Homemade Lavender-Chamomile Sleepy-Time Lotion Recipe
Having trouble falling asleep? Try treating yourself to a calming homemade body lotion, filled with the soothing scents of lavender and chamomile. Put some of this on before bed, tuck a lavender sleep sachet under your pillow for good measure, and you’ll find yourself on the way to a much-needed good night’s rest (and you will have spared your skin many foreign chemicals.)
Ingredients: beeswax, coconut oil, chamomile flowers, lavender buds, jojoba oil, water, essential oil (optional).
Why chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and is wonderful at soothing and healing rough or damaged skin. Its calming scent is almost divine, unmatched by essentially any other herb when it comes to helping you fall asleep.
Why Lavender: Lavender has a pleasant smell that reduces anxiety and helps you relax, while it also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Its scent has also been shown to boost mood, as well as cause drowsiness.
Why Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil keeps skin soft, supple, and elastic and is good for people with sensitive skin. It does not leave an oily or greasy residue and has a longer shelf-life than some other carrier oils such as almond oil), which it can be substituted for.
Why Solid coconut oil: Also praised for softening skin and keeping it moisturized, coconut oil is solid when below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Starting off with it as a solid makes the lotion whip up a little better and stabilize.
Why Beeswax: This helps stabilize the mixture as well, and prevents separation. Secreted by busy worker bees constructing a honeycomb, beeswax is nutrient-rich and provides a sort of protective barrier for your skin.
What you will need…
– A double boiler
– Immersion blender or food processor
– 3 ounces of solid coconut oil
– Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
– 6 ounces of liquid jojoba oil, infused
– scale
– lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional)
– 1 ½ ounces grated beeswax
– 8 ounces of distilled water
– 5 teaspoons Chamomile flowers
– 5 teaspoons lavender buds
Infuse your oil
In a double boiler, place 5 teaspoons each of chamomile flowers and lavender buds (if using fresh herbs instead of dried double the amount.) Pour your jojoba oil over the herbs and bring the water to a gentle boil. Over continuous heat infuse your oil for about 2 hours, checking frequently to make sure they do not overheat and stirring on occasion. After it’s thoroughly infused, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer and toss the herbs. Bottle if you plan on using it later. You can substitute the jojoba with grapeseed oil in a pinch.
Directions
Making lotion isn’t all that different from making mayonnaise, and while that’s a horrible comparison, I just mean it uses the same process of emulsifying water and oil to create a thick, smooth, substance. Note that temperature is of paramount importance-the ingredients must be cooled to the correct temperature otherwise the water and oil will remain separated. Jojoba oil has a longer shelf-life than other carrier oils do, and distilled water also helps shelf life. Keep it in a container with a tightly fitting lid for up to 2 months, or 3 if you refrigerate it. Remember though- it’s good that your lotion doesn’t last forever like the stuff sold in stores. That’s just not natural, or good for you.
You’re going to start by setting up a double boiler-this can be as simple as putting a smaller saucepan into a larger one filled about 2/3 of the way with water, or even a bowl resting over the water bath, just make sure you have a lid you can rest over the top. Combine 3 ounces of solid coconut oil with 6 ounces of your infused jojoba oil as well as 1 1/2 ounces of grated beeswax in the double boiler. Let them melt together and thoroughly blend.
Remove the top saucepan or bowl and let it cool to body temperature. Stir occasionally while it cools to keep the texture smooth. When the mixture is body temperature, heat 8 ounces of distilled water to body temperature and pour it into a tall container. Turn your immersion blender to low, and slowly, slowly, pour a thin stream of the oil into the water.
After a few minutes a sort of cream will begin to form, don’t panic if it looks like curdled milk at first, with a little more mixing it will smooth out. If you’re using essential oil, add it now a few drops at a time, until it’s as scented as you like. Apply this lotion before bedtime to relax and help you drift off, or anytime you need relief from stress.
Making your own lotion really isn’t all that hard once you’ve done it once or twice, and it’s terribly fun to say (when somebody asks what lotion you’re wearing) “well, actually, it’s just a little something I whipped up myself.” Feel free to swap out oils and herbs and come up with your own blend that helps get you through the day (or night) and do share below!
P.S. Make sure to take a look at the Everyday Roots Book with 350+ pages of the best home remedies, natural beauty recipes, homemade cleaners and diy household products. View Remedies
By Claire Goodall
Claire is a lover of life, the natural world, and wild blueberries. On the weekend you can find her fiddling in the garden, playing with her dogs, and enjoying the great outdoors with her horse. Claire is very open-minded, ask her anything 🙂 Meet ClaireWe Want to Hear from You! Let us know which remedies work and do not work for you, ask a question or leave a comment:
This always seems so intimidating in the beginning, but there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction you feel after making something (like lotions) from scratch 🙂
Hi Claire! I tried to make this recipe today and about 4 oz of the water did not blend into the mixture 🙁 Is there any way I can fix it at this point? My final product is really oily and if I can’t fix it I will just use it as a hand-cream. But I would rather use it as a lotion!
I had the same problem. As my lotion cool to room temperature, the water separated out. It’s still usable and feels great on my skin, but I am a little disappointed that it separated.
So I called my father, who is a chemist, and told him the problem I had. We figured out my mistake. I weighed out 8 oz of water rather than measure it by volume. So the proportion was off. Just for the future- make sure you measure out the water!
What is the shelf life of the lotion? Should it be refrigerated?
You can keep it in a container with a tightly fitting lid for up to 2 months, or 3 if you refrigerate it. It’s not going to last as long as anything store bought-but I consider that a good thing!
Think i will give this a try have all ready made one skin cream and worked great
Where can I just buy this homemade lavender sleepy time lotion?
Can one substitute EO’s for the flowers?
Not really, the botanicals will infuse their healing properties into the oil. The EO’s add some of those properties but you would have to add so much that the scent might be overpowering at that point.
If you don’t have access to an herbal store that sells bulk herbs, you can get these at mountainroseherbs.com
You can, and you’ll still get the benefits of aromatherapy. In that case you’d just skip the infusing step and use plain jojoba oil, and then add in your EO’s in the final mixing step until the lotion is as scented as you’d like 🙂
Is there a suitable substitute for Chamomile?
Any plant/flower that has scent that you find relaxing-rose, jasmine, vanilla, etc. 🙂
Where can I get chamomile buds?
I’m in Ontario Canada
Thanks Debbie
Debbie you can get the buds, and all of the other stuff as well at mountainroseherbs.com.
I just got my first order from them and the things I ordered were top notch. and they ship to Canada.
Hi Debbie. I’m in Ontario, too. I buy chamomile buds from our local health food store.
I would also like to know about a substitute for chamomile. I love vanilla lavender, could I infuse the oil with a vanilla bean and the lavender?
You sure could! I bet that would smell lovely. I would just slice the pods lengthwise and then cut them up into roughly even sized chunks so that all their goodness has a chance to fully infuse the oil.
Does this recipe work well if you double or triple it? I like to make one for me and a couple to give away. Thanks for a wonderful recipe. I just bought the D\Chamomile yesterday on a whim..and I had the Lavender jug in my hand and for some dumb reason I decided to pass on it…on the plus side it give me a reason to go to my favorite herb store =)
I haven’t actually tried doubling it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work as long as the rations were correct! And aren’t good herb stores just the best? Its terrible when I go to mine…I just want to try everything!
Are the measurements for the oils by volume or weight? I have all of these ingredients but they are pricey around here and I don’t want to mess it up 🙂
The oil/water is fluid ounces and the beeswax/coconut oil is solid ounces 🙂
do you have a different version without coconut oil, my husband is highly allergic to it?
You could possibly try palm kernel oil, if that is obtainable.
Thanks for the recipe. I suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis and Fibro. This sounds like it would help me relax at bedtime; sometimes it is so hard to fall to sleep.
I actually made some facial moisturizer using your method, and it worked great. I found it to be lots of fun!
This might sound silly, but do you have cookware specifically for making these types of things? I have been thinking of making this recipe (as well as my own laundry detergent) but don’t know if I should use my pots and pans that I used to cook with. Thanks! 🙂
Everything in the recipe is food grade. You have no need for specific cookware. I’ve been making my own creams and lotions for quite some time and have always just used my regular cookware and pyrex measuring cups.
I feel like this is such a do-able recipe. Your pics make it perfectly clear. Can’t wait to try this.
It sounds like a wonderful recipe. Can you tell me where you get your jars? I have googled glass jars and cant come up with anything that is cute. Would love to know where I can purchase them.
Walmart or Cooking.com or Amazon. They are Half Pint Ball jars. Usually come in a 4pk for like $4
hi! looks exciting to try to make, but the last time I used lotion with beeswax it gave me serious hives, as I have a pollen allergy. what can I substitute for beeswax?
Try pure cocoa butter.
If you can find it, there is a product called emulsifying wax. I’m not sure what it’s made from but I know it isn’t beeswax.
I LOVE this recipe. I have been looking for a good chammomile cream and this one is great.
I do have a question however. Everything went well with the recipe right down to the whipping… however, after setting for a spell the water began to separate. What do I need to do differently? I am thinking the water may not have been quite warm enough… or perhaps I need to whip longer. Any tips or suggestions?
Thank you in advance and thank you for sharing all your great information and ideas. This is one of my favorite websites!!
Blessings,
Louanne
Try warming it up and putting it into a blender (a regular blender, not an immersion blender).
Made this tonight. I think I may have an allergy to lavender so I need to use something else. I was nervous about making it, but it came out perfect. At the end I used my Vitamixer on the lowest setting and it blended perfectly.
An allergy to Jojoba is more likely, it’s not really an oil but a wax. Of course only your doctor can tell you for sure.
hi
all types skin used this lotion or not?
all types of skin used this cream?
Jojoba oil can be expensive so I often use a combination of extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil (which is good for oily skin, btw), and jojoba oil for infusing.
With the water and botanicals, I’d be keeping the cream in the fridge and tossing it after 2 weeks. Botanicals are notoriously hard to preserve and anything with water is begging for contamination. Just because you can’t see the mold and germs doesn’t mean they aren’t there. There’s no way this would still be good after two months as indicated in the comments. Do it and have it tested. You’ll find it full of nasties.
I made this lotion today and it is lovely! I’ve made lip balm, toothpaste and deodorant but this was my first attempt at a lotion and the instructions are perfect. I was really happy with this every step of the way. I didn’t have jojoba oil so I did substitute and the results are great! Thank you so much for this gift of sharing your recipes and experience!
Hello, My wife and I are new to this whole craft. I made this two days ago and it has separated. I saw in the comments that the beeswax and coconut oil are weighed and the water and jojoba oil are measured. i measured them all because so many recipes i have read are by weight. So my question is can i save this batch? I would love to not waste the jojoba oil!
sounds so easy and not to expensive. I have dry skin and this seems like it will help w/ that and help out w/ the trip to dreamland!
Step 1 is very confusing. An infusion is not made with oil AND water. How would you save the oil after straining if there’s water in there too? Please clarify.
I was confused by that too. Then reading and thinking about it a little more I think she is talking about the water in the bottom pot of boiling water that is used to create the heat.
hi claire can u please give me this recipe that will make 15 oz please i have empy 15 oz bottles that id like to fill with this lotion for my 16 month old cara
Hi there,
Will adding citric acid to the water prevent bacteria growth therefore prolonge shelf life?
I added a little vitamin E oil and mine has lasted on my bedstand for MONTHS!! (About 4, at least) I simply added about 1/2 teaspoon to the already measured ingredients and it didn’t affect the results at all! THANK YOU for this wonderful recipe! I’ve used it for my family & as gifts!!! It’s PERFECT!
What is an immersion blender and where would I purchase one?
Hello! Thank you for the recipe! It worked out perfectly for me. I tested my water and lotion temps to make sure they were indeed “body temperature” and the whole thing emulsified perfectly.
I really wanted something that was more of a lotion than a body butter, but most homemade recipes don’t include water because it does make it less shelf-stable. I added vitamin E to this, and of course it uses coconut oil which has anti-microbial properties and jojoba oil, which is more stable. Still, I’ll probably advise those I’m giving it to as Christmas gifts to use it sooner rather than later.
Luckily, it’s fairly easy to make so i can just keep making new batches!
Hey Claire! This sounds like an awesome recipe and we (my lab partner and I) are trying to make this for our chemistry project. We have all ingredients but the directions are a little confusing. How much essential oil would we add to the mixture? We are also replacing the jojoba oil with olive oil because my lab partner is allergic to all nuts so would the measurements change?
I use raw shea butter instead of beeswax, and I infuse with the contents of 2-3 bags of Sleepytime Tea in addition to the lavender buds. It comes out just LOVELY! And you can use ANY herbal tea mixture for this! It’s a cheap and easy way of getting some fantastic scent combinations 🙂