An easy and nontoxic pillow spray to help you fall asleep faster thanks to aromatherapy and essential oils.
Raise your hand if you grew up loving the scent of clean bedsheets, specifically with fabric softener. (raises both hands).
You’re not alone. We are all hardwired to love scents, as evidenced by countless fragrance companies. However, “fragrance” is a catch-all term on ingredient labels that companies use to protect their trade secrets in addition to hiding questionable ingredients.
Because most conventional home fragrances have tons of toxic chemicals (phthalates, etc) I’ve replaced them with essential oils to make my home smell nice. Now, the fragrances in the laundry and detergent aisles in the supermarkets make my nose itch.
But, even after switching to safer laundry detergents, I was left craving the fragrance of conventional laundry detergent.
Several months ago, we visited my mother in law for a family event. The bed linens didn’t smell like any laundry detergent I’ve ever smelled before, and it was a very pleasing scent. When she showed me the spray she used, I was intrigued.
It was the Bath & Body Works “Focus” pillow spray, which touts eucalyptus oil and “tea extract.” But, which tea, exactly? Who knows? Its label lists “natural fragrances” but what does that mean, exactly? The worst part?
No ingredient list. None.
I understand they want to protect their intellectual property, but as a consumer, I cannot make an informed and educated decision based on the lack of information on their ingredients. Personally, I don’t purchase anything from this chain because my health (and that of my family and pets) is too important to me.
I knew that it was possible to create a safe DIY Eucalyptus Tea Pillow Mist alternative that smelled equally as good (or better ) without questionable (and/or unknown) ingredients.
To do this you need 1) the fragrance and 2) a carrier that evaporates quickly. Luckily, the best natural sources of fragrance are quality essential oils. As for carriers that evaporate quickly, you have two options: witch hazel or alcohol.
There is no right or wrong in how you go about choosing either the essential oil or the carrier. The scent is a matter of preference, as is the carrier. Below, I’m outlining some of the most popular stress-relieving essential oils that you might want to choose from for your pillow spray recipe.
Stress-Relieving Essential Oils
There are many essential oils that are known for their calming and soothing effects. A few of my favorites are…
- Lavender – This is probably the most popular “calming oil,” and is widely used to relax the mind and body, reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep quality. Lavender essential oil is perfect for a natural pillow spray.
- Sweet Orange – Orange is not just uplifting, it can help promote good rest, too! Sweet Orange essential oil (also known as Orange Sweet) is said to reduce stress hormones, uplift the mood, and calm the body.
- Bergamot – The lovely aroma of Bergamot essential oil is known to support mental health and clarity by providing a boost to the mind.
- Frankincense – Frankincense Frereana supports your immune system as well as calming and relaxing your body, thereby uplifting your mood.
- Roman Chamomile – The powerful, sweet scent is a favorite among essential oil users to help ease children and adults to sleep. Roman Chamomile essential oil is soothing and gentle, making it safe for kids when diluted properly.
- Cedarwood – Use cedar (cedarwood) oil to create an atmosphere that is positive and calming from the chaos and negativity around you. Cedarwood essential oil can also be used on special nights to help set the mood.
- Vetiver – This oil is known for its abilities to promote relaxation and balance. Vetiver essential oil is very popular to use before bedtime to help calm the mind. It has a very strong aroma that has an earthy, woodsy, smoky scent, but is pleasant to the senses.
- Geranium – Is known to be helpful in easing the tension associated with the stress of daily life. Geranium oil is uplifting and gentle.
- Eucalyptus – A powerful oil for supporting aching muscles, promoting a healthy circulation, or stimulating mental focus. It has a strong, aromatic scent making it a favorite one to use for respiratory support.
So, which scents did I choose? I wanted to keep it as close as possible to the Focus spray, so I chose lavender and eucalyptus essential oils. Lavender for the relaxation, and eucalyptus to mimic the original scent.
You can use any oils in the list for an aromatic pillow spray or linen spray. My next order will have Roman Chamomile and Vetiver!
As for the carrier? I didn’t even have to go out and buy witch hazel or vodka. I just used my Dickinson’s witch hazel toner. Yup. It already had the perfect ratio of witch hazel and distilled alcohol to keep it shelf stable for a few weeks.
I spray this on our pillows and bed linens most nights, especially after stressful days. I’ve only used half the spray bottle after a week or so, and we only have one bed to spray. (If that helps you gauge how much to make at once).
DIY Natural Pillow Spray Recipe
DIY Natural Pillow Spray
A natural, non-toxic pillow spray for restful sleep.
Materials
- 2 oz witch hazel, vodka, or rubbing alcohol
- 1 oz distilled water
- 20-30 drops of calming essential oils
- 2 ounce amber glass spray bottle
- funnel (silicone or metal)
Instructions
- Use a funnel to add the witch hazel, water, and essential oils into your spray bottle.
- Tighten the cap, and swirl the bottle around to combine.
Notes
To use: Spray 3-4 times onto your pillow before laying down.
A note about essential oils: Do your research and look for reputable essential oil brands that have not contaminated oils with synthetic additives to enhance aromas. I purchase oils sold at reputable health food stores or directly from manufacturer whenever possible. Avoid essential oils sold at big box stores or discount stores. When in doubt, run a Google search for the essential oil company name and any lawsuits over sourcing, integrity, or product quality.
