How to Use Lavender to Treat Insomnia

Lying awake at night with insomnia is no fun. The more you think about the fact that you are not sleeping, the more your body tenses and the less likely it is that you will get to sleep. Lavender is an herb with calming properties. Make lavender into a tea, soak in a lavender bath or use scented sachets to treat your insomnia.

Things You'll Need

• Tea strainer
• Dried lavender flowers
• Fabric
• Sewing supplies
• Lavender oil

Instructions

Lull Yourself to Sleep With a Cup of Lavender Tea

1. Get up to make yourself a cup of lavender tea if you find yourself lying in bed with insomnia. Use just as much light as you need to see. A dark room will help keep your body slip into "bedtime mode."

2. Put some water on to boil. If you are making only a cup of tea for yourself, boil water in the microwave to save time. Make sure you use a measuring cup that is microwave safe.

3. Measure out 1 tsp. of dried lavender flowers. Keep it in an airtight container in the kitchen where you will not have to go searching for it in the middle of the night. Put the flowers into a tea strainer.

4. Pour the boiling water into a mug with the lavender flowers. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can adjust the time according to how strong you like your tea.

5. Discard the lavender after the tea has finished brewing. Add honey, sugar or milk if you like. After a few sips, you will probably start to feel your body relax enough that you can fall asleep.

Tuck a Lavender Sachet Under Your Pillow

1. Cut a piece of fabric in a square shape. Avoid using mesh or lace fabrics because the lavender will fall out through the holes. The larger the square, the larger your sachet will be.

2. Fold the fabric square in half. Using a needle and thread, sew 3 sides of the square so that you are left with a pocket.

3. Turn the pocket inside out so that the stitching cannot be seen as easily.

4. Scoop some dried lavender flowers into the pocket. Sew the remaining side closed.

5. Tuck the lavender sachet under your pillow for a fresh, relaxing scent. Not only will it help ease you back to sleep when you wake up, but your sheets will smell nice, too.

Ward Off Insomnia With a Lavender Soak

1. Fill up your bathtub with warm water as you are getting ready for bed.

2. Add about 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers to the bath water. If you have lavender essential oil instead of flowers, add 2 to 4 drops.

3. Get into the bath and let the steam release the lavender's calming scent. If you have a history of insomnia, taking a lavender soak before bedtime can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the lavender you buy for consumption purposes is free of toxins. Ask the sellers or gardeners from whom you buy lavender if they treat it with sprays.

• Always talk to your doctor before using lavender tea to treat medical problems. Lavender's soothing characteristics can dangerously enhance the performance of sleeping pills.