Dream pillows have been used for centuries, for a variety of reasons: warding off evil spirits and winning back old lovers, protecting one's child from nightmares, successfully achieving sleep during travel (or next to a snoring mate!) They've often be used to enhance one's ability to experience intense (sometimes lucid) dreaming.This is the original dream pillow recipe.
Mugwort ( Artemisia Vulgaris) Used in a dream pillow, it can invoke prophetic dreams. When steeped in water to make a tea it is used to wash crystal balls, scrying mirrors and scrying bowls. Set a few leaves under a crystal ball to inhance visions. Hang a sprig over doorways or windows to keep evil spirits away.
Hops (Humulus lupulus): Hops have tonic, nervine, diuretic and anodyne properties. Their volatile oil produces sedative and soporific effects, and the Lupamaric acid or bitter principle is stomachic and tonic. Hops are known to improve the appetite and promote sleep.
Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla): Chrysin, a flavonoid component of Chamomile, is the chemical attributed to Chamomile’s ability to relieve anxiety and promote sleep. Chamomile is known to reduce the histamine-based swelling produced by allergic reactions, and is an excellent solution when congested sinuses or food allergies contribute to sleeplessness.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis / lavandula angustifolia): Lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Use of lavender essential oil is believed to result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.