A lavender or camomille eye pillow can be a great addition to your self-care routine. Not only can it provide physical benefits such as relaxation and pain relief, but it can help regulating your parasympathetic nervous system by reducing anxiety and improving sleep. Here are the four main benefits of using an eye pillow.

1. Aid with sleep

Many people find that using an eye pillow before bed can help them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The relaxation and calming properties of lavender and camomille, combined with the gentle pressure that helps releasing tension in the muscles around the eyes promote a restful night’s sleep.

2. Soothe tired eyes and alleviate headache

When placed over the eyes and forehead, the pillow helps to relax the muscles around the eyes and reduce tension. This can be particularly helpful if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen or if you have tired, sore eyes. The gentle pressure of the eye pillow can also help to relieve headaches and sinus pressure.

3. Hot or cold therapy

The flaxseeds, commonly used as natural filling for eye pillows, can retain heat or cold, making them perfect for use as a hot or cold compress.

When heated, flaxseeds can help to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. A heated eye pillow can be also used to alleviate menstrual cramps while placed on the lower part of the belly. The flaxseed comes from a flower, therefore it contains about 30-40% of oil, which causes it to accumulate more heat than a grain and retain it for a longer time. After heating, the eye pillow keeps its heat for at least one hour.

While chilled, the flaxseeds influence the reduction of fever by gently and naturally lowering the body temperature. When chilled, they can help to reduce swelling and provide relief from headaches and migraines.

4. Block out light

Blocking out light with an Aromatherapy Eye Pillow during a nap, before bedtime or during yoga or meditation practice encourages your circadian rhythm to prepare for sleep and relaxation.