what does witch hazel smell like

DIY PILLOW SPRAY FOR A RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, a DIY pillow spray might be just what you need. This simple homemade sleep spray features three soothing lavender essential oil blends designed to encourage relaxation and help you drift into a deep, restful slumber.

Winding down after a stressful day can feel impossible. Despite eating well, exercising, and taking care of ourselves, sleep is often the hardest part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

And in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to see why!

Creating a calming bedroom sanctuary is more important than ever for restful sleep. Along with healthy sleep habits, natural remedies like aromatherapy can help set the stage for a peaceful slumber.

This is where a soothing essential oil pillow spray for beauty sleep comes in. This DIY pillow spray recipe is a simple way to add a calming fragrance to your bedding, encouraging relaxation and helping you drift off into a deep sleep.

Whether you have essential oils or not, this recipe includes options for both, as well as an alcohol-free version. Whatever supplies you have on hand, you’ll be able to create your own pillow mist.

For the ultimate wind-down, try pairing this spray with a relaxing lavender shower steamer during your bedtime routine. To take it even further, apply a homemade magnesium lotion once you’re tucked into bed for extra relaxation!

How this pillow spray helps for sleep

As we explored in our post on DIY aromatherapy perfume, the scents of certain essential oils have the ability to soothe the mind and body. If sleep is a struggle for you, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your nighttime routine.

And what better place to experience their calming effects than right beside your head, on your pillow?

It’s not recommended to apply essential oils directly to your pillow, as they can be too concentrated. However, by making your own DIY sleep spray, you can safely dilute the oils for proper use.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without the need for a diffuser!

Lavender essential oil for sleep

Below, I’ve shared 3 calming essential oil blends for your pillow spray, each featuring Bulgarian lavender oil.

Why choose lavender for your sleep spray? Lavender is one of the most renowned and well-researched essential oils for promoting rest and reducing stress. Numerous studies have highlighted lavender oil’s powerful sedative, anxiety-relieving, and calming properties, making it a go-to choice for improving sleep through aromatherapy.

Lavender’s sleep-enhancing benefits are threefold. First, as a sedative, lavender oil can help you feel sleepy. Second, its anxiolytic properties can ease the anxiety that might be keeping you awake.

Not only can lavender essential oil help you fall asleep faster, but it can also improve the quality of your sleep. Research has shown that lavender’s soothing fragrance enhances sleep quality and promotes deeper rest.3,1

However, it’s important to note that this effect is even stronger when combined with good sleep hygiene. So, be sure to incorporate healthy habits into your nighttime routine, like limiting blue light exposure before bed.

Engaging in relaxing activities is also key. One calming ritual you can try? Gently massaging your face with a homemade lavender cleansing balm. While you’re at it, check out 5 tips to protect yourself from blue light!

DIY sleep spray ingredients

While there are plenty of store-bought pillow sprays available, there’s really no need to buy one when making your own at home is so simple.

To create your DIY pillow spray, all you need is a liquid base like vodka or witch hazel, a natural emulsifier (as shown below), and your favorite essential oils (or a hydrosol). You’ll also need a glass spray bottle to store and dispense your homemade spray.

VODKA, ALCOHOL, OR WITCH HAZEL

For the longest shelf life, I recommend using vodka or high-proof alcohol, as it helps prevent bacterial growth. However, if you prefer a version without alcohol, you can use witch hazel, as long as it contains a preservative to keep it fresh.

Tip: You can use any leftover alcohol or witch hazel to create your own DIY perfume.

NATURAL EMULSIFIER

A natural emulsifier is key for dispersing the essential oils in your pillow spray. Since essential oils don’t mix with water, the oils would simply float on top without an emulsifier. This is problematic because spray nozzles dispense from the bottom, not the top!

There are various natural emulsifiers and solubilizers you can use for this recipe. I used Capryl/Caprylyl Glucoside from my Simply Earth essential oil box, which comes in a convenient dropper bottle for easy dispensing and measuring. If you don’t have this emulsifier, I’ve listed other options in the how-to section below.

If you’re hesitant to buy another ingredient, rest assured that emulsifiers are easy to use—just mix with your essential oils before adding the rest of the ingredients. Plus, any leftover emulsifier can be used in other DIY projects like essential oil deodorant or room sprays.

If you decide not to use an emulsifier, remember to shake your pillow spray well before each use. However, this can result in uneven distribution of the oils, which isn’t ideal.

ESSENTIAL OILS

It’s important to avoid using products with synthetic fragrances, especially in pillow sprays, as they often contain chemicals that can be irritating and lead to headaches—something you definitely don’t want when trying to fall asleep!

Unlike artificial fragrances, essential oils like lavender contain natural aromatic compounds that offer real benefits. Lavender, in particular, is known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties, making it an ideal choice for your DIY pillow spray.

While lavender is one of the best essential oils for relaxation, it’s far from the only option. This homemade pillow spray recipe includes three different essential oil blends to promote sleep, which you can customize based on your preferences.

HYDROSOL

If you’d prefer a pillow spray without essential oils, you can use lavender hydrosol, the floral water left over from the essential oil distillation process. Simply spritz lavender hydrosol directly onto your bedding—there’s no need to mix it with anything else!

While hydrosols are not as potent as essential oils, they retain many of their benefits. Their light fragrance makes them a great option for those who are sensitive to stronger scents or for use with children.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR PILLOW SPRAY

Here are three calming essential oil blends for your lavender sleep spray. Each blend has its own unique fragrance profile and benefits:

Sleepytime Lavender:

  • 12 drops Sleepy essential oil blend
  • OR 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops ho wood essential oil
  • 2 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Vanilla:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 2 drops patchouli essential oil (or copaiba essential oil)

Lavender Chamomile:

  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 4 drops amyris essential oil

Feel free to experiment with these blends to find the perfect scent that helps you unwind and relax before bed!

SLEEPTIME LAVENDER

The Sleepy blend is a relaxing mix of lavender, ho wood, grapefruit, and bergamot essential oils that I received in my Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. I was curious about the choice of citrus oils in this blend, since citrus scents are typically invigorating. I often use them in energizing products like “wake me up” shower steamers and roll-ons.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this blend. The citrus notes mellow out the lavender, which can sometimes be overpowering or too floral. This makes it a great option for those who want the benefits of lavender essential oil for sleep but find its scent too strong or intense.

Ho wood adds a grounding, earthy tone to the blend, while also acting as a fixative oil, which helps the fragrance last longer on your pillow. Sleepy comes pre-bottled as a blend, so it’s easier and more affordable than buying each individual oil to recreate it on your own.

LAVENDER VANILLA

Lavender essential oil is already an effective natural sleep aid, but when paired with vanilla oleoresin, it creates a calming blend that smells like a sweet dessert. Vanilla is also known for its relaxing properties, making this combination a perfect bedtime scent. The warm, comforting aroma of lavender and vanilla together can help you unwind and drift off to sleep with ease. This blend not only promotes relaxation but also creates a cozy, indulgent experience.

LAVENDER VANILLA WITH PATCHOULI

I also added a couple of drops of patchouli to my lavender vanilla pillow mist. Patchouli is one of those scents that people either love or hate, but it has powerful aromatherapeutic properties that can help reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s the most well-known fixative essential oil, meaning it helps your pillow spray’s fragrance last throughout the night.

That said, I know not everyone is fond of patchouli’s distinct aroma. If you’re one of those who aren’t keen on it, you can easily swap it for copaiba oil, which also has calming properties. Copaiba has a sweet, slightly spicy scent that pairs beautifully with lavender and vanilla. Additionally, if you’re on a budget, you can choose a more affordable vanilla blend instead of pure vanilla essential oil.

LAVENDER CHAMOMILE

This Lavender Chamomile blend combines floral lavender, herbal chamomile, and sweet amyris for a pillow spray recipe that smells just like a calming cup of lavender chamomile tea. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing properties, which is why chamomile tea is such a classic bedtime drink.

Chamomile essential oil also carries these sedative effects, which help promote relaxation and reduce insomnia.

The addition of amyris adds a rich, vanilla-like aroma to the blend. While amyris may not be as extensively studied as lavender oil for its sleep benefits, it’s certainly linked to relaxation. I personally find its fragrance to be deeply calming and peaceful.

If you prefer a sweeter-scented spray, especially for children, you can replace amyris with benzoin oil, which has a similar soothing effect and a lovely fragrance that’s more universally liked.

DIY Pillow Spray Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 drops lavender essential oil blend (choose from the blends above)
  • 36 drops natural liquid emulsifier (options below)
  • 1/4 cup vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel

EQUIMENT

  • 2oz glass spray bottle
  • Small funnel
  • Glass pipette for measuring

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEP SPRAY

  • Sanitize: Start by cleaning and sanitizing your spray bottle and all equipment to ensure the spray stays fresh.
  • Add Essential Oils: Using a glass pipette, measure and add your chosen sleep essential oil blend to the glass spray bottle.
    • Add Emulsifier: Using a glass pipette, drop the liquid emulsifier into the bottle, one drop at a time. Pause occasionally to swirl the mixture gently, ensuring the emulsifier blends well with the essential oils.
    • Shake and Mix: Once you’ve added the emulsifier, securely replace the nozzle of your spray bottle and shake it gently to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.
    • Add Alcohol or Witch Hazel: Using a funnel, pour your chosen liquid base (vodka, high-proof alcohol, or witch hazel) into the bottle to fill the rest of the container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.
      • Final Shake: Affix the spray nozzle to your bottle and shake well to ensure everything is fully combined. Your DIY sleep spray is now ready to use! Spritz it onto your pillow or bedding before bedtime for a calming, restful night’s sleep.

      Natural Emulsifiers for Essential Oil Sprays

      Here are some natural solubilizers and liquid emulsifiers you can use in your pillow spray recipe. Choose the one that’s most accessible to you, as availability may vary depending on location:

      • Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
      • Emulsium (available in Canada only)
      • CreamMaker FLUID (available in Canada or USA)
      • Polyglyceryl Oleate
      • Poly Suga Mulse D9

      How to Use Your Pillow Mist for Sleep

      Here are a few ways you can incorporate your calming pillow mist into your bedtime routine:

      Spritz on Your Pillow: The most common way to use your spray is to dispense 1-3 sprays directly onto your pillow before you sleep. This will help infuse your bedding with a relaxing fragrance as you drift off.

      Spray on Your Sheets: You can also use your pillow spray as a homemade linen spray. Spritz it onto your sheets, duvet, or blankets to imbue your entire bed with the calming aroma.

      Room Spray: For a broader relaxing effect, use the spray as a calming room mist. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your space, even if you don’t have a diffuser. Simply spritz around the room for a peaceful atmosphere.

        Important Tip: Keep in mind that darker essential oils like vanilla and chamomile can stain light-colored fabrics. To avoid any potential damage, always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area of your fabric before using your pillow spray more widely.

        Additionally, be cautious when using your sleep spray on delicate fabrics like silk. While I personally use a 30 momme silk pillowcase with no issues, it’s always a good idea to test it first on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause any staining or damage.

        Sweet dreams!

        CONCLUSION

        Making your own DIY pillow spray is an easy and effective way to enhance your sleep routine with the calming power of essential oils. With just a few simple ingredients like essential oils, a natural emulsifier, and a liquid base, you can create a customized sleep spray that promotes relaxation and restful slumber. Whether you choose lavender, chamomile, or a blend of oils, the right fragrance can help ease anxiety and prepare your mind for sleep.

        Remember, always perform a patch test to ensure your spray is safe for your fabrics, especially with delicate materials like silk. And, by incorporating your pillow spray into a calming bedtime routine, you’re setting yourself up for sweet dreams and a better night’s rest. Sweet dreams, and enjoy your peaceful slumber!

        DIY HOLIDAY ROOM SPRAY RECIPES WITH FREE PRINTABLE LABELS

        Looking for the perfect homemade Christmas gift? Try these holiday room sprays made with essential oils! Plus, download free printable bottle labels to add a festive touch to your gift.

        How Do You Make Christmas Room Spray

        The holiday season is just around the corner—can you believe it? To help us all get into the festive spirit, I’ve created some amazing holiday room spray recipes using essential oils.

        If you’re like me and aren’t a fan of candles or store-bought air fresheners, these sprays are a game-changer. Not only do traditional air fresheners often cause headaches, but they’re also loaded with harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens, which can impact the health of your family and pets.

        Synthetic fragrances from air fresheners can trigger allergies and asthma, and some even contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Long before I learned about these dangers, I had already ditched air fresheners because they always gave me pounding headaches.

        Instead, I freshen my home naturally with essential oils. Whether it’s through my diffuser or these easy-to-make room sprays, essential oils are a safer, healthier way to enjoy a fresh and festive-smelling home.

        These homemade holiday room sprays are free of toxic chemicals, smell amazing, and can even be used to freshen up linens. They also make fantastic Christmas gifts—especially when paired with the adorable printable labels I’ve made just for you!

        DIY Holiday Room Spray Ingredients

        Making these holiday room sprays is incredibly simple! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a festive and natural way to freshen up your space. Here’s everything you’ll need:

        SPRAY BOTTLES

        The size and number of spray bottles you’ll need depend entirely on your preference! I like using 4-ounce bottles (like these), but you can choose any size you like. Just keep in mind that the recipes below are designed for 4-ounce bottles, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities if using larger or smaller bottles.

        There are nine different holiday scents to choose from. If you’re making just one, you’ll only need one bottle. But if you want to try them all, be sure to have at least nine bottles on hand.

        A few important tips:

        • Use dark glass bottles: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can degrade or react with plastic, so it’s best to stick with glass.
        • Protect from light: Dark glass bottles help shield the oils from ultraviolet rays, which can cause them to spoil.

        WATER

        Water serves as the base for these homemade holiday room sprays, and it’s best to use distilled water whenever possible.

        Using distilled water helps prevent mineral buildup that can clog your spray nozzle or leave unwanted residue on your home’s surfaces. It ensures a clean and smooth spray every time!

        ESSENTIAL OILS

        Essential oils are the key ingredient that gives these holiday room sprays their delightful scents. To create the various holiday blends listed below, you’ll need a selection of essential oils.

        For the best results, I strongly recommend using only 100% pure essential oils. Some of my favorite trusted brands include Plant Therapy, Simply Earth, and Far & Wild.

        Be cautious of fake essential oils—they can be just as harmful as synthetic air fresheners and candles. Always ensure the oils you use are pure and high-quality.

        If you’re unsure how to spot fake essential oils, check out this helpful guide: Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

        WITCH HAZEL

        Witch hazel acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the essential oils with water. It also helps the scent linger longer, making your holiday room sprays even more effective and fragrant!

        How Do You Make Holiday Room Spray With Essential Oils?

        To make your own holiday room spray with essential oils, here’s what you’ll need:

        • 4-ounce glass spray bottles (like these ones)
        • Witch hazel
        • Essential oils (recipes below)
        • Distilled water

        STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS:

        1. Add 20-40 drops of your chosen essential oils to the bottle (use the recipes below for inspiration).
        2. Pour in 2 ounces of witch hazel.
        3. Shake well to mix the oils and witch hazel.
        4. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
        5. Shake again to combine everything.

        And that’s it! Your homemade holiday room spray is ready to use. Below, you’ll find a few of my favorite holiday room spray recipes to try out!

        Essential Oil Room Spray Recipes for the Holidays

        HOLIDAY CHEER

        10 drops Peppermint, 10 Ylang Ylang, 15 drops Orange

        CANDY CANE

        15 drops Peppermint, 15 drops Spearmint

        CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

        10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Clove, 10 drops Orange, 5 drops Peppermint

        DECK THE HALLS

        10 drops Frankincense, 10 drops Cedarwood, 15 Drops Peppermint

        CHRISTMAS COOKIES

        10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Nutmeg, 10 drops Ginger, 5 drops Lemon

        WINTER WONDERLAND

        10 drops Wintergreen, 10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Cedarwood

        JINGLE BELLS

        10 drops Orange, 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Cypress

        UNDER THE MISTLETOE

        10 drops Palmaraso, 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Blue Tansy

        Christmas Tree

        10 drops Cedarwood, 10 drops Balsam fir, 10 drops Cypress, 5 drops Nutmeg

        How Do You Use Holiday Room Spray?

        To use your holiday room spray, simply shake well before each use. Then, spritz it around the room for an instant burst of holiday fragrance. You can also spray it directly onto pillows, curtains, blankets, or couches to freshen up your linens and furniture!

        Why Do You Need Witch Hazel in Room Spray?

        Witch hazel is a key ingredient in homemade room sprays. It helps to blend the essential oils with water, ensuring the oils mix well and the scent lasts longer. This makes it an essential component for a longer-lasting, fragrant experience!

        What Can I Use Instead of Witch Hazel in Room Spray?

        If you don’t have witch hazel on hand, you can substitute it with drinkable grain alcohol (ethanol) or vodka. However, I chose to use witch hazel in this recipe because it’s something many people already have on hand, and it’s easily found at most local drugstores.

        Personally, I prefer witch hazel because I’m not entirely comfortable using room sprays made with high-proof alcohol around my family. Alcohol can be an irritant to the upper respiratory system, and the strong alcohol scent can be difficult to mask. Witch hazel provides a gentler, more natural option for your room spray!

        Is Witch Hazel or Vodka Better for Room Spray?

        Some people claim that using vodka instead of witch hazel will make the scent last longer, but in my experience, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two.

        In my opinion, both witch hazel and vodka serve the same purpose in DIY room sprays. They both work well for creating a fragrant room spray. The only real difference is that not everyone feels comfortable using a room spray made with vodka around their family, due to its high alcohol content. If that’s a concern, witch hazel is a great alternative that still does the job beautifully!

        Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol Instead of Witch Hazel for Room Spray?

        While rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) can be used as an alternative to witch hazel in room sprays, I personally prefer not to use it. While it’s not currently classified as a carcinogen, I have concerns about its potential hazards.

        Isopropyl alcohol can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels can cause dizziness, headaches, and even confusion. Because of these risks, I feel more comfortable sticking with witch hazel or vodka, as they are gentler and generally safer options for creating DIY room sprays.

        Tips For Using DIY Christmas Room Sprays

        Always be sure to shake well before using your room spray to ensure the oils are properly mixed. If you find that the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add more drops of your chosen essential oil until it reaches your desired fragrance level.

        Need Essential Oils?

        There are many companies that offer high-quality essential oils at affordable prices. I used to use Young Living oils exclusively, but they became too expensive for my budget. I was thrilled to discover other brands that offer excellent oils at much more affordable prices.

        A few of my favorite essential oil brands include Plant Therapy, Florihana, and Simply Earth.

        If you decide to purchase from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to get a big bonus box and a $45 Simply Earth gift card when you buy an essential oil recipe box!

        Final Thoughts About Holiday Room Spray

        I hope you enjoy making these holiday room spray recipes as much as I do! They make wonderful gifts for friends, coworkers, teachers, or anyone who loves making their home smell amazing.

        I personally like to gift these sprays in sets of 3 or 5, but you can package them however you like—or keep them all for yourself!

        If you’re looking for more homemade holiday gift ideas, be sure to check out the following posts for even more inspiration!

        CONCLUSION

        In conclusion, these homemade holiday room sprays are a simple, natural, and thoughtful way to fill your home with festive scents—without the harmful chemicals found in store-bought air fresheners. With just a few basic ingredients like essential oils, witch hazel, and distilled water, you can create beautiful, personalized gifts that will brighten anyone’s holiday season. Whether you choose to gift them in sets or keep them for yourself, these sprays are a fun and easy way to spread holiday cheer. Happy crafting, and enjoy the festive aromas!