Sweet Aromatherapy Sleep Pillows And you can make them.
Sweet little herb-filled pillows having aromatherapeutic effects—are used for ailments like chronic insomnia and headaches. Even people who suffer from anxiety and stress should try this. Part of the therapeutic effect of using an herbal sleep pillow comes from making the pillow; make one, and you'll keep making them.
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.
Try these 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.
Plants in the Herbal Dream Garden
Many types of plants can be used in herbal dream pillows, but here are some
of the most common and versatile.
Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) -- Curtin's Healing Herbs of the Rio Grande
suggest that in folklore the fragrance of anised keeps men from dreaming.
t's useful in relaxing blends.
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) -- Fir needles are a pleasant addition to relaxing blends, good in combination with lavender, hops, and roses. They
impart an outdoors feeling to dreams.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) -- In folklore it is said that combining
sage and calendula blossoms will make dreams come true. Calendula, in small amounts, can add restfulness to a blend, and moderate more spicy
ingredients.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) -- This herb has been used for centuries to ease
babies' troubled sleep. Today, we use it in adult blends to induce
relaxation and sleep.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- Chamomile is used for relaxation and
pleasant dreams. People who are allergic to ragweed should probably avoid
using this herb in their blends, as it sometimes causes similar reactions.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) -- Cinnamon has recently been proved by fragrance researchers to be one of the most erotic aromas for men. Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree. Use it sparingly in dream blends for an exotic, romantic texture.
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) -- Cloves add a hint of spiciness, especially
when used with roses in romantic mixtures, but use them sparingly. Just 3
or 4 cloves in a blend is plentiful.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) -- This herb is actually the flower from a perennial
vine and there are several varieties, including some considered "bitter" and
others "sweet". Sweet hop flowers are the ones for dreaming; they induce
relaxation and peacefulness.
Jasmine (Jasmine officinale or J. odoratissimum) -- The delicious fragrance
of jasmine will almost encourage dreaming when you're awake! The dried
flowers lend an exotic and romantic feeling to dreams, especially for women.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) -- Lavender aids in easing headaches when you are awake, and is useful in relaxing blends alone or in combination with roses and mugwort. Combined with jasmine and roses, lavender adds warmth and familiarity to romantic mixes.
Leather -- While it seems an unlikely ingredient, leather is tanned with a
product that comes from oak bark. The scent of fresh leather trimming adds
excitement and energy to dream blends.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) -- In aromatherapy, lemon balm is used to
relieve depression, anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension. This herb
combines well with roses, lavender, thyme, hops and mint. A mix of lemon
balm and lavender, in equal parts, is useful in relieving headache and
stress.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) -- A native herb of tropical regions,
lemongrass adds a bit of color and a soothingly safe, mildly exotic feeling
to blends.
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) -- Native to Chile and Argentina, this
shrub produces delightfully aromatic leaves that can add a bit of lightness,
even feelings of flying, to the dream blend when used in small amounts.
Lilac (Syringa Chinensis) -- Use lilac for sweet, safe, and peaceful dream
mixes, in small amounts. It's also good in mixes for the sickroom, and for
travelers' blends. In larger amounts, lilac adds sensuality.
Marjoram, Sweet (Origanum majorana) -- Sweet marjoram is often used in
blends to ease nervousness and restlessness during sleep. I find that this
herb adds a dimension of warmth, safety and comfort to dreams.
Mimosa Flowers (Acacia dealbata) -- Somewhat like jasmine, only milder,
mimosa can add an exotic, more complex feeling to dreams. Mimosa and lemon
balm are a good combination for peaceful but slightly colorful dreams.
Mint (Mentha spp). -- Just a small amount of mint works like a tuning knob
on a television. It adds clarity, vividness, and color to dreams.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) -- In folklore it is said that this herb causes
the dreamer to remember his or her dreams. It does seem to increase
clarity, while also encouraging relaxation.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) -- Used as a mild sedative in herbal
medicines, passionflower adds a quieting effect to the dream pillow.
Flowers and leaves are both used, but flowers are preferred.
Rose (Rosa spp) -- Rose petals create a feeling of loving thoughts and
warmth. Used with more exotic herbs in romantic or adventurous mixes, roses keep the feeling of the dream grounded in safety and peacefulness.
Rosemary (Rosmarinum officialis) -- In folklore, rosemary was used to ensure
sleep and keep away bad dreams. Rosemary works well with a bit of lavender, roses, mugwort, and hops for a relaxing night's sleep without notable dreaming.
Thyme (Thymus spp.) -- Herb lore of old claims that sleeping on a pillow of
thyme allows the dreamer to see faeries. I generally combine thyme with
roses, hops, lavender, and rosemary for a peaceful, quiet dream.
And you can make them.
Hops and chamomile are a good combination for restful sleep. 
