Essence of Lavender & Star Anise Dreams

Sleep • Night Vision • Gentle Mystery

Old-World Origin

Lavender was placed beneath blankets and braided into travelling satchels to protect women from restless nights on unfamiliar ground. Star anise, traded along spice roads, was brewed to ward off night fears and soften the mind’s vigilance. The two were steeped together when a sleeper needed safety more than silence.

This essence was offered to children on long journeys, to new brides leaving home, to widows who feared the dark, and to anxious travellers who could not surrender to rest.

Lavender teaches the heart that it is safe to close its eyes.
Star anise keeps watch so the sleeper does not have to.

Ingredients (120 ml)

Botanicals
✶ 1 tbsp dried lavender blossoms
✶ 1 whole star anise pod (do not crush)
✶ Optional: a small strip of vanilla bean or dried fig peel

Alcohol Base
✶ 150 ml grape eau-de-vie (fine blanche)
soft, clean, protective, holds flowers with structure

Non-Alcohol Base
✶ 120 ml lavender hydrosol or raw apple cider vinegar
✶ ½-1 tsp raw honey

For emotional use, best for sensitive dreamers

The Preparation

Place lavender and whole star anise (plus optional vanilla/fig) into a clean glass jar.
Cover entirely with your chosen base.
Wrap in cloth and keep somewhere quiet, away from electronics and bright spaces.
Steep 21-28 days, shaking gently every few days.
Strain into a dark bottle.

Add honey only after straining in non-alcohol version.

How to Use

For restless sleep, fear at night, anxious thoughts before bed, safety while travelling,

emotional sensitivity at night, and nightmares caused by stress.

2-3 drops under the tongue before bed
Rub 1 drop onto pulse points (wrist/neck)
Add 1-2 drops to warm milk, chamomile, or lemon balm tea
Place 1 drop on pillow seam or bedding
Add 2 drops to evening bath or foot soak

Botanical Symbolism

Lavender - emotional safety, relaxation without fear
Star Anise - protection in dream space, watchful rest
Vanilla/Fig peel (optional) - warmth of belonging, comfort in transition

Shelf Life

Alcohol base: up to 3 years
Non-alcohol base: 6-12 months
Store away from heat and strong fragrances.

Intention

May the night become a place of safety, not vigilance.

CaravanSerai Gypsy