DIY Soothing Pillow Spray

Smell is arguably our most powerful mood-affecting sense. It’s the sense that is most connected to memory, for example. Ever get a whiff of familiar perfume or baked goods and get transported back to a childhood memory of your grandma? That’s the power of smell. Aromatherapy has existed for an incredibly long time as a way to positively manipulate our mood via scents. For example, many health or home good stores sell pricey pillow sprays that infuse your pillowcases and sheets with soothing scents meant to help you sleep. After all, around 75% of people report getting a better night’s sleep on sheets that are freshly scented. Did you know you can make effective pillow sprays yourself? Here is a fool-proof DIY recipe.

Materials:

1. Small jar with tight-fitting lid
2. 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) witch hazel or vodka
3. 10 drops lavender essential oil
4. 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) water
5. Small funnel
6. Spray bottle

Combine the witch hazel and essential oil in the jar. Close the jar and shake for 15-20 seconds. Then, add the water and shake for another 15-20 seconds before funneling the mixture into your spray bottle. Why add the water last? The essential oil won’t mix well into the water on its own, but dilutes well in the witch hazel or vodka.

Note, if you are using essential oils to create a pillow spray, keep in mind that many pets such as cats and dogs can be extremely sensitive to some essential oils. For example, camphor and tea tree oils are both toxic to cats. And keep a lookout for any irritation or breakouts on your face! If the spray is causing your skin irritation, you’re probably using too high a concentration of essential oil.

This recipe is for lavender pillow spray, as lavender is the classic sleepy-time scent that soothes a lot of people. But keep in mind you can substitute any scent of your choosing if you dislike lavender. Some people like to add vanilla scent, for example. Others prefer citrus, chamomile, or even valerian.

Peppermint is another relaxing scent for some people. It’s even sometimes said to reduce headaches and tension.

Bottom line, choose scents that are soothing to you personally. Have fun experimenting!