.png)
Herbal pillows can be as simple as placing herbs into a drawstring muslin bag, re-usable tea bag, or sheer fabric drawstring bag and pulling the drawstring tight. You could even fill a sock and tie up the end for a super quick and easy pillow or make your own with cotton or muslin fabric. They can be used in a variety ways such as soothing pain and inflammation, inducing relaxation and sleep and freshening the home. They are generally used dry but can be steamed or thrown into baths.
Make Your Own Pillow
-
Cut a piece of muslin or cotton fabric to the desired size, doubling the length for a front and back.
-
Place the two pieces together and sew around the edges, leaving an opening for the herbs to go inside.
-
Turn inside out and fill the opening ¾ full of herbs.
-
Pin the opening then sew all around the bag.
-
Use as is or make a removable cover so it can be pulled off and washed. These can be made with fun fabrics.
-
Cover: Measure a length of fabric to be twice as long as your bag and ½” wider. Hem each end. Lay the fabric right side up and place the bag in the middle. Pull one side over to cover half of the bag and pin in place. Slip the bag out and fold the other side over just enough so there is ½” fabric on all sides of the bag. Sew along each side that has been pinned. Turn inside out. Place the herb pillow inside and it is ready to use.
First Aid Pack (Boo Boo Bag)
We have always called these Boo Boo Bags in my home. They can be used like a hot/cold pack for bumps on the head, headaches, aching bones and muscles, pain and inflammation, bruises and owies of any kind. When my children were younger and came to me complaining of any upset, I'd give them the Boo Boo bag and miraculously they'd be healed.
I like to use lavender, chamomile and peppermint. Keep the pillow in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer to keep herbs fresh and aid in cooling aches and inflammation.
Dream Pillow
Dream pillows are used to aid in a restful sleep, dispel nightmares and calm mind and body before bed and during sleep by inhaling aromatic herbs during the night.
Place the dream pillow just inside the pillow case or in the case of children they can snuggle right up to it like it is a stuffed animal. If you have sewing skills you can even make a stuffed animal and place the herbs in among the filling. They can be refreshed with essential oils as they lose aroma or replace with fresh herbs when they no longer smell.
Annie's Sweet Dreams Blend:
2 parts lavender
3 parts chamomile
2 parts lemon balm
2 parts lemon peel
Laundry/Linen Bag
Linen bags can be used to keep linens and laundry fresh. Thin muslin or organza sachets work best for these purposes.
-
Place in dryer with laundry (use a sewed tight bag for this method)
-
Closets and dresser drawers
-
Storage bins
-
Shoe area
-
Carry in pockets and bags
Herbs
Seasonal scents or cleansing fragrance - lavender has always been a traditional laundry herb, washerwomen would lay it on lavender bushes to dry.
Optional: Refresh with essential oils to keep fragrance potent.
Herbal Rice Pillows
Make a traditional rice bag, using ¾ part rice, beans or other grains and ¼ part dried herbs. I like to make a variety of sizes to fit the different parts of the body. Long socks make a great pillow for wrapping around the back of the neck and around hard to reach places.
Use cold (freezer) or hot (microwave)
Hot Pillow
Steam the herbal pillow either in a steamer on the stove or boil water in a pan with a rack over the top then place the pillow on the rack.
When the pillow is warmed but not too wet, remove and apply to area of concern. Apply a hot pad or hot water bottle over the top to maintain heat.
Pillow can be reused two or three times if it is dried completely between uses.
