Dream Pillows made from herbs make great gifts for family and friends. They are safe to use with adults and children unless they have allergies. If they do, test them out while awake first to see if any adverse affects occur like stuffy nose or rash.
Dream Pillow History
Dream pillows were used in the Middle Ages and Renaissance to put babies and adults into blissful sleep. They banished headaches, depression, suppressed scary dreams, and sometimes enhanced good dreams and allowed for dreams of the prophetic variety.
Herbs were sewn into pillows and laid at the top of the bed. Sometimes, certain herbs were included in the pillows to tell a person what they had to do to become prosperous or to tell whom they would marry.
Notably, sanitary conditions during this time were not very good. There were no underground sewers and waste flowered through the streets in open ditches. Dream pillows filled with herbs served to masked the odors of the atmosphere, making for more pleasant sleeping conditions.
Making Dream Pillows
Dream pillows are easily to make. They consist of a muslin pillow filled with herbs, spices, and dried flowers encased in an outer pillow made of pretty fabric and embellished with ribbon or embroidery.
Materials
- Muslin
- Other cloth such as organza, silk, velvet, chintz or cotton with a pretty design
- Potpourri
- Scissors
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Needles
- Ribbon and other decorations
How to Make a Dream Pillow
- Cut muslin in two equally sized squares. Size depends on the desired size of the completed pillow. Make a small pillow to slip inside the case of a bed pillow by cutting the squares 4 to 5 inches. Rectangles are also suitable at 3 by 5 inches. This inner pillow holds the dried material and is encased in a prettier cover.
- Sew along three edges of the muslin squares sewing them together with a 5/8 inch seam allowance.
- Turn right side out so seams are inside and set aside.
- Cut two pieces of satin or other material about 1/2 inch larger than the inner pillow. A 4 inch square inner pillow will require a 4 1/2 “ square outer pillow. If embroidery is desired, do it before the outer pillow is sewn together.
- Place the wrong sides of the squares facing each other and sew three sides together. Turn right side out. This cover is easily made removable to wash by turning down and the raw edges and hand sewing them to make a small hem on each side of the open end. Attach Velcro strips or sew on small snaps to make it stay closed.
- Fill the inner pillow with potpourri. Do not stuff it full or it will feel like a big lump under the head. Leave it loose and flat. Turn raw edges of the open side under and hand sew the whole pillow shut.
- Insert the inner pillow into the out pillow case and seal it shut. Inner pillows are easily renewed by cutting the hand sewn edge open and filling it with new potpourri.
Using Potpourri in Dream Pillows
Make potpourri at home using a glass bowl and plastic or wooden utensils that do not absorb scents and pass it on. Combine different dried materials to find just the right combination. Keep scents mild so they are not overpowering.
Essential oils may enhance the scent too much but 2 or 3 drops added to an entire bowl of potpourri is suitable. Fixatives like Orris root keep the scent strong longer but also may cause headaches in some people. One tablespoon to a bowl of potpourri should keep scent strong and still not cause problems.
Herbs believed to promote a restful sleep include lavender, rose petals, catnip, calendula and rosemary. Herbs to induce prophetic dreams include Clary sage, mimosa and mint (used sparingly). Herbs for dreams of love are spicy and strong including cinnamon stick, cloves, jasmine and lemongrass. Those that dispel bad dreams are chamomile, lemon balm, anise (used sparingly), cedar, mugwort, mullein and rosemary.
Make your own combinations to give friends and family the right kind of dreams and to help them snooze all through the night.
Sources
- Siegel-Maier, Karyn; Herbal Musings; Sweet Dreams - Making Herbal Dream Pillows
- Superb Herbs, Natural Remedies for the Home; Sachets and Dream Pillows
- Craft Ideas, Natural Potpourri Wreath
Deborah Harding - Deborah Harding has developed recipes, worked with herbs and written home school curriculum for over 20 years.
