Lavender Eye Pillows

Not only do I have a habit of knitting my brow, but I struggle with insomnia. When I go to bed each night, I have become accustomed to wearing a lavender eye pillow to help relax the muscles in my forehead and calm my whirling thoughts. I like to make my own, even though I don't own a sewing machine.

Materials Needed to make a sew-less lavender eye pillow:

• A 12"x12" piece soft, flexible fabric
• Fabric glue
• Zipper
• Scissors
• 1/2 C. dried beans
• 1/2 C. dried lavender flowers

Directions:

1. Use scissors to crop fabric to appropriate size, approximately 8"x5". You will want the eye pillow to cover both eyes when filled with beans and lavender, so be sure not to cut it too small.

2. Turn fabric to wrong side. Bring long edges together. Use fabric glue to fold edges securely in place. You do not need much glue, but spread it evenly along edge to ensure fabric does not fray.

3. Bring one side of short edges together, fold and glue down. You should now have one side open, like a bag.

4. Line zipper up with open edges. Make sure that the zipper is facing the right direction! Fold and glue fabric to each side of zipper. Let your creation dry for several hours.

5. Cut zipper edges. Turn work inside-out.

6. Fill bag with beans and lavender. Zip shut.

Lavender Health Benefits:

Organic Facts states that..."the various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:

Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.

Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.

Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backacheand lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.

Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.

Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold,asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair care as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.

Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation in the body. It also lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.

Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.

Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties.It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.

Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhoea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil."