Buckwheat Pillows

Aromatherapy pertains to the use of aromatic herbs and oils derived from them for psychological and physical well-being. Aromatherapy has been used for embalming, as well as for medicinal, spiritual, and also for fragrance and cosmetic purposes.

Although the term “aromatherapy” was not coined until the 20th century, the practice of aromatherapy dates back thousands of years.

The Chinese may have been one of the first to use aromatic plants to help create harmony and balance. Later, the Egyptians are known to have developed a crude distillation process to extract cedarwood oil. Persia and India may have also used herbal preparations.

Greek mythology credited the gods with the gift and knowledge of perfumes. The Roman Empire drew from the knowledge of the Greeks and Egyptians, and had books describing the aromatic properties of over 500 plants.

Lavender is known to have been grown in the 12th century for its aroma and as an aid to sleeping. Chamomile, or camomile, known as the “gentle herb”, also goes back to the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, who all used it medicinally, and as a soothing agent among other things.

A degree of caution needs to be observed when using these herbs in conjunction with pillows, as there are a few people who can be allergic to these herbs, so responsible suppliers of pillows with aromatic herbs always provide the herbs in a separate aromatherapy sachet so that those who may be allergic to them can choose to keep the herbs separate from their pillows. For the vast majority of us, however, The use of lavender or camomile sachets placed in our pillows provides a powerful, but gentle and soothing aid to quickly falling asleep.