Herbal wraps and pillows combine dried herbs like lavender or chamomile with flax seed to create a pliable pillow that can be heated or cooled if desired. These wraps and pillows can help you relax, soothe sore muscles or simply provide a bit of additional climate control. While spa boutiques offer a variety of herbal pillows, they're surprisingly easy to make at home.
Size
Herbal pillows can be quite small, like the eye pillows you might chill to use when resting, or large enough to wrap around your neck or back. Purchase the pillow size that works best for your needs or make herbal pillows in any size you desire. Try a 3-inch-by-10-inch pillow for your eyes, a long narrow pillow for your neck, or a wider one for your back. While smaller pillows can be made as a single pouch, larger ones require sewn channels to keep the flax and herb mixture comfortably in place.
Types
Flax seed is the ideal base material for comfortable and easy to use heating and cooling pads, according to SaveOnCrafts.com. You can also use rice or feed corn. Fresh herbs and essential oils can be added to the flax seed for aromatherapy benefits, recommends Natural-Holistic-Health.com. Lavender or chamomile are popular herbal choices. Consider adding rosemary or ylang-ylang essential oils to your herbal pillows or wraps.
Considerations
You can make an herbal pillow out of any sort of fabric. Make your pillows easier to clean by creating a simple two layer muslin pillow, then a more luxurious cover or pillowcase for it. The case can be removed and washed by hand or machine. Add 1 inch in length and width to your desired finished size. Cut four muslin rectangles to this size, then stack two together to form the front and back. Stitch around all four sides, leaving an opening to fill with flax. Use a funnel to pour your flax and herb into the pillow. Cut two rectangles from your cover fabric, but make each piece approximately 2 inches longer than the inner pillow pieces. Stitch around three sides, leaving one short end open. Fold a doubled 1-inch hem, press and sew.
Function
Cool your herbal pillow in the freezer or warm it in the microwave. Most herbal wraps need one to two minutes in the microwave. If you prefer moist heat, pour a small amount of water on your pillow before heating. Place a sheet or clothing between you and your hot or cold wrap. With regular use, your pillow should last several years, according to Natural-Holistic-Health.com.
Warning
Consider allergies and medical conditions before using a herbal heating pillow. If you are sensitive to fragrances, you can make your wrap with just pure flax to avoid problems. Consult your physician before using heat or cold to treat an injury; in some cases one or the other is preferable.
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