How to Make an Herb Pillow

Herb pillows can be used as a form of aromatherapy to soothe headaches, energize, or promote rest and sleep. By combining different dried herbs, a pillow that’s calming or restorative can be created. Herb pillows can be placed under the head or propped nearby in the bedroom. The pillows can also be used to scent a room or closet by hanging them from a hook or coat hanger. Simple sewing skills, a collection of fabric remnants and quality dried herbs are all that’s needed for this simple project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dried herbs such as lavender, lilac, rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, clove, peppermint, lemon balm, rose petals and marjoram
• Spice mill or food processor
• Fixative such as isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle or orrisroot
• Sturdy cotton fabric
• Decorative fabric
• Sewing machine

1. Choose the herbs. You’ll need a selection of quality dried herbs. If you have an herb garden, you may want to gather and dry your own herbs. Herbs such as lavender, lilac, rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, clove, peppermint, lemon balm, rose petals, and marjoram make good choices for an herb pillow. Experiment with different combinations for the desrired effect. Herbs such as lavender, sage and rose petals are calming and restorative. Herbs such as rosemary, mint and peppermint are energizing. To relieve headaches, try a combination of clove, lavender, rose petals, and marjoram. To promote sleep try a combination of mint, rose petals, and clove.

2. If dried herbs are not already in powder form, you’ll need to grind them in a spice mill or food processor. Mix together the herbs you’ve chosen.

3. Apply a fixative to the herb mixture such as orrisroot or a spray of isoporyl alcohol. Allow to dry if using alcohol. The fixative will help the herbs retain their scent.

4. Sew a pillow case for the herbs from sturdy cotton. Sew three sides, leaving the fourth open. Place herb mixture inside and sew up the remaining side. You may need to sew double seams to ensure the contents don’t leak out.

5. Make an outer pillow case of velvet, lace, embroidered fabric, upholstery fabric or any other decorative material. You may want to sew a loop of ribbon on one side if you want to hang your pillow.

Tips & Warnings

• Crush the pillow between your hands to renew the scents. Herbs will need to be replaced after a few months.