Like pimples and cellulite, bags under your eyes and tired skin do not
look good. Don't even get me started on the weight gain (recent
research suggests that poor sleepers, in an attempt to stay awake
during the day, overeat).
Stressed out people (who among us isn't), people with back and neck
problems, and those who suffer from headaches, fatigue, allergies,
etc. could increase the quality of their beauty rest by taking a cue
from our friends in the East and sleeping on buckwheat pillows. (The
Japanese have been sleeping on buckwheat pillows for over 600 years).
I got one a few months ago and love the way it supports my head and
neck (I'm one of those migraine sufferers). The quality of my sleep is
much improved.
Buckwheat pillows are generally smaller than regular pillows
(buckwheat is heavy), and are filled with cleaned buckwheat hulls. The
hulls shift regularly with your movements, contour to your body's
natural curves, and, by circulating freely, keep a constant
temperature that's warm in winter and cool in summer. Additionally,
the pillows can be frozen to help alleviate aches. (Just don't heat,
as this can shorten the life of the pillow.) A good buckwheat pillow
will last 10-15 years.
Just what is buckwheat anyway?
Contrary to popular belief, buckwheat is not a grain, but rather a
fruit related to the rhubarb family. It's loaded with nutrients,
especially protein, and its dark, gritty flour is used for baking.
Buckwheat hulls are what's left over after the substance is stripped
of its fruit; the hulls are used for pillowmaking.
Good sources of 100% organic buckwheat pillows:
Northern Naturals: www.northernaturals.com
Many Moons Organic Buckwheat Pillows
BuckwheatCo.: www.buckwheattherapy.com
Or, if you want to go all Martha Stewart on us, go to her site and
make your own:
www.marthastewart.com
What to do with your old down pillows? Use them as decorative
accents...or have a good old fashioned pillow fight.
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