Make Your Own Eye Pillow

By Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac

Lavender eye pillows are simple to make, yet luxurious to receive. I have been making lavender eye pillows for my friends and family for years and they are always appreciated.

It’s been reported back to me that lavender eye pillows have helped people sleep better and reduce tension headaches. I like using lavender eye pillows to take a restful break during the day, and I also like to place them in my pillow case at night so I can be relaxed by the soothing fragrance even if the pillow isn’t over my eyes.

To make lavender eye pillows you’ll need:  * Fabric cut to 8.5″ X 8.5″ (I like silks and satins, but soft cotton, flannel, and knit also works great.) * Matching thread * 3/4 cup of flax seed * 1/4 cup of dried herbs (My favorite blend is one part lavender to 1/2 part chamomile and 1/2 part wormwood. There are more herb suggestions at the end of the article.)

* Sewing machine (optional) Lavender eye pillows can easily be sewn by hand as well. The added time in making them assuredly means a more valued gift.

To begin cut your fabric to a desired length and width. I like anywhere from 8 – 9 inches. If you are working with a fabric that frays easily sew a zig zag stitch around the entire fabric.

Next, fold the fabric in half with the wrong side of the fabric facing out. Sew along three sides of the fabric, leaving the top open.

Now, fold the eye pillow inside out so that the right side, or pretty fabric is facing out. Fill this with 3/4 cup flax seed. The flax seed adds weight to the pillow helping to relieve tension around the eyes. You may need to work with the amount of flax seeds if you are using different fabric measurements.

Next, you can add about a 1/4 cup of dried herbs.

There are so many fragrant herbs to place in your eye pillow. * Straight lavender smells beautifully and is a very relaxing herb. * Chamomile is also known for its relaxing qualities. * Wormwood is used for vivid dreams. * Sage and Eucalyptus can be used for clearing sinuses. * Rose petals are certainly delightful. * You can also use essential oils for fragrance, however I find that when I use good quality herbs my pillows stay fragrant for years without essential oils. * My favorite blend is mostly lavender with a pinch of chamomile and wormwood. The smell is complex and soothing.

OM Times Magazine » syndicated