Throughout history, dreams have had a special significance in many cultures. There are written records of dream interpretations dating back to over 5,000 years old. The ancient Egyptians highly valued dreams, especially vivid ones, as they believed they were communicated from the gods. The Greeks also felt that dreams were divine messages and used interpretations of their dreams to help them make decisions, predict the future, and solve problems.
Today, dreams are still a bit of a mystery to us. Some researchers claim that they help to store memories, while others feel that they are important for resolving conflicts and regulating mood.
Poor sleep and difficulty with recall can make it hard to benefit from our dreams. Herbal dream pillows and teas can help promote peaceful sleep, vivid dreams & recall.
The herbs in these blends are naturally calming and dream boosting. Mugwort is used to enhance and promote lucid dreams. It has also traditionally been used for protection and was woven into necklaces by Native Americans to help keep away dreams about the dead.
Lavender and chamomile are calming herbs. They promote relaxation and restful sleep. Passion flower is soothing and naturally reduces stress. It aids in easing anxiety and quieting a busy or worried mind.
Oats are a natural sedative and are well-loved by herbalists for their soothing effect on the nervous system. They have been used traditionally to help calm anxiety and alleviate insomnia.
Dream Pillows
Ingredients:
- 3 parts lavender
- 3 parts roses
- 2 parts mugwort
- 1 part chamomile
- 1 part rosemary
- 1/2 part eucalyptus
Directions:
Combine all dry herbs in a large bowl and mix well. Scoop this herbal mixture into pouches sewed from fabric scraps of your choosing. Sew the pouch closed.
To use: tuck the herb sachet under your pillow to promote peaceful sleep and enhance dreams. Drink a cup of sweet dreams tea before bed for an added effect.
Sweet Dreams Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 parts chamomile
- 1 part lavender
- 1 part roses
- 1 part mugwort
- 1 part passionflower
- 1 part milky oats
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Store in a glass jar. The amount of herbs you will use depends on how much tea blend you would like to have.
To make tea – Heat water to a boil. Pour over herbs in a pot and cover tightly. Allow to steep 15-20 minutes, then enjoy before bedtime.
Enjoy the benefits of your handcrafted dream pillows and teas!
Resources:
Mountain Rose Herbs. “Mugwort.” https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/mugwort/profile
Mountain Rose Herbs. “Passionflower.” https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/passionflower/profile
Mountain Rose Herbs. “Oat straw.” https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/oatstraw/profile
WebMD. “The Health Benefits of Dreams.” http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/the-health-benefits-of-dreams