Lavender flowers add a great scent to heat therapy pillows.
Certain aromas help us relax and find new energy. Put heat on an aching muscle or around chilly shoulders and relax into the warmth. Marry scent and warmth together and you create an even more effective way to relax and unwind.
Aromas and warmth can bring gentle relief and healing where there is discomfort. Aromatherapy pillows or wraps that can be heated are just one way to utilize this therapy combination.
Instructions
Making Your Pillow
1. Cotton print makes lovely aromatherapy pillows.
Cut two 6-inch-by-12-inch rectangles out of soft, durable, cotton fabric. Cut another 4-inch-by-6-inch piece of fabric for a pocket. Stitch a 1/4-inch hem all the way around the pocket piece..
2. Use a fabric fastener to keep the herb packet in the pocket.
Center a 4 1/2-inch length of fabric fastener loop across the inside top of one of the longer sides. This should leave a 1/4-inch gap between the edge of the hem and the fastener on each side. Stitch in place.
3. Center the pocket fabric, right side up, on the right side of one of the larger rectangles. Pin into place. Center the hook portion of the fabric fastener directly under the loop section.
4. Unpin the sides of the pocket and stitch the fastener hooks onto the larger rectangle. Pin the pocket back in place and stitch.
5. Pin the two large rectangles with the right sides together. Stitch together, leaving a 1 1/2-inch gap in the center of one side. Turn the material right side out.
6. Flax seed creates a nice moist heat with a very neutral aroma.
Use a funnel to pour 6 to 8 ounces of flax seed into the pillow. Top-stitch the gap closed.
Making Herb Packets
7. Jasmine flowers have a nice, relaxing aroma.
Powder the jasmine flowers, lavender flowers, chamomile flowers and mint leaves separately using the mortar and pestle or a food processor. Set each powder aside in a bowl.
8. Mint leaves have an energizing aroma.
Spoon one tablespoon of herb into a tea bag and seal. You may also create an herb mix.
9. Chamomile brings a calming energy.
Store the herb packets in plastic bags. Do not mix herb packets in the bags. Use one bag for each variety of herb packet.
Use the Pillow
10. Heat your pillow in the microwave.
Heat the flax pillow in a microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove carefully from the microwave. It will be hot.
11. Add a packet of herb to the pocket and allow the pillow to sit about 30 seconds for the herb packet to warm.
12. When the pillow comes out of the microwave, use a towel to buffer your skin from the heat.
Put a small towel between your skin and the pillow to prevent it from being too warm. As it cools, remove the towel and allow the pillow to rest on the skin. The pillow will stay warm for about 10 to 15 minutes before it needs to be reheated.
13. Remove the herb packet before reheating for 90 seconds to prevent overheating.
Tags: herb packet, fabric fastener, right side, allow pillow, herb packets