Oh to sleep, perchance to dream…. So many of us, for one reason or another, have issues with sleeping and our sleep quality. For the most part, I sleep well, but I have so many friends and family members who don't. We need our rest to feel our best. That's nothing new.
I've written about herbs to help with sleep here. and ideas to get there, here.
In addition, the ages old practice of creating 'dream pillows' or sleep pillows can be very helpful. I've made many over the years. In fact, they were great 'sellers' at my shop Studio Botanica, many years ago. I made them with silk and organza but the most basic dream pillow is just as effective and can be made with a simple muslin draw-string bag filled with a herbal blend.
Make these Herbal Dream pillows to promote sweet dreams + avoid nightmares:
¼ part hops (use the flowers or 'strobiles')
1 part lavender flowers
½ part mugwort
¼ part rosemary
1 part roses (petals)
I have always been a traveler and love to take something scented, from home, to bring a sense of the 'familiar' to my hotel room. I always travel with lavender essential oil and sometimes I remember to include a sachet of lavender or a tiny dream pillow, made with the blend above.
For a quick but much appreciated gift, add this herbal blend to a colourful organza bag. They range in size from 2" square to much larger.
If you or anyone you know, has children who have difficulty falling asleep or are having nightmarish dreams ~ this idea can truly be helpful. Mugwort, in particular is our herbal ally in this case. This is a super project for families to do together. It's a good thing!
GREAT sleeps are important.
Here's to your sweet dreams! xo Carol
Angela Stanton
Do you have an alternative to lavender and rose petals as I cannot tolerate those smells due to them giving me headaches. I have chemical sensitivity and for some reason I cant tolerate flowers of any kind.
Carol Little
HI Angela. yes. Just make without the rose and lavender. The 'sleep inducing' ingredients are actually in the other ingredients.. The floral addition is just for that.. a floral addition.. Hops. Mugwort. So many gentle sleep-promoting herbs without the flowers! Hope that helps!!
Elaina Newton
This is such a neat idea! I love using my oils to help me relax before bed, but a herb sachet is a great way to take comforting herbs & scents with you on-the-go. Also...mugwort always makes me giggle when I see it cause it makes me think of Harry Potter. ;)
Renee Kohley
Oh I really need to do this! I have one little one that has a hard time sleeping at first in the night - and sometimes momma too!
Tash
I always keep a few of these in my dresser to keep clothing smelling fresh! I should probably try the dream pillows for what they actually are ;)
Alessandra Macaluso
This came at the perfect time - I have a store-bought lavender pillow, but it's just now starting to lose its scent! Thanks :)
linda spiker
As someone who struggles with sleep I really appreciate these natural helpers!