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Ayurvedic Sleep Remedies: In the scorching heat of May and June, it is not just our daytime comfort that is disrupted; our nightly sleep is often completely ruined as well. Despite the use of air coolers and air conditioners, the body's internal temperature—or "body heat"—often causes us to toss and turn all night long until dawn breaks. If, after a day of exhaustion, one fails to get a peaceful night's sleep, it has a direct and adverse impact on both our mental and physical health.

If you, too, are struggling with insomnia or restless sleep this summer, Ayurveda offers a remarkably simple, affordable, and miraculous remedy: Sandalwood Paste (Sandalwood *Lep*). For centuries, sandalwood has been used in our country not only for religious rituals and enhancing facial beauty but also for its cooling effect on the body. Let us explore the miraculous benefits of applying sandalwood paste to the forehead and the soles of the feet before going to bed at night.

Why is Applying Sandalwood to the Forehead and Soles So Special?
According to Ayurveda, the body's *Pitta Dosha* (bio-energy) tends to increase during the summer season. This leads to excessive body heat, increased irritability, and difficulties falling asleep. Sandalwood possesses an inherently potent cooling nature.

Benefits of Applying to the Forehead:
Our forehead—specifically the area between the eyebrows (known as the *Third Eye Chakra*)—is intimately connected to our nervous system and our sense of mental tranquility. When you apply sandalwood paste to this specific area, it directly calms the mind, reduces stress hormones, and relaxes the nerves within the brain.

Benefits of Applying to the Soles of the Feet:
In Ayurveda, the practice of massaging or applying therapeutic pastes to the soles of the feet holds special significance. The soles contain numerous acupressure points that directly influence and regulate our brain function and sleep cycle. Applying sandalwood paste to the soles helps dissipate excess heat from the entire body.

How to Prepare and Apply This Ayurvedic Paste? 

**Selecting Pure Sandalwood:** For this remedy, always use high-quality sandalwood powder or authentic sandalwood wood.

**How to Prepare the Paste:** Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of sandalwood powder with a sufficient amount of pure rose water or cold water to create a smooth paste.

**Application Method:** Thoroughly wash and dry your feet exactly 15–20 minutes before going to bed at night. Now, apply this paste generously to the soles of both your feet and to your forehead. Once the paste has dried slightly (do not let it become completely stiff), you may go to sleep. Upon waking up in the morning, wash it off with plain water.

**Q&A (FAQs) — Important Questions You Might Have**
**Question 1:** Can the sandalwood paste be applied every night?
**Answer:** Yes, during the summer season, you can apply it every night before going to sleep. Its cooling nature causes no harm to the body; on the contrary, it helps alleviate daily stress.

**Question 2:** Is there a risk of catching a cold or cough from using this?
**Answer:** Sandalwood has a cooling nature; therefore, individuals who are prone to catching colds, coughs, or suffering from sinus issues should avoid leaving the paste on overnight. Such individuals should apply the paste one hour before bedtime, wash their feet after half an hour, and then go to sleep.

**Question 3:** Does the sandalwood paste also help relieve burning sensations in the feet?
**Answer:** Absolutely! During the summer months, many people experience intense burning sensations and tingling in the soles of their feet. The sandalwood paste absorbs this heat and burning sensation within minutes, providing relief right from the very first day of use.

**Question 4:** Can we use Red Sandalwood as well?
**Answer:** To combat insomnia and soothe body heat, White or Yellow Sandalwood is considered the most effective choice, as its cooling properties are more potent than those of Red Sandalwood. Red sandalwood is primarily used to treat skin problems and heal wounds.

Question 5: Won't the bedding get ruined after the paste applied to the soles of the feet dries?
Answer: Do not apply the paste too thickly; apply a thin layer that dries within 10 minutes. Once dry, it does not stick to the bedding. If you are still concerned, you can place an old cotton cloth or towel under your feet.

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