our bodies to regenerate. It’s why a smoke alarm is so vital because you cannot smell smoke. With that in mind, if you can fall asleep, but you keep waking up…then it’s pretty rubbish again.

Consider too, that even though human trials into essential oils as medicines are few and far between, but those that do exist tend to share a common trend. They show that the longer a person uses the oils, the more efficient the effects become. I see it as a cumulative action and it’s almost like training your mind like an athlete. Use them long enough and the brain responds to them very quickly and you won’t have to start from a baseline problem again.

With all this in mind then, you may look at a bath oil and think “Ooo that looks nice, but I wonder if I can use it as a massage oil, or diffuser instead?” I’ll try and annotate when and where this works too, because in principle the answer would be yes, but sometimes it may not work quite as well.

Remember, these are guidelines, not rules. The only rule to watch is the safety.

Aromatherapy is a holistic modality, meaning that the therapist will look at all aspects of one’s life to see where things might be out of balance. While the essential oils play the staring role, they have a large supporting cast, and most of that comes in the form of clean living.

It’s important to remove any stimulants from your day. In particular, if you were taking energy drinks to keep you awake because you have not slept, you could be making things worse. Consider removing caffeine gradually, since withdrawal can cause bad headaches and jitters. Maybe promise yourself not to have them after lunchtime.

Creating a relaxing space in the bedroom can be very helpful. Give it a good clean and get rid of any clutter. Have the room cool rather than too warm and consider whether a new pillow or mattress may also be helpful.

Limit screen time and stimulating activities in the couple of hours before bed. Instead, why not indulge in some yoga, light exercise, a warm drink and a soothing bath.

Lastly, taking more exercise during the day can tire you and help you to sleep better too.

If this article does nothing else, I hope it shows that no-one recipe can ever help everyone with the same condition, but what we see here is some of the same oils coming up over and over again. It tends to be the supporting oils, making up the synergy that make the differentiation when it comes to sleep

Lavender and Chamomile oils are always in the spotlight because they are so soothing. They calm the mind and the body.

Rose is a fabulous one because it helps to balance and stabilise. It’s great for when you are feeling down or dealing with grief and is what is known as “hypnotic”.

For when you are worried, we use roots like valerian or spikenard. These are the big hitters, but please be aware that spikenard is a plant that is now on the critically endangered plants list. This is an oil we only want to be using in real crisis.

How to Use a Bath Oil

Every bath oil includes Epsom salts, which are a form of magnesium. Magnesium is the body’s internal calming mineral. It is required for over 300 processes including sleep, muscle relaxation and sedation.

Naturally it comes from fruit, nuts and green vegetables. It forms as the fruit matures on the tree. Modern farming techniques mean that fruit is picked earlier than the point when it forms. Consequently, we obtain far too little magnesium from our diet.

There are many excellent oral magnesium supplements but in fact, it is best absorbed through the skin. A bath in Epsom salts has many benefits for sleep, not only does it support healthy mineral absorption, but the warm water softens and relaxes the muscles as we breathe in the sedative volatiles.

Add the Epsom salts to the water and agitate well. Add the essential oils to the carrier and add under the running water. Lie in the warm bath for at least 25 minutes to ensure the oils have long enough to permeate the skin.

Get out of the bath carefully. The carrier oils can make the bath dangerously slippery. Be sure to clean the bath with detergent carefully afterwards because oils attract dirty lines around the bath.

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How to Use A Diffuser
Method of Use: Do not leave on for more than 2 hours without turning off for a break. If you choose to use an evaporator, instead of a diffuser, do not leave the candle’s naked flame unattended.

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How to Use a Massage Oil

Best utilised after a warm bath or shower. Although massage never really needs essential oils being such a superb healing modality in its own right, aromatherapy takes it to a new level.

Traditionally aromatherapy massage only used long slow soothing stroking movements. Hacking and chopping movements, although brilliant for breaking down muscle tension, invigorate the muscles, encouraging blood flow to the area. These are quite wakeful techniques and are not suitable for bedtime.

Slowly, stroke the oils in, focusing on watching your partners breathing getting slower as an indication you are doing a good job.

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How to Use a Body Cream

“Body Cream” is a loose term in that is a cream you can put on your body, but the base is not designed to improve the skin in any particular way, merely as a means to apply the oils easily. These have the added benefit that you can continue to get the benefits throughout the day.

You might want to smother it all over the body, but likewise rubbing it on the inside of the arm, for fast access into the blood stream, or onto the neck for speedy route to the brain, work really well with these.

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How to Use an Aromapendant

An aromapendant is a fabulous way to calm the over-arching tension, all day every day, thus treating the root of the sleeplessness, and probably several other things too. The aromapendant is very much a weapon of self-defence.

Wear around the neck, or as a bracelet as long as you are enjoying the fragrance. Feel free to remove at any time. There is no need to keep replenishing the fragrance throughout the day. The brain still seems to register the molecules even after you no longer perceive the fragrance.

Because they are a strangle hazard, and since we no longer perceive smells when we are asleep, do not wear aromapendants in bed.

"I Can't Sleep" Essential Oil Blends

Hopefully, it’s a one-off thing and we can fix it with one of these below.

I guess, we could say “Why can’t you sleep?” and the answer would probably be “Dunno, just can’t”.

We start with simple relaxing oils. For most people this level of care will be enough.

#1. Gentle Boat to the Land of Nod Bath Oil

This blend almost feels like a lullaby, a bedtime story, if you will. The nature of lavender is so supportive and cosseting, mandarin is light, a kind of blissful smile and vetiver is grounding, very calming and tranquilizing. Lovely.

Other ways to use this recipe: Suitable for use as an aromapendant, massage oil or lotion. If you find it too heavy for a diffuser, it will be beautiful in an evaporator. Would work well in an evaporator.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
4 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)

#2. Tranquil Flowers Massage Oil

Geranium is the queen of the oils when it comes to alleviating worries. She makes it feel as if the world is just lifting away. Chamomiles always sooth in the same way, they teach “whatever will be will be”, and vetiver pulls a warm heavy blanket of peace over you. Soothing to the muscles, soothing to the soul.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any carrier oil can be supplemented. Works well in bath, lotion and aromapendant. If you find it too heavy for a diffuser, it will be beautiful in an evaporator.

1 tbs Rosehip Carrier oil (Rosa rugosa)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)

#3. Dreamland Awaits Diffuser Blend

Frankincense oil is deeply meditative, contemplative, if you will. It slows the breath and calms the mind. Chamomile and geranium work beautifully together simply letting troubles drift away on the breeze.

Other ways to use this recipe: Beautiful in every way!

1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

#4. Quiet Night Body Cream

If you are prone to negative thoughts, the cedarwoods are beautiful allies to have. They seem to quieten the scary thoughts, somehow. Mandarin, steps in and chatters in a lovely, sweet, and happy voice. She’s soft, cosseting, kind and amusing. She’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face. Meanwhile patchouli uses his weight to draw the energy down from the head and into the body, making the mind feel like a sanctuary of peace for the night.

The beauty of this blend is the oils are all extremely nourishing and refining to the skin. They are not sedative in the way that lavender lulls you to sleep, so great to soothe the frenzy in your mind.

Other ways to use this recipe: Beautiful in every way!

30ml (1 l oz) Aqueous Cream
4 drops Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)
2 drops Cedarwood virginian essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)
1 drop Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)

#5. Languorous Nights Aromapendant

This is a gorgeously dreamy blend. Lavender lulls you, neroli lifts and enchants you, leading you away from “the scary place” and myrrh helps you to transcend any worries you have.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any application will work. Remember to dilute with a carrier oil of your choice for topical application.

4 drops Neroli essential oil (Citrus auriantum)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)

"I Can't Switch Off" Essential Oil Sleep Blends

Here, the brain seems to be in overdrive, for whatever reason.

#1. Monkey Brain Bath Oil

A good ally for the monkey mind is marjoram, which is also great for resetting the body clock, so it starts to fall into line. It’s also a very cosseting oil, which is particularly lovely for kids or if you feel that someone might be triggering you, playing games with your inner child.

Not easy to admit out loud but we all recognise patterns we are loath to admit to. Lavender rocks you gently and cedarwood switches off negative thoughts.

Other ways to use this recipe: Will adapt beautifully to any other application. Be sure to dilute in a teaspoon of carrier if you are going to use topically.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
1 drop Cedarwood virginian essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)

#2. Sacred Silence Massage Oil

Lavender slows the breathing and quietens the mind. Myrrh brings gravity and solace whilst lavender rocks you to sleep.

Other ways to use this recipe: If you find it too heavy for a diffuser (myrrh), it will be beautiful in an evaporator. All other applications work well.

Not suitable during pregnancy (Myrrh). See the pregnancy section for suitable essential oil sleep blends.

1 tbs Jojoba Carrier oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
4 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)

#3. Mind Numbing Diffuser Blend

Marjoram quietens the central nervous system and quietens the mind. Lavender rocks and geranium lifts and lets your worries drift away.

Other ways to use this recipe: Beautiful in any other application. Add 1 tsp of carrier to make it suitable for topical use.

1 drop Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

#4. Peace at Last Body Cream

Gorgeous blend this one, so very sensuous. Patchouli drags the excess energy down from the head and settles it heavily and soporifically in the body. Geranium brings about a womanliness and just lifts away all your cares, where orange is so optimistic and has a way of making you feel incredibly beautiful and calm.

Other ways to use this recipe: If you find it too heavy for a diffuser, it will be beautiful in an evaporator. All other applications are beautiful.

30ml (1 oz) Aqueous Cream
4 drops Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)

#5. Serenity Aromapendant

Frankincense slows the breath. Vetiver drags the energy down to your feet, tranquilizing you and grounding you. Petitgrain brings a whisper of spring, of something new blossoming around the corner and of feelings of calm surrender.

Other ways to use this recipe: If you find it too heavy for a diffuser, it will be beautiful in an evaporator. All other applications would be lovely. Ensure you dilute into a teaspoon of carrier if using topically

1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)
1 drop Petitgrain essential oil (Citrus auriantum)

"I’m Too Angry To Sleep" Essential Oil Blends

These blends leverage some of the loveliest aspects of flower medicine. Flowers tend to be ruled in medical astrology by Venus, the goddess of love. Anger, fighting, aggression are all the gifts of Mars.

#1. Enough Already Bath Oil

Lie in a bath of geranium long enough and everything will drift away. She’s so nurturing and has a wonderfully supporting action upon the adrenal glands. Stay long enough in the fight and flight action and eventually the hormones turn on their axis and begin to affect you. Geranium stops the attack in its tracks.

Myrtle is wise and persistent trying every trick in the book to find a way to soothe whatever’s rattled your cage. And chamomile, oh lovely chamomile teaches you look up to the clouds, to watch them drift and surrender to whatever will be, will be.

Other ways to use this recipe: All applications are gorgeous.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Myrtle essential oil (Myrtus communis)
2 drops Roman Camomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

#2. Moments of Quiet Massage Oil

There is a Sanskrit saying that says “Where there is Jasmine, there can be no worries”. A gift of the moon, she is at her most potent at night. She understands the desire to keep thinking, but instead envelops you, smothering worries with her scent.

Melissa is joyful. Playful even, and she bids you to dream and return to the meadows in the sun. To the place before all the mayhem started, to the place where only you go.

Monarda is the lightest, brightest and dreamiest oil, allowing you to think, to work things through carefully then to carry your problems away on her fragrance of butterfly wings.

Other ways to use this recipe: All methods are luxuriously blissful.

1tbs Grapeseed Carrier oil (Vitus vinifera)
4 drops Monarda essential oil (Monarda fistulosa)
3 drops Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
1 drop Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum grandiflorum)

#3. Sugar and Spice Diffuser Blend

I love tangerine oil. It fascinates me. It's a mandarin hybrid and yet it’s entirely different. Mandarin is playful and elegant, but Tangerine has this sweet sharpness that seems to slice right through spite. It’s like you fall about giggling in a row because you realise how stupid the whole thing is. Cinnamon is warm and cosy and geranium just lets the anger float away.

Other ways to use this recipe: Don’t use this one in the bath and really not for topical use at all. I wouldn’t adapt this recipe and stick to the diffuser.

3 drops Tangerine essential oil (Citrus reticulata)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamonum verum)

#4. Zen Body Cream Blend

Clinical evidence shows that rose has an “anti-conflict” property, and here when combined with vetiver that forces you to calm down and chamomile that soothes, this is a gentle but firm stroking into a calmer and more passive place.

Other ways to use this recipe: Gorgeous diluted into a massage oil and lovely in the bath or as an aromapendant.

30ml (1 oz) Aqueous Cream
4 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
2 drops Chamomile matricaria essential oil (Matricaria recutita)
1 drop Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)

#5. Angry begone, Aromapendant

Be calm, be gracious, be rooted. Simple, tranquil, effective.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any way is lovely. Don’t forget to dilute for topical use

1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Palma Rosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martinii)

"I’m Too Stressed To Sleep" Essential Oil Blends

You might want to compare this with I am too worried to sleep, which has a fear element to it. This set of recipes is more too many things on my mind, for too long, lots of responsibilities and juggling.

#1. A Moment’s Respite Bath Oil

Valerian works on the same set of receptors as benzodiazepines do. It is powerfully sedative and wonderful for switching your light out when you need it. Be aware that valerian can show up on a drugs test just the same as any other benzo agent would, so perhaps avoid if you need to show proof you are clean for whatever reason.

Powerful as it is, it also smells like smelly socks, so the lavender and mandarin bring a pretty counterpoint to balance that. The lavender soothes of course, but the mandarin is also uplifting and refreshing.

Other ways to use this recipe: Safe to be adapted to any medium but bear in mind the strange smell of the valerian. Must be diluted for topical use, naturally.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
4 drops Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)

#2. Cares Away Massage Oil

This recipe brings the flower in through the rich golden rosehip carrier oil. It's lifted by the romantic fragrance of geranium. Lavender nurtures soothes and rocks you whilst black pepper has his say. Black pepper is a warming, but stabilising influence. It has a very clever way of insisting you take care of yourself first. It cossets, refreshes and invigorates.

Other ways to use this recipe: Black pepper can be a bit harsh for topical use. All other modes work well.

1 tbs Rosehip Carrier oil (Rosa rugosa)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Black Pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum)

#3. Drifting Dreams Diffuser Blend

Whisper, this is such a quiet blend. If you could paint the nativity in scent, this is what it would smell like. The hay-scented chamomile drifts and promises whatever will be, will be, lavender sings a lullaby while frankincense slows the breath and calms the mind.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well in any medium. Remember to dilute in a teaspoon of carrier for topical.

1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)

#4. Pillow Talk Body Cream

Unctuous, luxurious and transformative. It’s like an Indian temple full of fragrance, exotic, enticing and relaxing. Stunningly relaxing and soothing.

Other ways to use this recipe: This blend might be a bit viscous for your diffuser, but it would work well in an evaporator. Lovely as lemon verbena and jasmine are, you need to be careful when using topically and keep to a low dilution %.

100ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Lemon Verbena essential oil (Aloysia citriodora)
2 drops Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)
1 drop Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum grandiflorum)

#5. Air of Hope Aromapendant

Soft, light, optimistic. Very girly and comes with a warning that it works incredibly fast and may make you feel a little nauseous quickly.

Other ways to use this recipe: Gorgeous in any preparation, albeit very sweet. Ylang ylang max 0.8% dilution if using topically.

1 drop Neroli essential oil (Citrus auriantum)
1 drop Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)

"I’m Too Tired To Sleep" Essential Oil Blends

This set is for two types of people. Those who have been awake for so long that they have gone past the point of being 'sleepy tired', and those who like me, have tendencies to watch Netflix way past your natural sleep window. These are all sledgehammer blends.

#1. Time to Give in Bath Oil

The valerian is the big gun in this one but is paired with two supremely relaxing oils, the clary sage and the geranium. Be careful of drinking with this one. Neither valerian, or even more so, clary sage go very nicely with booze.

Other ways to use this recipe: Would make a lovely massage oil.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
2 drops Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)

#2. Submit to Slumber Massage Oil

Deliciously relaxing to both mind and body.

Other ways to use this recipe: Beautiful in all other mediums.

1 tbs Apricot Kernel Carrier oil (Prunus armeniaca)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Yarrow essential oil (Achille millefollium)
1 drop German Chamomile essential oil (Matricaria recutita)

#3. Drifting Off Diffuser

This is a lovely blend to burn in the evening. Gentle, romantic and soothing.

Other ways to use this recipe: Luscious in any other medium. Dilute in a carrier for topical use.

1 drop Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum grandiflorum)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)

#4. Body Clock Body Cream

Marjoram calms the central nervous system and tries to align the circadian rhythms. Clary sage clears thoughts and lavender relaxes. Also be cautious of drinking with clary sage. Alcohol and this plant are an unpleasant mix.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well in any medium.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
1 drop Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)

#5. All’s Well Aromapendant

If your mind has been working overdrive, this blend assumes it’s with worry. Jasmine will have none of that. Vetiver drags a warm cosy blanket over you and mandarin dances, “who cares anyway?”

Other ways to use this recipe: Lovely used in any of the different ways. Potentially the blend might be too viscous for a diffuser though.

3 drops Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)
1 drop Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum grandiflorum)
1 drop Vetiver essential oil (Vetiver zizanoides)

"I Don’t Feel Tired When I Go to Bed" Essential Oil Blends

This can often be a problem with poor sleep hygiene. For many, it will be looking at screens too late at night, or even not having done enough in the day. Maybe not sticking to a reguly sleep pattern, going to bed at all sorts of different times.

Try leaving caffeine out of drinks in the afternoon and evening, not eating for at least two hours before bed, if not turning off screens entirely, ensure blue filters are on and getting a little more exercise through the day.

#1. Sleepy Head Bath Oil

If this doesn’t wipe you out nothing will. Hop oil can be expensive though, so this is more for people who have been suffering for some weeks rather than the odd day where you feel a bit hyper.

Other ways to use this recipe: Can be used in any of the different ways but it has a bit of a “brewery” fragrance from the hops, so whilst it can be a sledgehammer, it's probably not what you want in a diffuser.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)
1 drop Hop essential oil (Humulus lupulus)

#2. Droopy Eyelids Massage Oil

Gentle, tranquil and docile, this blend feels like a walk through the garden on a warm Summer’s day. Quintessentially English it is blissfully light and airy. The lavender rocks like a lullaby, chamomile bids you surrender and geranium just floats the day away. Slumberland beckons and sweet dreams await.

Other ways to use this recipe: Beautiful in any medium.

1 tbs Passion flower Carrier oil (Passiflora Edulis)
3 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

#3. Time to Wind Down Diffuser Blend

Romantic, dreamy and soporific. Ylang ylang’s gift is harmony and balance: time awake and time asleep. Give your body clock a gentle reminder of which state it should be.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Canaga odorata)

#4. Body Clock Wind Up Body Cream

Tick tick, tick tock. Hear the rhythm of the drum beat clock? Lavender slows and bids you relax. Marjoram strokes the nervous system into a slower and gentler rhythm and Melissa heralds the moment of betwixt and between – half awake, half asleep as you begin to dream.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any medium works well

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)

#5. I’ll Sleep Tonight Aromapendant

Light, soft airy. Both Melissa and Rose have an affinity with sleep, are hypnotic yet not quite sedative. They are wonderful for training the brain without actually making you sleepy if you have to drive throughout the day. Sandalwood is grounding, calming and relaxing.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well in any medium.

1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)

"I Can Get To Sleep But I Keep Waking Up" Essential Oil Blends

These are designed to really put you deeply into sleep. I am sure many of you wake up in the night, so in which case, what we hope will happen here is you can get back to sleep quickly.

#1. A Full Night’s Sleep Bath Oil

You don’t often see violet leaf in recipes these days, but she was a traditional medicine for sleep in Victorian times. She is so gentle; she’s like a soft floating dream.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well as a massage oil but is a very expensive blend. Would smell foul in a diffuser or aromapendant. You’d feel too dopey to do your job if you used this as a lotion in the day, but it would work excellently to just put on in an evening when you get home from work.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Violet Leaf absolute (Viola odorata)
2 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)

#2. Embrace Me, Night, Massage Oil

This one is sheer heaven. Rose is hypnotic and dreamy and her understudy - geranium - backs that up beautifully. Sandalwood is meditative, soothing and grounding.

Other ways to use this recipe: Wonderful in any way. It may be a bit viscous for your diffuser but would be magical in an evaporator.

1 tbs Passion Flower Carrier oil (Passiflora edulis)
3 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)

#3. Doorway to Dreamland Diffuser

It’s not always imperative to use blends of three oils, although usually the synergy of the blend is better than the single notes alone and three makes a lovely balanced note.

In this case, two is bliss. Cedarwood is relaxing, slowing and tranquil, somehow stealing negative thoughts from your mind, where petitgrain is soft, uplifting and gentle. They are a lovely mix.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works in any medium. Remember to dilute in at least a teaspoon of carrier oil if you plan to use it topically.

1 drop Petitgrain essential oil (Citrus aurantium ssp. amara)
1 drop Cedarwood Virginian essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)

#4. Scrumptious Slumber Body Cream

This blend has a somewhat herbaceous fragrance to it, but the Melissa is so light and joyous it really pretties it up. The lavender is soothing, relaxing and nurturing, calming you whilst marjoram does her job of cossetting and trying to level the body clock back into kilter again.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any medium works well

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
2 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#5. Loving Days and Adoring Nights Aromapendant

Incredibly relaxing, but not sedative. This is a great blend to help you to get calmer through the day to make it easier for sleep to come later.

Other ways to use this recipe: Sandalwood might be a bit viscous for a diffuser, otherwise use in any medium. Don’t forget to dilute in a carrier for topical use.

1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album).

"Can't Sleep Due To Shift Work" Essential Oil Blends

If you work shifts, you’ll likely recognise being exhausted but too hyper to wind down to sleep. These are designed to knock you out quicker and to help you sleep when the sun shines through the curtains.

#1. Out like A Light Bath Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Might not smell great in a diffuser but no reason not to give it a try. All other methods are fine.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)

#2. Drop Like A Stone Massage Oil

Vetiver has a wonderful skill of switching the mind onto slow, lavender is soothing and calming, and geranium helps you feel all warm, cosy and carefree. Passion flower is wonderful for sleeplessness generally but has a lovely thick consistency which feels luxurious and pampering.

Other ways to use this recipe: Vetiver might be too heavy for the diffuser, but all others work beautifully.

1 tbs Passion Flower Carrier oil (Passiflora edulis)
5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)

#3. Shift Work Slumber Diffuser

Other ways to use this recipe: Works beautifully in any other of the methods. Remember to dilute into a carrier for topical use.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Cedarwood Virginian essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)
1 drop Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus aurantium)

#4. Tick Tock Body Clock Body Cream

Marjoram has a lovely stabilising nature here, It helps you feel more in control of the changes on the clock. Lavender is soothing and rose is nurturing, hypnotic and reviving.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any of the methods would be lovely.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
5 drops Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)

#5. Wake Up- Dozy! Aromapendant

A single note to revive and uplift you through the day.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any of the methods would be lovely.

1 drop Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)

Note: Beware of using the oil on pendants that come directly in contact with the skin – as in lava beads for example. The oil is phototoxic, so watch it on the skin and do not use old oils.

"Can't Sleep Due To Relationship Breakdown" Essential Oil Blends

The very best oil we can use for the grieving process is Rose, so there is a definite theme in this section.

Likewise, marjoram is very helpful for the usual reasons that it calms the nervous system, but it is also anaphrodisiac – that’s not a typo – it means it’s the opposite to an aphrodisiac. That is: it reduces the libido. If this seems like it may be helpful to you – the bed feels too big now - it is safe to experiment with adding a drop of marjoram to a blend that does not have it listed in the recipe, or even doubling or tripling the amount if it does.

#1. Quiet Time Alone Bath Oil

This must be the gentlest and kindest of all the oils. Rose is specific for grief; there is no better oil for troubles of the heart. Yarrow carries the energy of Achilles and that tiny bit of foot that his mother was not able to protect when she dipped him in the River Styx. It’s the part of you that just seems to get stung, and Roman Chamomile to soothe and help you to release the pain. Gorgeously relaxing and numbing.

Other ways to use this recipe: Would suit any of the methods of application.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
2 drops Roman Camomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Yarrow essential oil (Achille millefolium)

#2. Exquisite Touch Massage Oil

The flower oils are ruled by Venus the goddess of love and here we have rose and geranium to wrap their silk shawls around you to repair the pain you feel in your heart. It’s a very romantic but wistful blend, which will make you feel like you’ve been touched by an angel’s repair.
Sandalwood is quiet, meditative and grounding, helping you to feel calmer and just a little less in pain.

Other ways to use this recipe: Beautiful in any medium.

1 tbs Rosehip Carrier oil (Rosa rugosa)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
2 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)

#3. Cloudless Sky Diffuser

This is a lovely uplifting but relaxing blend. Geranium brings a salve for the heart, cedarwood chases away those melancholy thoughts and orange slaps a positive slant of optimism onto the package. It’s a lovely calming but happier concoction.

Other ways to use this recipe: Would work well in any of the mediums.

3 drops Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
1 drop Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Cedarwood virginian essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)

#4. Feel Happy in My Skin Body Cream

When the light goes out of your life, you can be left feeling sad, lonely and grey. The blend brings back the colour into your heart, so you feel more yourself, making it easier to sleep. But as well as the beautiful emotional benefits of the nurturing rose, the positive orange and grounding sandalwood, this bled is absolutely delicious for the skin.

Other ways to use this recipe: Would be beautiful used in any of the other ways.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
2 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)

#5. Heavenly Healing Aromapendant

In this case, why spoil the medicine of the queen of the heart? Healing, nurturing and hypnotic, the divine feminine oil.

1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)

"Can't Sleep Due To Relationship Difficulties" Essential Oil Blends

There is nothing worse than fearing your whole world is crumbling around you as your relationship hits the rocks. Worse, then you have to share a bed with them. It’s not hard to see why relationship problems can be such a protagonist for sleep problems. Whilst the oils cannot help an external factor like one’s relationship, they can help keep you calm and enable communication to flow better.

#1. My Own Space Bath Oil

This is a lovely blend that smells beautiful. As you wallow in the warm water, the cedarwood quietens the mind and seems to dampen down worries and pessimism thinking. The ylang ylang is soothing, soporific and heady and has a slightly aphrodisiac quality to it. Mandarin is chatty, elegant and refined, taking the edge off harsh and spiteful words. Together, they feel light, soothing and relaxed.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any method of application would be lovely. Remember to dilute into a carrier for topical use.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
5 drops Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)
3 drops Cedarwood Virginian essential oil (Juniperus viriniana)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Canaga odorata)

#2. Moments Together Massage Oil

This is the queen of womanly blends, but clinical research shows that rose especially is wonderful for male sexual dysfunction too. All of these oils fall under the rulership of Venus the goddess of love. They open the heart space, reduce anger and perhaps bring about forgiveness.

Regardless, the softening effect may support the human bonding hormone, oxytocin, bringing you closer together and helping you snuggle down to sleep.

Other ways to use this recipe: Luscious, any way you choose to use it.

1 tbs Rosehip Carrier oil (Rosa rugosa)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)
5 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)

#3. Loving Home Diffuser

Engulfing, luscious and soothing. Why dilute perfection? The most deliciously seductive calming note. One drop will fill the house with a tranquil and aphrodisiac calm.

Other ways to use this recipe: Jasmine is the star of any treatment. Dilute for topical use.

1 drop Jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum)

#4. Feeling Beautiful Body Cream

Sweet orange is always the best of friends to have around if you feel despondent or ugly! She has a radiance about her that makes you feel utterly beautiful and your senses just lift. Geranium lifts away the troubles from your shoulders and lavender keeps you balanced and cool.

Want to make them wonder what’s different lately? This could be your perfect blend.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well in any application. Beware of old oils on the skin. The sweet orange can cause skin sensitivity.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
7 drops Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
5 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#5. My Stress Free World Aromapendant

Other ways to use this recipe: Any.

1 drop Jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum)

"Can't Sleep Due To Trauma" Essential Oil Blends

Here, we refer to emotional and psychological trauma than physical trauma through injury, which would be better addressed by the recipes in the “Aches and Pains” category.

This is arguably the most delicate category because the mind processes memories at night as we sleep. Long term potentiation of memories lives in the hippocampus and relies on many things, but particularly the brain’s ability to rest and restore through sleep.

Perhaps even more important than essential oils here, are flower essences that work so much faster on the subtle bodies.

#1. Womb-Space Bath Oil

Spikenard is really for fear, rather than anxiety or worry. We’re talking about the kind of frightened cat with all its fur on edge, as if your etheric bodies have jumped out of the skin.

Spikenard has an extraordinary ability to switch it off and make you trust that things will be OK. Valerian is extremely tranquilising and drags the energy down to the ground, so you feel more robust.

Cistus is wonderful for reminding you that was then, this is now, and the moment of fear has passed. Lavender and chamomile gently soothe and calm.

Other ways to use this recipe: Very sedative and would be lovely as a massage oil of the person were able to submit to being touched.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
5 drops Lavender High Alpine essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
3 drops Cistus essential oil (Cistus landanifera)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)
1 drop Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)

#2. Beneath Angel Wings Massage Oil

With this blend there should be no petrissage technique (that is to say no sudden movements or cupping and hacking etc). Purely effleurage, light, long, slow, very gentle, seeping and soothing movements. Really, it’s nothing more than a gentle stroking to sleep.

Spikenard and yarrow ae very powerful relaxants and anti-anxiety oils. They take the edge off shock, so everything around them must be use quietly, gently and very, very reverently.

Cistus reminds the person that they are safe now, that the moment has passed and whilst there is no escaping the past, this moment is a more secure space. Lavender is so soothing and carries the lavender light of the angels.

Other ways to use this recipe: It could be used in any of the other mediums, but it might be too complicated for diffusers etc. It would be wonderful for a body lotion though, to steady the nerves throughout the day. The fragrance will not be anything special because in many ways the properties far supersede the aroma. This is not a blend for every day. It is a concoction of the sanctuary of the Universe.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
3 drops Cistus essential oil (Cistus landanifera)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)
1 drop Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)

#3. Moonlight Sanctuary Diffuser Blend

In medical astrology, white flowers are ruled by the moon, which in turn governs the realm of the emotions, of our fears and our hopes and of course the night. Just like her vines, they tightly merge and twist together. As the night comes, somehow our fears and memories grow, Jasmine engulfs us, pacifies us and takes us to a safe place where only beautiful flowers seem to grow.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any moment or modality works.

1 drop Jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum)

#4. Safe Haven Aromapendant

Cistus is so lovely at reminding us to stay in the moment, stay grounded but light and resilient, all of the things that would ordinarily be so hard to do after a scare. Somehow, she reminds us that the moment has passed and it’s safer when she feels near. Lavender soothes and calms whilst rose lowers anxiety with hypnotic and sensual glow.

Other ways to use this recipe: Glorious in any medium. Remember to dilute into a carrier oil or lotion for topical use.

1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Cistus essential oil (Cistus landanifera)

"Can't Sleep Due To Nightmares" Essential Oil Blends

In the last category, there was one oil that came up over and over again – Cistus, otherwise known as the rock rose. Rock Rose is gorgeous for calming nightmares, reminding the mind that the moment for fear has passed and it’s time for the rest of the faculties to catch up.

#1. Safe Space Bath Oil

Very simple but arcane blend this one, Spikenard soothes the petrified cat look from the etheric bodies and brings the fear down into the physical body, where marjoram tackles it within the nervous system. Lavender stabilises the thoughts, calming the brain waves and allows the mind to process the day more softly, more slowly and gently.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well in any medium. Not particularly pretty for room fragrancing though

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
1 drop Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)

#2. Dragons and Unicorn Massage Oil

Melissa has a very special relationship with dreams. The Melissae were the ancient Greek bee priestesses whose work was multifaceted but involved oracles, divination and dream work. Inviting the Melissa essence into your dreams immediately acknowledges a dream’s worth. It enables you to look more dispassionately at the symbols your mind is trying to convey and helps to process them in a much more uplifting way.

Spikenard manages the fear and lavender the anxiety. This is a very soothing blend, working memories negatively out of the muscles and soothing the tension away.

In the same way as the trauma blend, it is imperative that this is applied only in slow soothing movements – no petrissage – so that the flow of energy gets slower, gentler and more peaceful.

Other ways to use this recipe: Gorgeous in any other medium.

1 tbs Sesame Seed Carrier oil (Sesamum indicum)
3 drops Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi)

#3. The Fountain of Mnensis Diffuser

A gorgeous blend of ancient Greek wisdom. The bee priestesses and their deep understanding of dream work, and the plant of Achilles, the most sensitive of all our places in the psyche. Mnensis was the fount of memory, in this world and the next. Very, very tranquilising.

Other ways to use this recipe: Lovely for any dream work

1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
1 drop Yarrow essential oil (Achille millefolium)

#4. Comfort Blanket Body Cream

If the nightmares don’t leave, when you wake up, and you continue to feel them through the day, this is a great blend to just keep reminding yourself there is nothing to fear.
Both myrtle and marjoram are specific for children who are very upset, but we would also extend that to the inner child that we all have, who of course inhabits our dreams.

Other ways to use this recipe: This is a lovely soothing body lotion that could be used for anxiety generally, not just nightmares. It would work well in any other application too.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Myrtle essential oil (Myrtus communis)
3 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)

#5. The Past Behind Me Aromapendant

Soothing, calming, uplifting and a very pretty fragrance.

Other ways to use this recipe: Could be used in any application.

1 drop Cistus essential oil (Cistus landanifera)
1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)

"Can't Sleep Due To Aches & Pains" Essential Oil Blends

There is a very sad triptych that seems to occur when you are in pain. It’s impossible to find a comfy position to lie in, or perhaps it's sore or itchy, and then it’s difficult to sleep. When you’re tired, you become irritable and stressed which screws around with the neurotransmission that only affects your sleep more, but it can also wind up pain too.

If this section speaks to you, I’d suggest using the oils in all the different applications, but more of all investing in an aromapendant or some other means to keep inhaling as required. If we can calm you down and make you feel happier, often a lot of the other things fall into place.

#1. Aaaah….Bath Oil

One of the most powerful mechanisms for inducing pain in the human anatomy is the CB2 receptor, which is also involved in modulating inflammation and immunity. The chemical constituent, beta caryophyllene has a week binding affinity to the CB2. We find it in copaiba (in its best quantities in the langisdorfii chemotype, but good enough in others) and also in helichrysum as well as other oils.
Juniper is a deliciously fresh fragranced detoxifier, helping to clean the muscles and joints of uric acid and flush them from the system.

Other ways to use this recipe: Would be fabulous in a lotion and perhaps even better added to an ointment base. Not particularly useful or pretty for inhalation only.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Juniper essential oil (Juniperus communis)
1 drop Helichrysum essential oil (Helichrysum italicum)
1 drop Copaiba essential oil (Copaifera langisdorfii)

#2. Drifting on Blue Seas Massage Oil

In this recipe we use all the added benefits of how helpful fixed oils can be for adding inflammatory help to the mix when used as carriers. Our blue oils, the German chamomile and yarrow act as liquid anaesthetics whose magic has been transmuted by heat. In their natural form, both are pretty white flowers but it is the distillation that creates the beautiful azulene blue. All the oils are soothing to aches and pains and help to induce sleep.

Other ways to use this recipe: Works in any medium. It has a rather flat, clinical fragrance though that might not be pleasant in a diffuser.

1 tbs Jojoba Carrier oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
1 tsp St John’s Wort Carrier Oil (Hypericum perforatum)
1 tsp Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil (Hippophae ramnoides)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops German Chamomile essential oil (Matricaria recutita)
2 drops Juniper essential oil (Juniperus communis)
1 drop Yarrow essential oil (Achille millefolium)

#3. Bumble Bee Bliss Diffuser

Watch out for the bees when you burn this one. It’s all their favourite scents! The lavender is soothing and the Roman chamomile therapeutic. Melissa has a very odd relationship with GABA, the body’s calming neurotransmitter which is linked to pain.

Other ways to use this recipe: Could be used in any of the other mediums. Would be especially lovely as a lotion.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)

#4. Strong, Like Warrior Body Cream

Very much like the other recipes in this section, we want to tap into the way that beta caryophyllene interacts with the CB2 receptor. Here not only do we have helichrysum and copaiba but also black pepper to give a delicious warmth to the blend. Ginger too, is warming and if you cannot get the CO2, then the essential oil will work well. The CO2 extract contains some extra constituents that the oil does not including shogaols, which have a particular affinity for aches and pains.

Other ways to use this recipe: Could be used in a massage oil but would be a bit harsh for a bath and smell rather strange in a diffuser. This blend would be too heavy and complex for an aromapendant.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
2 drops Helichrysum essential oil (Helichrysum italicum)
1 drop Ginger CO2 (or essential oil if CO2 is not available) (Zingiber officinale)
1 drop Copaiba essential oil (Copaifera langisdorfii)
1 drop Black Pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum)

#5. Super Hero Aromapendant

Of all the steps, this one is the most important. Rose can affect your perception of aches and pains, so might take your mind off things. It is uplifting and guards against feeling a bit down or getting worked up. Lastly, it has a hypnotic affect that should help also with your sleep when night time comes.

1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)

"Can't Sleep Due To Feeling Under The Weather" Essential Oil Blends

Noting scuppers sleep like feeling under the weather. These blends focus on helping you through, as best we can.

#1. Breathe Easily Bath Oil

Open that respiratory system up and kick your body up a gear.

Other ways to use this recipe: Brilliant for any application.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
5 drops Monarda essential oil (Monarda fistulosa)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus)

#2. Ugh, I feel like… Massage Oil

Something nurturing for days that feel horrid.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any way would work well with these oils.

1 tbs Grapeseed Carrier oil (Vitus vinifera)
1 tsp Tamanu Carrier Oil (Callopyllum inopyllum)
1 drop Eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus)
2 drops Blue Cypress essential oil (Callitris columellaris)
3 drops Monarda essential oil (Monarda fistulosa)

#3. Breath of Fresh Air Diffuser Blend

Frankincense slows the breath and opens up the airways. Monarda as a wonderful affinity with the respiratory system and helps clove to start the onslaught of defence.

Other ways to use this recipe: I wouldn’t use in a bath, but any other way would work well as long as you ensure the blend is diluted properly.

1 drop Monarda essential oil (Monarda fistulosa)
1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum)

#4. Stuffy Nose Cream

In this recipe myrrh works wonderful to clear the airways, with lemon cleansing, and the tea tree kicking the body into action.

Other ways to use this recipe: This is a great treatment to use as a facial massage. Rub it over the forehead and cheekbones and also up the back of the neck.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
2 drops Lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum)
1 drop Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)
3 drops Tea Tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

#5. Open the Airways Aromapendant

Other ways to use this recipe: Monarda is good to use in any application.

1 drop Monarda essential oil (Monarda fistulosa)

"I'm Pregnant & Can't Sleep" Essential Oil Blends

Pregnancy is a magical, exciting time, but it can play havoc with your body and sleep patterns. Let's see if we can use essential oils to bring calm at bedtime.

A word of caution: Seek medical advice before using essential oils during pregnancy. Avoid use of any essential oils during the first trimester and try to use the minimum quantities possible.

Tisserand and Young state that the following oils should be avoided by any route during pregnancy and lactation:

aniseed, star anise, aniseed myrtle, sweet birch, carrot seed, cassia, cinnamon bark, costus, blue cypress, dill seed, sweet fennel, bitter fennel, ho leaf, hyssop, Spanish lavender, mugwort, myrrh, oregano, parsley leaf and seed, pennyroyal, rue, Dalmation sage, Spanish sage, savin, tansy, thuja, wintergreen, wormwood

Tisserand and Young also state that the following oils should be restricted by any route during pregnancy and lactation:

basil (lemon), lemon balm, lemon leaf, lemongrass, may chang, melissa, honey myrtle, lemon myrtle, tea tree, lemon thyme, lemon verbena

#1. Beached Whale Bath Oil

Aching back, itching, swollen feet, aaah, pregnancy is such a delight. This is a great way to soothe those groaning joints, and help you get more comfortable to sleep better at night.

Other ways to use this recipe: Can be used in any medium.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
2 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)

#2. Moody Momma Massage Oil

This is a lovely blend of oils to soothe the joints and relax the spirit. In particular, this is great for those lower back aches, but also to help you feel more yourself.

Other ways to use this recipe: Gorgeous as a bath oil or even to use for inhalation

1 tbs Apricot Kernel Carrier oil (Prunus armeniaca)
3 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)

#3. Delightfully Dreamy Diffuser Blends

This is a very romantic blend to help you feel more woman than whale. Its very relaxing and uplifting and feels like Valentine’s day all over again.

Other ways to use this recipe: Not to be used topically. Diffuse only.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)
1 drop Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)

#4. Belly Soothe Body Cream

Centella asiatica is stunning for conditioning the skin, making it more elastic to guard against stretch marks. The lavender and chamomile soothe, while the marjoram helps to bring your body clock into a sleepy state.

Other ways to use this recipe: Fab in the bath or in a diffuser.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
1 tsp Gotu Kola Carrier Oil (Centella asiatica)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)

#5. Looking Forward Aromapendant

Pregnancy can be a scary and stressful time. Neroli calms and uplifts bringing a lovely positive outlook.

Other ways to use this recipe: Neroli can be used in any preparation.

1 drop Neroli essential oil (Citrus aurantium)

"My Baby Doesn't Sleep Yet So I Don't Essential Oil Blends

IMPORTANT: These blends are designed for mum and dad, not baby.

In the first few months of life, baby navigates the world via his or her sense of smell. Most important being the sweet fragrance of mum. Interestingly, baby can distinguish its mother’s fragrance from what it learned in the womb and can discern the scent of his or her amniotic fluid in relation to another Mothers.

Understanding this ten, tells us two important things. 1. Baby will not get soothed by anything that blocks out the smell of mum. 2. If baby comes to associate a smell with mum, they are more likely to be soothed with it.

Finally, when we are stressed, our bodies secrete cortisol to help us to manage that situation, but babies do not develop this system until they are two years old. Before that time, they mimic their mother’s rises and falls of the hormone. Thus, if we have a stressed mummy, then we also have a very fractious baby, that makes mum worse.

Using essential oils after birth not only reduces mums stress and helps her hormone levels normalise, but also helps baby to tune into his or her mother’s soothing nature.

#1. Parental Bliss Bath Oil

This is a gorgeous blend of hormonal balancing essential oils with deeply soothing ones. With this we aim to get really deep sleep in the few hours we are able to grab it!

Other ways to use this recipe: This makes a gorgeous body lotion which is ideal way for you to start absorbing the oils but also training baby to associate you with these scents (avoid application around or near the nipples).

Baby might then start to associate the fragrance with the relaxation of feeding. At bed time, pop your breast pads into their cot, and combined with the fragrance of milk, it will be just as if you were there. This is a great strategy for fussy babies who like to be held all the time.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Valerian essential oil (Valeriana officinalis)

#2. Morning Refresher

Feeling anxious, jaded, worn out? Pop a drop of grapefruit oil or a drop of bergamot onto a warn damp face cloth and inhale. It’s deliciously refreshing, will help you feel much more confident and calmer.

1 drop grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
1 drop bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

#3. Mommy Time Massage Oil

Beautiful soothing and hormonal oils to help normalise levels and help you feel strong enough to deal with nature’s cruel joke of no sleep.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any way works blissfully.

1 tbs Rosehip Carrier oil (Rosa rugosa)
3 drops Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)
2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil (Canaga odorata)
1 drop German Chamomile essential oil (Matricaria recutita)

#4. Calm Time Diffuser

Be mindful of not blocking out your smell from baby. Then sit back and relax.

Other ways to use this recipe: Lavender will always be a wonderful choice however you choose to use it.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#5. Bootilicious Body Cream

Relaxing, balancing and soothing. Again, ensure you are well moisturised on your breasts – avoid the nipple area. Allow the fragrance to absorb into your breast pads. At bed time, pop the used breast pad into the cot. Combined with the aroma of your milk, baby will feel very calm because he’ll feel you are near.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any modality works well

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
5 drops Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)
3 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#6. Aromatic Mommy Aromapendant

This is the post-natal lifeline. Use the rose to balance your mood and calm the stress response.

1 drop Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)

"My Child Can’t Sleep So I Can't Sleep" Essential Oil Blends

This section is for children, who do now sleep through the night, but have now become disturbed for some reason. Really, essential oils are best saved for the over 5s but certainly the over 2s. For this group it is imperative to check magnesium levels and sleep hygiene. A good way to start supplementing kids of this age is Epsom salts in the bath.

Consider limiting screen time in the hour before bed, and ensure they are not drinking anything containing caffeine. That monkey can often be hiding in soft drinks.

#1. Go Bye Byes Bath Oil

So, so peaceful. Kids love how comforted frankincense makes them feel.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any way works well.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)

#2. Try Not to Yawn. I Dare You! Massage Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Can be used in any application.

1 tbs Grapeseed Carrier oil (Vitis vinifera)
3 drops Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#3. Dozy Dreams Diffuser

Lovely, light and playful. It’s like a funny tale before bed.

Other ways to use: Not for topical use.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Canaga odorata)
1 drop Mandarin essential oil (Citrus recutica)

#4. Snoozy Feet Body Cream

Use this on them when they come home from school. No need to smother it all over. I just do a little on their arms and feet, to give them a chance to wind down after their day and enable marjoram to start working on that old body clock.

Remember oils take around 20 mins to absorb through the skin, so as long as you leave about half an hour before you plonk them in the bath, the oils can still keep circulating.

Other ways to use this recipe: Any application would work well.

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
3 drops Marjoram essential oil (Origanum majorana)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#5. Aromabracelet or drops on a collar

I’m not keen on littlies wearing necklaces. It feels like an accident waiting to happen, so the bracelets work really well.

Bearing in mind that oils can stain, I still prefer to simply have a drop on the outside of the collar whilst they cosy on down to play. The calmer they are by bed time, the easier dropping off should be.

The lavender in this blend soothes, the mandarin lightens the mood for littlies who have been upset.

Other ways to use this recipe: I wouldn’t want mandarin in a child’s bath, just in case it had started to oxidise and irritated their skin. Anything else works well.

1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)

"Can't Sleep Due To Period Pains" Essential Oil Blend

This one needs very little explanation. One recipe, used in as many ways as you like, as often as you like. Studies show that the longer you use it, the more effective it becomes. Trials tend to show symptoms are less in the second cycle of using it.

#1. Scary Bird Bath Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: I would encourage you to use this in all modalities.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
1 drop Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

"Can't Sleep Due To Menopause" Essential Oil Blends

Sadly, many women struggle to sleep at this time, sometimes because of the night sweats or anxiety, or sometimes sleeplessness just becomes a thing.

Whilst essential oils can undoubtedly be extremely helpful, the overarching message will always be managed by your stress – whatever that might mean for you – to reduce symptoms. Massage in particular is extremely helpful here.

Since we are nearing 100 recipes at this point, ideas for names of blends are becoming thin on the ground, but I think a large part of menopausal healing is accepting the role of older age – a wise woman, with much still to give. We could use words like “Tame the crone”, but actually, these blends are designed to help you step into your power rather than to shrink from it.

These recipes are split into two: peri- and post-menopausal and this is because of one specific oil…clary sage.

Clary sage is fabulous for premenstrual problems and for post-menopausal issues, but really plays havoc with peri menopausal symptoms. So, if it has been less than a year since your last period, use the peri-menopausal, any longer, for the sake of this article, at least, you can consider yourself post-menopausal.

It’s very difficult to make blends to stop the night sweats, in particular, because the cooling oils like peppermint or spearmint are going to keep you awake in their own right. That said, hydrolats (sometimes erroneously listed as hydrosols) are beautiful for spritzing to bring the core temperature down and as ever we choose the rosewaters, neroli, ylang ylang, lavenders, chamomile’s and jasmines for example.

#1. Harmonising Peri-menopausal Bath Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Works well in any base

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
1 drop Chaste Berry essential oil (Vitex agnus castus)
1 drop Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)

#2. Harmonising Post-menopausal Bath Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Gorgeous used any way you like.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
1 drop Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
1 drop Rose absolute essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

#3. Soothing Peri-menopausal Massage Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Would smell horrible in a diffuser or aromapendant. Lovely in a bath or a lotion.

1 tbs Evening Primrose Carrier Oil (Oenethera biennis)
1 drop Chaste Berry essential oil (Vitex agnus castus)
1 drop Jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum)
1 drop Monarda essential oil (Monarda fistulosa)

#4. Soothing Post-menopausal Massage Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Would work in any base.

1 tbs Passion Flower Carrier Oil (Passiflora edulis)
3 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)

#5. That Certain Age Aromapendant

Perfect for women of any age, to calm soothe and stabilise both emotions and hormones.

1 drop Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Camomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)

Restless Legs, Snoring & Moon Madness Essential Oil Sleep Blends

Restless Legs

I think it’s probably milking it somewhat to do many different recipes for this, because here, I’m not sure there are many different permutations of oils or indeed that inhalation would do much good except to calm you which would, on the other hand be useful.

Clary sage is the go-to here, and I also find Melissa to be extraordinarily helpful.

Likewise, if this is something that is plaguing you, then magnesium, magnesium, magnesium…Get some in ya! We’re using Epsom salts in the recipe which helps but it might be worth considering an oral supplement too.

#1. Blissfully Still Bath Oil, Massage Oil, Lotion

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)
3 drops Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis)
1 drop Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Snoring

#1. Breathe Facial Treatment

Apply this over the forehead and cheekbones, as well as over the neck to open up and relax the airways.

Other ways to use this recipe: Could be used as a bath oil or massage oil

30ml (l oz) Aqueous Cream
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
3 drops Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
1 drop Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)

Moon Madness

Sometimes, if you can’t beat them, it’s best to join ‘em. If you are one of those whose sleep is disturbed by the full moon, it’s very interesting to use the wakeful hours to create. It’s amazing how intuitive you can be.
This oil is to help you to sleep, early on, but to channel wonderful creativity when the moon forces from your bed.

#1. Moon Madness Bath Oil

Other ways to use this recipe: Any medium works well.

1 tbs Epsom Salts
1 tsp Olive Oil (Olea europea)
3 drops Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)
2 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis)

Conclusion

Essential oils are a wonderful way to calm the mind before sleep, but the route to success is always trying to pinpoint where the problem is stemming from and work from there.

Have you tried any of these recipes out yet or maybe you have a little essential oil sleep blend of your own to share? Leave a comment and let us know.

But that’s all from us for now, so there is nothing left for me to do but wish you well saying… Sleep well. Sweet Dreams x