Sweet Dreamtime–Infused Oil

 This sweet, dreamily scented oil is a calming, relaxing blend of botanicals

to promote peaceful and restful sleep. Sweet Dreamtime–Infused Oil

makes the perfect spa product for helping you relax before bed, soothing

your senses with a botanical lullaby. Use fresh or dried herbs depending

on availability.

YIELDS: 8 ounces

⁄ cup marjoram

⁄ cup lavender buds

⁄ cup chamomile flowers

8 ounces jojoba oil

4 vitamin E capsules

What you will need: quart-size jar, measuring cups, chopstick, strainer

(cheesecloth or tea strainer), dark-colored 8-ounce bottle, funnel

1. To Make: If using fresh herbs, coarsely chop them and place in the quart-

size jar. If using dried herbs, crush slightly with your hand as you put the

plant material into the jar. Cover the plant matter completely with jojoba

oil. Stir well with the chopstick to remove any air bubbles and completely

saturate the plant material. To avoid oxidation and spoilage of fresh herbs

and to maximize your infusion, leave as little air space as possible in the jar.

Top off with more oil if necessary and tightly close the lid. Label the jar

with the date and contents and place in a warm dark place to infuse for 2–4

weeks. Shake the jar daily. After 2–4 weeks, strain the herb from the oil into

a sterilized 8-ounce bottle. Pierce the vitamin E capsules and squeeze the

liquid out into the bottle, discarding the gel caps. Place cap on tightly and

shake well to blend. If you used fresh herbs, check back on this infusion

after a week to see if any plant juice has settled in the oil. If so, decant it out

and place the oil into a clean dry jar.

2. To Store: Label the bottle with contents and expiration date of 2 years. If

you substituted another oil for the jojoba oil, adjust the expiration date to

the shelf life of the oil used. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

3. To Use: Use as bath, body, or massage oil, specifically before bedtime or

when relaxation is desired.