CHAMOMILE + LAVENDER EYE PILLOW
You are an extraordinary human being. You wear many hats in life, more hats than one can count. You are truly a selfless person, always putting others’ needs before your own with no expectations or agenda — you simply want to make those around you feel loved. Seldom will you sit down to unwind because in your eyes there is always something that needs to be done. Your unwavering support and dedicated friendship are beyond appreciated and now it is time to shift your focus to the most special person in this universe; yes, I am talking about you. You are the only one of you that exists, and goodness are we incredibly lucky to have you. So please take a moment to acknowledge your beautiful soul, breathe in this precious moment, let go and…relax.
I just described my mom and if you are reading this and are anything like her, you might need a tiny bit of assistance in the finding tranquility department. Do not worry, I have got you covered with this homemade eye pillow filled with soothing chamomile and lavender flowers and flaxseed for added weight in assisting with eye stimuli and tension.
As a general supporter for meditation, relaxation, and sleep, this DIY chamomile and lavender eye pillow is a lovely way to discover mental and physical repose. Remember, you deserve it.
MAKING A CHAMOMILE + LAVENDER EYE PILLOW
The first step in creating an eye pillow is selecting your fabric. Once you have got that sorted, I do recommend pre-washing your fabric with a natural laundry detergent before beginning your sewing project. If you are using linen to create your eye pillow, I would suggest washing it several times as it can shrink up to 10% after several washes. After washing and ironing your selection, measure and cut the fabric.
Cut two pieces of fabric using sewing shears or a rotary cutter measuring 10“ long by 4.5“ wide each; always exercise caution with sharp objects. Once the fabric has been cut to size, place the right sides together, and pin along the edges. A note worth mentioning: you will want to leave a slight opening on one of the edges to add your ingredients.
If this is your first time sewing, let me take a brief moment to explain the definition of right side and wrong side. The right side, also known as the face, or the front side, of the fabric is the printed or pretty surface of the fabric. Some fabrics have a finish on the right side that clearly defines that side as the face of the fabric. The wrong side, also known as the back side, of the fabric is the non-printed surface where you typically fold your hem so that the right side is the finished side. There is not a right or wrong side on linen or muslin fabric, so either side works.
Using a sewing machine and straight stitch foot, start at one corner and begin to sew forward, add a backstitch, and then continue sewing with a 1/4” seam allowance. When you arrive at a corner, leave the needle in the fabric about 1/4” away from the edge, lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric, then put the presser foot down again and continue to sew along the pinned edge. Repeat the straight edge stitch with a 1/4” seam allowance. When you come to the end (where you have left a space to add the ingredients), backstitch again, lift up the needle and presser foot, and cut the connecting threads.
Clip the corners of the fabric diagonally with sewing shears to eliminate the extra fabric. Then, turn your fabric right side out (I find utilizing a chopstick really helps with this step).
Using a funnel, add in 1-1/4 cups of organic flaxseed, 1/2 cup of organic dried chamomile flowers, and 1/2 cup of organic dried lavender flowers. If you would also like to add essential oils to your natural chamomile and lavender eye pillow, you can place all of your ingredients in a bowl, add 4-6 drops of your preferred essential oil, and mix everything together. Those with allergies to the Asteraceae plant family should eliminate the dried chamomile flowers from this DIY. Simply substitute it with additional dried lavender flowers.
To sew the top section, fold the fabric about 1/2” into the pouch and pin the layers together. Using the sewing machine and straight stitch foot, sew the layers together with a 1/4” seam allowance, removing the pins as you go. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitch. When you have reached the end, lift up the needle and presser foot, and cut the connecting threads.
UNDERSTANDING THE INGREDIENTS
DRIED CHAMOMILE FLOWERS
I once heard chamomile flowers being referred to as an “herbal hug.” When you find yourself under stress and emotionally spent, turn to chamomile for support. Chamomile flowers have an array of influential constituents ideal for unwinding, mitigating agitation, and nurturing mental peace. Chamomile flowers are often used in herbal preparations for their antispasmodic and sedative properties, which renders them a beautiful addition to an eye pillow.
Note: Those with allergies to the Asteraceae plant family should eliminate the dried chamomile flowers from this DIY. Simply substitute it with additional dried lavender flowers.
DRIED LAVENDER FLOWERS
Dried lavender flowers add a restorative component to this eye pillow. The simple aroma of lavender has been studied for its calming effects. When I feel overwhelmed or nervous, placing a lavender eye pillow over my eyes and inhaling several times, prompts an instant surge of release. The soothing properties of lavender may lower the heart rate and blood pressure, supporting the parasympathetic nervous system.
If you have trouble falling asleep try placing a lavender eye pillow on your face as you lay your head down. In one study, the scent of lavender increased the percentage of slow-wave sleep in both men and women. 1 In the same study, it was determined that lavender has mild sedative properties useful in promoting deep slumber.
FLAXSEED
Flaxseed adds weight and structure to the eye pillow, helping to engage a key relaxation pressure point between the eye brows. In Chinese medicine, this is called the Yin Tang, or third eye, and it has the ability to relieve anxiety, possibly even insomnia. The third eye and the drilling bamboo pressure points are also believed to reduce headaches and eye strain.
The shape and weighted sensation of the pillow conforms to the eye area, blocking out light. The absence of light triggers a signal to the brain to release melatonin to enter into a more peaceful state, stilling the body and preparing it for a restful night of sleep.
As a seed, flaxseed contains oils - it is these oils that give the eye pillow its ability to hold heat. If you are an individual who prefers heat therapy, flaxseed is a wonderful ingredient to utilize for this purpose. I personally enjoy a cold sensation over my eyes and face, especially when battling headaches, so I often place my chamomile and lavender eye pillow in the freezer.
NATURAL FABRIC
Linen is a great natural option for an eye pillow. It is a woven textile originating from the flax crop, an eco-conscious and sustainable crop, needing very little irrigation during growth, whilst also being inherently pest-resistant. The fabric is processed without chemicals, is biodegradable, and offers antibacterial and hypoallergenic traits. Linen is also long lasting, stronger than cotton, and can be washed many times without losing its shape. The touch and feel of linen is really lovely to use in an eye pillow for its breathability. Linen is a bit more costly than other textiles, so I always like to add that organic muslin and flannel are suitable options, as well.
Note: You will need either a sewing machine or needle and thread for this chamomile and lavender eye pillow. If you are not an expert seamstress, no worries at all! This is a super easy sewing project for beginners.
DIY CHAMOMILE + LAVENDER EYE PILLOW
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups organic flaxseed
1/2 cup organic dried chamomile flowers
1/2 cup organic dried lavender flowers
Materials
linen or muslin fabric
cotton thread
iron
ruler
sewing shears or rotary cutter
sewing pins
sewing machine
funnel
Instructions
After pre-washing and ironing your fabric, cut two pieces of fabric measuring 10“ long by 4.5“ wide each.
Place the right sides together and pin along the edges. Remember to leave a space to add the ingredients.
Begin sewing from one corner of the eye pillow, add a backstitch, then continue sewing with a 1/4” seam allowance.
When you arrive at a corner, leave the needle in the fabric about 1/4” away from the edge, lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric, put the presser foot down again and continue to sew along the pinned edge.
When you come to the end (where you have left a space to add the ingredients), backstitch again, lift up the needle and presser foot, and cut the connecting threads.
Using sewing shears, clip the fabric corners diagonally to eliminate extra fabric. Then turn your fabric right side out.
Add in flaxseed, dried chamomile flowers, and dried lavender flowers.
To sew the top section, fold the fabric about 1/2” into the pouch and pin the layers together.
With the sewing machine and straight stitch foot, sew the layers together with a 1/4” seam allowance, removing the pins as you go. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitch.
When you have reached the end, lift up the needle and presser foot, and cut the connecting threads.
How to Use
There are several ways to relish in the benefits of your chamomile and lavender eye pillow. For a thermotherapy effect, place in the microwave for 30 seconds. Lay the heated pillow flat over your eyes so the ingredients are able to evenly disperse throughout the pack and provide uniform heat.
If you favor a cooler sensation, place your chamomile and lavender eye pillow in the freezer until ready to use. Or simply enjoy it at room temperature.
