Basic Instructions

For a simple pillow, fill a 3- to 5-inch drawstring bag with ¼ to ½ cup of chosen herbs; draw strings and tie closed.

For a more decorative bag, fold a 5-inch-by-12-inch cloth in and stitch up two of the open sides (the folded side does not need to be stitched). Launder with no fragrance or fabric softener. Place a cotton ball-sized amount of cotton or fiberfill material in the bottom of the pocket. Add about ½ cup of herbs, fold over the remaining open side and stitch shut.

Reduce Stress with This Blend

For this relaxing dream pillow, mix ½ cup hops (Humulus lupulus), ½ cup mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and ⅛ cup sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana). Let the fragrances carry you to a stress-free zone.

Convalescent Rest

Two tablespoons each of lavender flowers (Lavandula angustifolia), catnip (Nepeta cataria), lilac blossoms, mugwort and marjoram with 1 teaspoon of spearmint (Mentha spicata) or peppermint (Mentha ×piperita) can help give hospital patients relief from the powerful odors surrounding them.

No More Nightmares

If nightmares are troubling you, this comforting blend can ease your mind. Mix ¼ cup rose petals, ¼ cup rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), ¼ cup lavender flowers and ¼ cup hops.

Treat Yourself to Restful Sleep

Let this mixture take you away to the safest place in the world, where there are no worries and all your needs are fulfilled. Mix ¼ cup lavender flowers, ¼ cup mugwort and ¼ cup hops for this restful dream pillow blend.