We’ve switched to organic bedding, but organic pillows can be expensive. One less expensive solution I’ve found is to make our own organic buckwheat pillows using organic buckwheat hulls (and optional herbs) for a very comfortable and natural pillow. The same concept also works great for neck pillows and eye masks!
If you can sew a (somewhat) straight line, you can make these pillows and I actually find them more comfortable than regular pillows. If you make a whole pillow, it is more firm than a regular stuffed pillow, but also stays cooler and supports the neck better. Buckwheat hulls are pretty inexpensive, and adding herbs can help encourage restful and relaxing sleep.
I used about 5 pounds of organic buckwheat hulls and it made a pillow that was a little smaller than a regular pillow but that fit well in a regular pillowcase. I also added about 1/2 cup each of lavender, chamomile and yarrow for a gentle scent and for their relaxing aromatherapy properties. An even easier solution is to make a neck pillow that can be used with a regular pillow, or an eye mask with the herbs added to help improve sleep (and block sleep-disrupting light).
DIY Buckwheat Relaxation Pillow Tutorial
Relaxing homemade buckwheat pillows made from organic buckwheat hulls and herbs to help improve sleep.
Buckwheat Pillow Supplies Needed
- A piece of fabric big enough to make the size pillow you want- I used organic cotton muslin
- Organic Buckwheat Hulls to fill the pillow (about 5 pounds fills a normal size pillow without being too thick)
- Optional 1/2 cup lavender flowers
- Optional 1/2 cup yarrow flowers
- optional 1/2 cup chamomile flowers
Instructions
- Cut the fabric into the size and shape you want your pillow to be (allow 1/2 inch extra for seams).
- With right sides together, sew three sides and half of the remaining side, leaving an opening to fill with the buckwheat hulls.
- Turn the pillow right side out and fill with the buckwheat and herbs (if using)
- Hand sew the opening to seal and viola! You have an organic pillow!
Notes:
Make sure to use a pillowcase on any buckwheat pillow as they are not washable. I don’t recommend using with potty training toddlers (I speak from experience… buckwheat and urine=not nice together). About once a month or so, I leave the buckwheat pillows out in the sun to make sure they don’t retain any moisture and so that the sun can naturally kill any bacteria that accumulates.
Have you ever made your own pillows? Gonna try this? Share below!
I’m not very good at sewing, would this be a good alternative? I’m wondering if the barrier case would minimize the benefits of the herbs or the other case would let ingredients poke out… https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GQX3CY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006GQX3CY&linkCode=as2&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=BTVYKWWW3LT6T3RA Thanks!
Simple and clever! I am excited to try it.
what did you use as a pillow case?
I use organic cotton muslin.
I am having trouble finding organic cotton. Where do you get yours? I love your site! Thanks!
Hi Katie, is buckwheat considered a grain to be avoided or is it health-permissible to be eaten?
Can these be microwaved to use as a natural heating pad?
We don’t have a microwave, so I haven’t tried…
Heating buckwheat hulls under most circumstances will result in a reduction of moisture they contain, causing them to become more brittle (broken, flat hulls are less than ideal for use in a pillow).
How long do these pillows last before you recommend replacing them/making new ones?
A year or more…
I am VERY allergic to Buckwheat. What could I use for a replacement please. Any ideas would be welcomed.
You could use rice and lentils, or white rice and any kind of bean…
What about millet husks?
will the scents (lavender) last?
Great idea! I’ve added Buckwheat Hulls to my MRH “wish list” to consider buying the next time I make a purchase (I try to group things to save on the shipping.)
This sounds too easy, that means I *might* be able to pull this one off! lol