Things You'll Need:
- Assorted dried herbs
- Fabric - 2 matching squares
- Muslin - 2 matching squares, same size as the fabric
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Step 1
Decide what herbs you want to use. Chamomile and rose petals are soothing. Peppermint and lemon balm invigorate. Lavender and rosemary can help ease migraines. Eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove can ease congestion and help breathing. Or you could choose just one herb for a more concentrated effect. How many herbs you use depends on the size of your pillow: for a small eye pillow, you will probably need about 1 cup of dried herbs. For a neck or head pillow, 2 to 3 cups.
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Step 2
Decide what filler you will use. Herbs are mostly very light, and for the pillow to lay properly you need additional weight in it. Buckwheat, flax, quinoa, or other grains are commonly used. You could also use organic cotton stuffing if you want something a little softer, but the cotton will absorb some of the herbal scent so the pillow will not be as effective.
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Step 3
Get an essential oil for your herb(s). This is optional, but using essential oil in addition to your dried herbs will make your pillow much more effective in its purpose. It's best if you get an essential oil or oil blend that corresponds with your herbs; so, if you are using lavender and rose petals, use a few drops of lavender essential oil. Don't use fragrance oils; these are completely different products that do not have the same effect as pure essential oils.
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Step 4
Sew up three sides of your muslin squares so that you have a pocket of sorts. Put in your herbs, drop in some oil, and hold the open side of the muslin closed while you toss the herbs around to spread the oil. Then add the filler until you have the volume you want for the pillow. Don't overfill, because you have to sew up the open side.
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Step 5
Sew up the open side of the muslin square. You'll have to do this sewing by hand, and be sure to use a running stitch instead of a whip stitch so that you don't leave little open spots where your herbs or filler can leak out. You should go over the seam a couple of times; if you get it done once by hand, you could use a machine to reinforce it.
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Step 6
Put the two squares of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing in, and sew up three sides. You should end up with an inside-out pocket with one open side. Flip the pocket right-side out and gently ease your muslin square inside. Pull the corners so it is sitting centered and is not bunched up anywhere.
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Step 7
Fold in the two sides of the open side of the fabric square about half an inch, and iron so you have an even, straight line. Sew down that line by hand with a running stitch. Reinforce by hand or with a machine.
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Step 8
Add ribbon, buttons, or other embellishments if you like, but make sure the pillow is comfortable. When you want to use it, squeeze gently to release more of the scent. You can microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to get it warm. Sweet dreams!
