Why aren’t eye pillows standard equipment in
today’s world? Whether you’re a harried business executive or an
overwrought homemaker, taking a few moments to sit back and slip
this lavender-filled pillow over your eyes can transport you beyond
the cares of the daily world.
This eye pillow is easy to make, but it can look as lavish as
you’d like. For a gift, make it from luxurious fabrics such as
silk, brocade, or satin. Embellish it with ribbons, delicate
beading, or bits of fine lace.
The popularity of lavender as an aromatic and healing herb spans
centuries. Greeks and Romans added it to their bathwater. During
the Middle Ages, housewives strewed lavender stalks on floors to
mask household odors, and the British herbalist Gerard prescribed
lavender to alleviate a “light migram or swimming of the
braine.”
More recently, research has confirmed the wisdom of these
traditions. Lavender indeed calms the nerves and relaxes the
muscles, helping those who need a short, restful interlude or an
introduction to quiet slumber. Those who use it also report a
brighter mood and improved spirits after combining a short rest
with the scent of lavender.
The gentle, long-lasting aroma of lavender released from our eye
pillow can help soothe tired eyes and calm an anxious mind. Silk or
cotton on one side feels pleasant next to the skin while the sheer
fabric on the other side reveals the pretty lavender buds. Flaxseed
adds just enough weight to keep the pillow comfortably in place and
helps block the light for better rest during daylight hours.
We chose lavender for our eye pillow, but a number of other
herbs can be mixed to create soothing scents. You may wish to try a
lemon-scented eye pillow, substituting equal parts of dried lemon
verbena, lemon thyme, and lemon balm for the lavender. Another
traditional favorite is a combination of dried rose petals with
dried rose-scented pelargonium leaves in place of the lavender.
Both dried sweet woodruff and dried hops are long-time friends of
the weary.