If you want to make your skin feel soft and silky smooth, it’s time to work some lotion bars into your skin care regimen. Great for rough elbows and knees, the lemon balm lotion bars in this article help to moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Although most of the research on lemon balm focuses on relieving indigestion, treating nausea, easing insomnia, and boosting cognition, it can greatly benefit the skin. In fact, lemon balm exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness.

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and many health experts refer to it as a calming herb. It has an invigorating aroma that is wonderful and lemony. Although it grows all over the world, lemon balm is native to Europe and tends to attract bees. The plant can grow up to two feet high, or higher, if not maintained. Rub the leaves between your fingers and it’ll smell like you just juiced a lemon!

Health Benefits Of Lemon Balm

One study examined lemon balm for its potential photoprotective properties. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the causes of many cutaneous disorders, like photoaging and skin cancer. The study evaluated the protective effects of lemon balm extract and its primary phenolic compound rosmarinic acid against UVB-induced damage in human keratinocytes. Researchers also found caffeic acid and luteolin glucuronide in lemon balm extract. The extract and rosmarinic acid significantly increased the survival of human keratinocytes upon UVB radiation, but lemon balm extract proved more effective. That means that lemon balm extract may be a candidate for topical photoprotective ingredients against UVB-induced skin damage. 

Lemon balm may help relieve symptoms of stress and aid relaxation by promoting feelings of calmness. A 2022 review found that compounds in lemon balm exhibit relaxing effects. In the review, the authors summarized older studies that confirmed lemon balm helped reduce anxiety in people who underwent laboratory-induced stress.

Lemon balm contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Because of that, lemon balm may be a great pore-cleansing ingredient, removing bacteria associated with acne. It may also assist in the healing of minor wounds, scrapes, or insect bites by inhibiting bacterial growth. One study monitored participants who applied lemon balm extract on lesions within 72 hours of their origin. The results indicated that lemon balm was able to both reduce wound size and accelerate the time of healing. 

Homemade Lemon Balm Lotion Bars

Ingredients For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• 1/2 cup lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup jojoba oil

Instructions For Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:

• Once you have the fresh lemon balm leaves, you have to rinse and then dry them in a dehydrator. 
• Place the leaves on a dehydrator tray and place in the dehydrator at 115º F for a couple hours, or until dried. 
• Place the dried leaves in a jar and then pour in the jojoba oil. Screw on the lid and place the jar in a dark place for four to six weeks for the slow infusion method. You can shake the jar every once in a while. 
• The other method, which is quicker, is to place the jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water over low heat for two hours. Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool before straining the oil through a fine mesh sieve. 

Ingredients For Lotion Bars:

• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 1/4 cup shea butter

Instructions:

• Add the infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir until the beeswax and shea butter are completely melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into heat-safe silicone molds. Allow them to solidify at room temperature. 
• Pop the lotion bars out of the molds and place in containers and store in a cool, dry place. Use as needed.

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Do lip balm and lip butter serve the same purpose? Although the products are similar, there is a difference between lip balm and lip butter. Like the rest of your skin, the lips can take a beating, especially if you don’t protect them. Food, ultraviolet light, the wind, and acidic substances all affect the lips in different ways. Both lip balm and lip butter can help protect your lips from these daily elements. 

What’s The Difference Between Lip Balm And Lip Butter?

Lip balm and lip butter have different capabilities. Lip balm can help remedy chapped, cracked, or sunburnt lips, drawing moisture to the lips to help resolve these issues. More often than not, lip balms contain natural ingredients and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to help restore health to damaged cells. Lip butter, on the other hand, cares for your lips, but does not last as long as a balm. It can be harder to apply, since it is a thicker, creamier consistency, but it is made from natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, almond oil, beeswax, or mango butter. 

It’s hard to say which one is better, as that will depend on personal preference. You may find that your lips feel amazing after you apply lip butter. Some people may not enjoy the messier application, though, so you have to choose what’s right for you. Should you make the lip butter in this article, your skin can benefit from the following ingredients:

Mango Butter

You can apply mango butter as a preventative or to provide relief from chapped or irritated lips. Mango butter contains numerous antioxidant compounds that work quickly to combat dryness and chapping. It contains vitamins A, E, and C, all of which work together to trap moisture in, which is especially beneficial when your lips are exposed to colder days. Mango butter also has some astringent properties, so it doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy. 

Cocoa Butter

As a highly effective natural emollient, cocoa butter is an excellent choice if you want to provide your lips with deep hydration. Cocoa butter works to seal in moisture and repair cracked or chapped skin. Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help form a protective barrier to keep the lips safe from environmental damage. The palmitic and saturated stearic fatty acids work to create a lipid barrier to prevent moisture loss. 

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

This oil may be unfamiliar to you, but is a lovely cosmetic ingredient that comes from the Meadowfoam plant. Meadowfoam seed oil is a great carrier oil that adds a little lightness to the blend of butters in the DIY creamy lip butter recipe. Because it is an emollient, it helps to lock in moisture. The skin can also absorb this oil easier than heavier carrier oils like olive oil or avocado oil. If you do not have Meadowfoam seed oil or it proves difficult to acquire, you can use any liquid carrier oil you prefer, but that will alter the absorption and texture of the lip butter. 

DIY Creamy Lip Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon mango butter
• 1 tablespoon Meadowfoam oil
• 8-10 drops essential oil of choice lavender, peppermint, orange, and geranium make for nice choices)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oils) to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Heat and stir occasionally until completely melted. 
• Once the ingredients have fully melted, remove from heat and add the essential oils of choice. 
• Pour the lip butter into containers and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. 
• Once solidified, screw on the tops of the containers and store in a cool, dry place and it will last about six months or so.

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If you, like millions across the nation, enjoy the warming fall aromas, then you are going to love this recipe. And if you love pumpkin spice everything, this is the nourishing lip scrub you never knew you needed in your life. It only contains natural ingredients that cater to the skin on your lips. Your lips will look more luxurious than ever!

What Is A Lip Scrub?

Just like a body scrub or facial scrub, a lip scrub contains particles that help slough away dead, dry, or flaky pieces on the lips. Lip scrubs naturally, not chemically, remove these dead cells, allowing your lips to better absorb moisturizing agents and protectants. If you ever apply lip balm and have to reapply 15 minutes later, your lips probably require exfoliation. DIY lip scrub recipes like the one in this article, are very simple to make and even easier to use. 

What’s In A Lip Scrub?

More often than not, a lip scrub will contain an exfoliant, such as sugar, a carrier oil, vitamin E oil, and some flavoring or scented ingredients. This pumpkin spice lip scrub in this article contains both brown and granulated sugar, sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and pumpkin pie spice. If you know that your lips are sensitive, consider just using brown sugar because granulated sugar can be a little intense for those with sensitive skin. 

How To Use A Lip Scrub

Wet your lips just as you would wet your face prior to cleansing. By wetting your lips, you help prevent abrasive friction. Apply the lip scrub directly to your damp lips and use small, circular motions with your fingertips to massage it in. Do this for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This process is highly beneficial if you want to soften and smooth your lips before applying lip balm or lipstick, or even if your lips are flaky from cold weather. If your lips are sunburned or have open cuts, please do not use a lip scrub because it may cause unwanted irritation. 

What Do You Do After Using A Lip Scrub?

After you scrub your lips, you have to then apply a repairing lip balm. Some people like to use pure petroleum jelly because it seals in moisture, which soothes your cleansed lips. Providing the lips with moisturizing ingredients post scrub can rehydrate the skin’s outer layer, sealing in as much moisture as possible. If you don’t like petroleum jelly, which is completely understandable, you can use this DIY lip balm. 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil

Instructions:

• Whisk the sugars and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl until they are thoroughly combined. 
• Pour the vitamin E oil and sweet almond oil into the bowl and stir to combine. The mixture should be thick, just like a body scrub. 
• Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to three months. 
• If your house is hot, it’s possible that the scrub may appear oily on the surface when you go to use it. Just make sure to mix it up if you see a layer of oil on the top. Then you can use it as you please.

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Please allow us to talk about breasts for a minute. Not in the inappropriate way, but in a real grown-up, lived-in body way. Between raising children, entering a new mid-life chapter, or dealing with the bodily changes that come with aging, it can be hard to take care of yourself…and your boobs. 

Why Use Castor Oil For Breast Health?

By applying castor oil to breast tissue, you can help support overall breast wellness. A castor oil pack on the breasts can promote circulation and lymphatic flow, both of which help nourish and detox breast tissue. The theory, then, is that castor oil may help repair and maintain breast tissue. As of now, though, there is no scientific evidence that supports these claims. They are merely anecdotal and women have been applying castor oil packs to their breasts for centuries. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is an all-purpose bag that can help nourish the skin and hair, regardless of the time of year. It works to soften, protect, and smooth, and is suitable for almost everyone. Many women find shea butter to be a great hypoallergenic balm to help maintain breast firmness. You can apply it liberally to the breasts as a natural firming treatment. Due to the moisturizing nature of shea butter, it may help reduce stretch marks, itching, and skin tightness. In fact, it helps preserve skin elasticity when used regularly. 

Beeswax

There are many beeswax nipple covers intended for breastfeeding mothers, as the beeswax helps protect the nipples from irritation. Beeswax is an emollient, humectant, and occlusive, so it soothes and softens the skin by filling in gaps and smoothing the surface. It also attracts moisture to the skin and helps the skin retain that moisture. That’s why it is highly effective for preventing nipple pain and cracking. It is highly beneficial for the skin, but no evidence suggests that it will increase breast size or firm up sagging breasts. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Commonly used in aromatherapy applications, geranium essential oil may help to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. It may also enhance concentration, cognitive function, and help balance hormones. In cosmetic applications, geranium essential oil has a reputation for eliminating dead skin cells and tightening the skin. It may also promote the regeneration of new skin cells and diminish the signs of aging. Studies confirm that the astringent properties in geranium essential oil work to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging or wrinkling. 

DIY Firming Castor Oil Breast Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed castor oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a small saucepan with about one to two inches of water and place over low heat. 
• Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan and then add the shea butter and beeswax pellets. Allow them to melt, stirring occasionally with a clean spoon or small silicone whisk. 
• Once the shea butter and beeswax are fully melted, pour in the castor oil and remove from heat. 
• Add the essential oils, mix well, and then carefully pour the mixture into a clean jar or tin. Allow it to firm up at room temperature (about an hour). 
• Once firm, screw on a lid and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. When ready to use, warm a small amount between your hands. 
• Gently massage the balm into a clean chest and the under-breast area using slow, upward motions. Use two to three times per week, or nightly if desired.

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If you regularly suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, infertility, or irregular periods, vitex, also known as chasteberry, may help. Historically, vitex has been a proven folk/herbal remedy for these issues, and newer research confirms this. Vitex is not only for women with hormonal issues; rather, recent studies found that it exhibits anti-tumor properties in different human cancer cell lines. 

What Is Vitex?

Technically, vitex is the name for the largest genus in the Verbenaceae family, comprising 250 species. The most common variety used for medicinal purposes is the chase tree, which is a small plant with berries that are similar in size to peppercorns. Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, vitex also goes other names, including lilac chastetree, Abraham’s balm, and monk’s pepper. 

Scientists are in pursuit of finding all of vitex’s biologically active compounds. After investigating more than 20 vitex species for chemical and biological properties, 18 beneficial compounds have been in the vitex fruit. An additional 200 compounds, including flavonoids, steroid, terpenoids, iridoids, and lignans, have been found in the 20 vitex species. Continue reading to learn how this plant can benefit female health. 

May Improve Female Fertility

According to research, vitex has demonstrated an ability to improve fertility, particularly in women with luteal phase defect (shortened second half of menstrual cycle). These women have trouble because their ovaries do not release enough progesterone. One trial consisted of 48 women between the ages of 23 and 39. They were diagnosed with infertility and took chasteberry once daily for three months. During the three-month trial, seven women became pregnant and 25 women experienced normalized progesterone levels. 

Another study evaluated 52 women with luteal phase defects from hyperprolactinemia (higher than normal levels of prolactin in the blood). Each woman received a dose of 20 milligrams (mg) of vitex or a placebo every day during the course of the study. After three months, women treated with vitex exhibited a reduction in prolactin release. Their shortened luteal phases were normalized and deficits in the luteal progesterone synthesis were eliminated. 

May Help Treat Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows beyond the uterine cavity. The lining of the uterus grows on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic tissues in a woman with endometriosis. Medical experts are not fully aware of the exact cause, but some contributing factors include genetics and hormonal imbalance. Although you cannot do anything about the genetics part, you can help balance hormones with vitex. Some researchers suggest taking chasteberry or vitex for 12 to 18 months for maximum effectiveness. 

Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms

People who want to help naturally remedy PMS symptoms, especially cramps, often turn to vitex. It is one of the top herbal remedies for PMS relief. One study found that 93% of the participants who were treated with vitex for three consecutive menstrual cycles reported a decrease in the number of symptoms, or a complete end of symptoms. Additionally, vitex may help treat some menopausal symptoms and hormonal acne. 

An increased production of prolactin may contribute to cyclic breast tenderness, which is another PMS symptom. Vitex works well at reducing PMS symptoms because it helps suppress the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Various studies indicate that vitex may also reduce headaches, irritable mood, and breast tenderness, all of which can be PMS symptoms. One review found that five out of six studies concluded that vitex extracts were superior to a placebo for treating PMS symptoms. 

Vitex or chasteberry is available in many forms, including dried, ripe, tea, or extract. It is one of the prominent ingredients in two Dherbs formulas that are in The Female Cleanse, which can help provide essential nutrients for female health and support overall wellness.

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Cracked and chapped lips are not only painful, but also hard to conceal. You do your best effort to make it look like the skin isn’t flaking from your lips, but it may show through, despite your best efforts. Lip balm is a helpful product that can moisturize the skin on your lips, but it is even more beneficial when you have the right ingredients in the product. That is exactly the case for this peppermint elderberry lip balm. 

What Is Lip Balm Essential?

Lip balm is a soft, waxy substance that you can apply to the lips to ease the soreness or burning caused by chapped or cracked lips. The skin on the lips is very thin, so it is more prone to dryness than other areas of the skin. The waxy lip balm, then, essentially creates a protective shield on your lips. This helps keep the lips safe from air, wind, and colder temperatures. 

A lot of people will use lip balm to remedy chapped lips during the wintertime, but lip balm can be used year round. If your lip balm does a good job, then you will not need to apply regularly. The right ingredients promote long-lasting moisture, nourishment, and comfort.

Infusing The Oil With Elderberry 

In order to make this lip balm, you have to infuse the olive oil with dried elderberries and alkanet root powder. This is a powder that is effective for naturally tinting lips. Now, if you do not want this lip balm to tint your lips, you do not have to use it. You can simply use another teaspoon or two of dried elderberries. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before using products that contain alkanet powder. Traditionally, it is usually not advised. 

Although you can use sunflower oil or jojoba oil, we opted for olive oil, as it is highly nourishing. It is also a great oil for infusing, whether you want to make a lip balm or flavored oil for culinary use. The only thing to keep in mind is that the infusion process takes a couple weeks. Add the elderberries to the oil and keep in a sunny spot, such as the windowsill, for two weeks. 

After the infusion period, strain the dried elderberries and collect the oil in a container. If you store the oil properly, this will keep for about one year. Once you have your infused oil, you are ready to make the lip balm. 

DIY Peppermint Elderberry Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon infused olive oil
• 1 teaspoon pomegranate seed oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellet (plus 1 more teaspoon)
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oil) to a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Place that cup in a small saucepan containing a couple inches of water over medium-low heat. 
• Keep on the stove until all of the ingredients are melted. Stir well to combine and then remove from heat. Add the essential oils once removed from heat. 
• Pour the mixture into lip balm tubs or tins and allow to set at room temperature before putting the lids on. Use when ready.

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If you want to enter the world of DIY beauty products, lip balms are the perfect entry point. They are not extremely difficult to make, and you can customize their flavor using different essential oils. In the case of the recipe in this article, we chose an essential oil that evokes the holiday spirit. All you need is a double boiler and four ingredients to make this lip balm!

When people look at DIY recipes, they often see a double boiler on the list of required items or tools. You don’t need a double boiler, but you can get one if you plan on making a lot of homemade beauty products. You can make your own double boiler variation in two easy ways. Both ways involve a pot that contains an inch or so of water in it. Place that pot on the stove over medium heat. Once the water is warm, place the ingredients you need to melt inside a heat-safe glass jar or measuring cup. Don’t let the water boil and stir until fully melted. The other option is to place a heat-safe glass bowl over the top of the pot with water. The heat that builds up in the pot will help melt the ingredients in the bowl above. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter boasts a long list of moisturizing and nourishing compounds. One of the best benefits is that it is enriched with emollient properties and health fats, which the skin can easily absorb for optimal hydration. Even the driest of skin types are no match for shea butter’s moisturizing properties. Applying shea butter to your lips supplies them with extra nutrients without weighing them down. Shea butter doesn’t leave your lips feeling greasy or textured either. Plus, the humectant properties work to prevent moisture loss during the winter months. 

Beeswax

You are probably familiar with the many beeswax lip balms in existence, and for good reason. Beeswax is an excellent ingredient for lip balms because it helps to seal in moisture and protect against dryness. It works to create a barrier between your lips and the environment, making it ideal for cold, windy weather. Like shea butter, beeswax is a natural substance that is not likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe chapped or irritated lips. 

Coconut Oil

Just like shea butter and beeswax, coconut oil offers impressive moisturizing properties, making it ideal for chapped lips. The reason that lips are susceptible to moisture loss is because the skin is so thin. They are more exposed to the elements than other parts of the skin, so they rely on you for protection. Coconut oil is considered to be an emollient, which is a non-cosmetic moisturizer that helps keep the skin moist. Emollients trap moisture into the skin, which is good news for your lips because they lose moisture easily.

A Quick Note

One thing to note is that if you cannot get the Christmas Spirit essential oil, you can make a similar blend. All you need is three drops of cinnamon bark essential oil, three drops of orange essential oil, and one drop of Idaho blue spruce essential oil. You only need seven drops because you don’t want the scent to be overpowering, although you can add more if you so desire. 

All-Natural Holiday Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 7 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil
• Lip balm containers

Instructions:

• Create a double boiler by adding two inches of water to a pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. 
• Combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a heat-safe glass jar and sit it inside the pot. Slowly bring the water to a boil and reduce the hit so that the water simmers. 
• Once the ingredients are fully melted, stir well and then carefully remove the pot from heat. Add the essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Carefully pour or spoon the melted mixture into the lip balm containers. Allow the balm to harden at room temperature, and then it is ready for immediate use.

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Some people start purchasing Christmas gifts in July, while others wait until the last minute. Maybe those people buy gift cards to save time and please the masses. Let us be clear about something: there is nothing wrong with a gift card. If you want to make gifts a little more personal this year, while simultaneously saving a little money, consider making gifts for the people in your life. 

No, you don’t have to join an assembly line and craft an entire train set from scratch. We are referring to some classic homemade beauty products that are beneficial for the hair and skin. In the following list, you will see everything from body scrubs to candles, which do not include harmful fragrances. Some of these recipes even share similar ingredients, so you can get more bang for your buck and diversify your DIY gifts. We hope you love these holiday gift ideas, but we really hope the people you give them to love them even more!

3-Ingredient Facial Moisturizer

Customize your facial moisturizer to your skin’s needs. Keep that glow alive with a simple blend of carrier oils and essential oils. Moisturizing with oils may be counterintuitive, but certain oils benefit the skin and can prevent dryness.

Click here to make the moisturizer. 

Vanilla Pumpkin Sugar Scrub

Pumpkin puree has several uses outside the kitchen! Your skin can absorb the nutrient from pumpkin when you apply it topically. Incorporate pumpkin into your sugar scrub and enhance the health of your skin with coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and natural raw sugar. 

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

Sinus Relief Candle

The winter months can be brutal on your sinuses, especially with colds going around. Open up those nasal passages with an all-natural candle that contains tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil. 

Click here to make the candle. 

Peppermint Lip Balm

Chapped lips are very common in cold weather, but not anymore with this DIY lip balm. Made from ingredients that nourish the skin on the lips, this DIY recipe is moisturizing and holiday-themed. Consider painting the lip balm tins like candy canes to make them more festive. 

Click here to make the lip balm.

Apple Spice Sugar Scrub

Lather on a big dollop of this apple spice sugar scrub on your skin for maximum hydration, exfoliation, and moisture during drier weather.

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

Cinnamon Soy Candles

Skip the bags of scented pine cones at grocery stores or arts & crafts stores and make these DIY fall-inspired cinnamon soy candles instead. They will make the whole house smell amazing!

Click here to make the candles.

Citrus Mint Body Wash

Ditch the toxins and fragrances and awaken your senses with this DIY citrus mint body wash, which is made with all-natural ingredients.

Click here to make the body wash.

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In 2020, data from a National Health Interview Survey found that 14.5% of adults had trouble falling asleep most days. The number of adults who had a hard time falling asleep increased as family income and educational attainment decreased. Additionally, the percentage continued to increase as family income decreased and the place of residence became more rural.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Over 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation on a regular basis. If you have a hard time falling asleep, that decreases your ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep per night. Sometimes, it is difficult to relax, and that can be the result of an irregular circadian rhythm. Instead of resorting to sleeping pills, since they have a long list of side effects, you may want to consider experimenting with the bedtime balm in this article. 

Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

One study compared the effects of lavender and sleep hygiene versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quantity and quality. The goal was to determine if participants experienced a sustained effect two weeks after the study. Study authors noted that the lavender and sleep hygiene group demonstrated better sleep quality at the two-week follow-up. Additionally, study authors noted that the lavender group woke up feeling more refreshed. 

Several studies indicate that inhaling lavender aroma may help reduce anxiety. Scientists have found similar results for lavender’s effectiveness in treating depression. Lavender essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy because of its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Some studies found that the use of lavender oil for aromatherapy improved sleep quality not only in people without sleep or mental health disorders, but also in people with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Inhaling lavender essential oil’s aroma may also increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. 

Some research indicates that lavender may have a calming effect on the central nervous system. For this reason, lavender may benefit people who experience circadian rhythm disorders or occasionally sleeplessness. 

Where Do You Apply The Bedtime Balm?

Once you make the bedtime balm, apply a small amount to your wrists, collarbones, or temples when you get ready for bed. It is unclear how quickly the sleep balm works. It usually depends on how sensitive you are to the aromas in the balm. For the average person, it may start to calm you down and promote sleep in about 15-30 minutes. As with any natural remedy, though, it may take a few tries for it to be effective. Continue using it and experiment with different placements. Lastly, before we give you the recipe, make sure to do a small patch test on your arm and see if you have a reaction within 24 hours. 

DIY Bedtime Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 6 drops vetiver essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl. 
• While those ingredients are melting, prepare your lip balm containers to be filled. 
• Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, pour in the sweet almond oil and stir to combine. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. 
• Let the mixture cool for about a minute and then add the essential oils. Stir until fully incorporated. 
• Pour the mixture into the containers and allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature. When fully cooled, the balm is ready to use. 
• To use, apply a small amount to your temples, wrists, collar bones, or back of your neck. You can even place a small amount on your pillow to help you sleep.

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Lemon balm is a relaxing, calming herb loved by bees and humans alike. It is a common ingredient in stress-reducing creams or supplements that aid sleep and rejuvenation. As a relative of the mint family, lemon balm has dense green leaves that emit a fresh lemon aroma. It is a lovely addition to any herb garden and complements other shrubs and flowers. If you have good soil and sunlight, lemon balm will grow easily!

How Does Lemon Balm Benefit The Skin?

Rich in caffeic and ferulic acids, both of which are antioxidants, lemon balm can help neutralize free radicals on the skin. Free radicals, which are commonly created by pollution, are oxidizing agents that cause damage to skin cells. If left unchecked, these free radicals can cause premature aging, including fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. Creams or salves that contain lemon balm work to increase circulation, while simultaneously tightening the skin. 

Lemon balm exhibits antibacterial properties that work to cleanse pores and reduce the frequency of blackheads. Some anecdotal reports indicate that it may aid healing, being a natural remedy for insect stings, bites, cuts, and small wounds. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which works to benefit oily skin by reducing oil production. In turn, that effect may help reduce acne breakouts. 

What Does The Research Say?

An in-vitro study that used lemon balm oil found it to be very effective against a series of human cancer cell lines. Lemon balm oil exhibits antioxidant activity, evidenced by a reduction of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Another study from 2004 found that lemon balm may offer anti-tumor properties, but more research is necessary to determine this. 

Lemon balm works to relax the blood vessels and offers antiviral activity. Historically, Greek and Latin cultures used lemon balm to calm nerves and treat fevers. In America, the Cherokee tribe used lemon balm to remedy digestive disorders and mitigate stress. Even today, lemon balm offers therapeutic properties that help soothe wounds, anxiety, acne, eczema, and even chickenpox. 

What Is Lemon Balm Oil?

Lemon balm can also be found in oil form, but you can make your own lemon balm oil if you have the time. Please note that lemon balm oil is not the same as lemon balm essential oil, which is made by distilling lemon balm leaves. To make lemon balm oil, you have to crush the leaves and slowly heat them in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil. This process can take a couple weeks before it is ready to use, and the longer you wait, the better. If you don’t have the time, though, you can buy lemon balm oil for the following DIY salve. 

DIY Lemon Balm Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon candelilla wax
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tsp lemon balm oil (not essential oil)

Instructions:

• Melt the wax with the jojoba oil and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the wax is melted, you can stir in the lemon balm oil. 
• Transfer this mixture to a metal storage tin and allow it to cool before placing the lid on. Use as needed, but do not use lemon balm if you have thyroid issues.

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