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How they work:
Herb sleep pillows are activated to release certain oils and volatile substances through the pressure and warmth of your head resting on them. Hops is probably the most potent sleep agent used this way, but rather unpleasant! Disguise the scent by using a few drops (5-10) of essential oil of lavender or rose. Take care to ensure that you do not have any skin reactions or allergies to any of the herbs you are planning to use. The following recipes below are for interest only and are not intended to form part of any treatment of any kind. Always consult your practitioner about any health concerns you have and do not ignore persistent symptoms.
Different herbal sleep aids work in different ways. Most sleep disorders are caused by an imbalance in serotonin a chemical in the brain, which the body produces from the amino acid, tryptophan. Some herbs help restore the serotonin level balance whilst others trigger the calming mechanisms in the brain.
Recipes and Information
* A cotton pillowslip, plain muslin or bleached cotton work best as herbs may stain and you can easily wash these.
* A fancier pillowslip which will cover the pillow decoratively, again should be easily washable.
* Loose herbs of your choice.
* Orris root powder as a binder.
* Essential oil of your choice .
Take the herbal mixture you've chosen into the pillowslip and knot off the edge, or sew it if you want to be fancier. Then cover the plain pillowslip with the decorative cover and place the herbal pillow either next to your regular pillow or beneath it. Most people choose not to sleep directly on the herbal pillow, and some even place it beneath their blankets during the day so that when they turn back the bed at night the fragrant herbal aroma greets them and surrounds their slumber
Herbal pillow mixtures can be made by combining the following ingredients
* 1 cup lavender flowers
* 1 cup white rose petals
* 1 cup hops
* 1 cup lemon balm
* 2 teaspoons orris root powder
* 2 drops oil of lavender
Recipes and Information
Little herb-filled pillows that have aromatherapeutic effects, are used for concerns like chronic insomnia and headaches. They are even appropriate for individuals who are feeling a lot of anxiety and stress. Part of the therapeutic effect of using an herbal sleep pillow comes from making the pillow; they are fun to create!
To prepare a sleep pillow:
Cut one 6- by 8-inch piece of cloth. (Any natural fiber cloth will do.) Fold the cloth in half, with the wrong sides together, and stitch up two sides of the cloth (leaving one end open). Turn the sewn cloth right side out. Put approximately ¼ cup of dried crushed herbs into the cloth pillow and stitch open sides closed. Slip the sleep pillow into your pillowcase on the side that will be next to your face. As you sleep, you will smell the aromas, which will have a therapeutic effect on you.
Favorite Sleep Pillows
Hops and chamomile are a good combination for restful sleep.
Mugwort and rosemary blend for vivid dreams.
Lavender prevents insomnia.
Coyote mint relieves congestion.
Step 1
Cut your fabric into two square pieces. Each piece should be the same size as your finished pillow plus half an inch seam allowance. A six-inch square is good, but you can make it any size you choose.
Step 2
Place the right sides of the fabric pillow facing each other. Sew them together along three sides, leaving the fourth open for stuffing. Turn the sewn fabric the right side out and press with an iron.
Step 3
Place your choice of herbs in a bowl and add your fixative. Place the herbs in the pillow along with the cotton balls. Here are a few herbs you can use:
Restful herbs
Chamomile, hops, lavender, rose petals, lemon verbana and mint
Herbs for a crying baby
Lavender, catnip and mugwort
Herbs to induce dreams
Balsam needles, lavender, rosemary, sweet marjoram
Herbs to relieve headaches
Chamomile, lavender, rosemary
Herbs for romantic slumber
Sweet marjoram, lavender, rose petals, lemon grass
Step 4
Leave your pillow in an air-proof bag for at least a day before you use it. This allows the scent to strengthen and enhances its therapeutic effects.
Step 5
At bedtime or naptime, tuck your herbal pillow inside your regular pillowcase, or just lay it beside you.
Tips & Warnings
A fixative will help your dried herbs retain their fragrance much longer.
Fixatives include: Musk, ambergris and civet.
Your cotton balls help add soft fullness to your herbal pillow
Many of the herbs that are used in making potpourri can be used to make your herbal pillow.
Make a pillowcase for your finished herbal pillow from luxurious fabric.
Make a quick herbal pillow by placing half a cup of herbs in a 3/5-inch
drawstring bag. Draw it closed and tie the strings.
If you intend to give the herbal pillow as a gift, make sure its recipient does not have any allergies to the herbs you use.
Recipes and Information
This remedy is designed to promote a restful sleep, because its main ingredient is hops, which have anti-spasmodic properties and are really good to help relieve muscular tension. This remedy is easily portable so it’s perfect to use when traveling and it’s perfect to use on children too.
Ingredients
1/2 cup of dried hops
1/2 cup of chamomile
1/2 cup of rose petals or rose buds
5 drops of rose essential oil
A muslin cloth and a muslin bag
Preparation
Start by placing half a cup of hops in a muslin cloth.
Add half a cup of chamomile, then half a cup of rose buds (you can also use rose petals).
Finally, add 5 drops of rose essential oil, close the muslin cloth and place it inside a sealable muslin or cotton bag.
The pillow will last for up to 6 month, but every once in a while you should place it in the sunlight to recharge its properties.