Certified organic buckwheat hulls (sometimes referred to as husks) are used in pillows, lumbar supports, pet beds, and other items that would traditionally use cotton batting or another toxin laden substance. These pillows and supports are thought to be superior to those filled with more traditional materials.
Benefits of Buckwheat Hulls
Some studies indicate that sleeping on buckwheat hull pillows can increase the quality of your sleep. The pillows conform completely to the sleeper's head and neck. This can help relieve:
- Snoring
- TMJ syndrome
- Neck pain
- Back problems
- Headache
- Other spinal related problems
Since the pillow allows air to circulate through the hulls the pillow retains warmth in the winter and keeps your head cool and comfortable in the summer.
Certified organic buckwheat hulls allow you to sleep comfortably without breathing in the fumes from a variety of toxins. Since most people spend approximately one third of their lives sleeping, it is wise to make sure that the substances that you are sleeping on are safe and healthy for your body.
Making a Homemade Buckwheat Pillow
It is important that you only buy certified organic buckwheat hulls. Hulls that are brought into the United States from other countries must be fumigated to kill off any insects that could be brought into the country. Even if the hulls were grown without toxins originally, this will add chemicals to them.
There are two processes for cleaning the buckwheat hulls, the vacuum method and roasting. The roasted hulls may cost a little more. However, there is much less dust left in the hull. This is better for people who have allergies.
You can buy certified organic hulls already made up into pillows and other items or you can buy them in bulk and make your own. If you make your own items you will not only save money, you will be able to control the density of the pillow. Here are some tips when making a homemade buckwheat pillow:
- You will need about seven pounds of hulls for a normal sized pillow.
- You can either buy an organic cotton zippered liner to hold the hulls or make your own.
- Wash the liner and case often and hang to dry.
- Never wash buckwheat hulls. They should be spread in the sun every month or so to freshen.
- You can add lavender to the hulls for an even more restful sleep.
- Use cotton with a high thread count for the liner. It will wear better.
These pillows, wrist rests, and other items make wonderful gifts for any occasion. A small lavender scented buckwheat pillow or wrist rest is a welcome addition to organic gift baskets and isn't hard to make.
Suppliers of Certified Organic Buckwheat Hulls and Other Materials
If you are going to make a buckwheat hull pillow or other item, you will need to be able to find the materials that you need. Here is a list of suppliers of organic buckwheat hulls as well as organic liners, bulk herbs and other supplies.
- Many Moons Alternatives has organic buckwheat hulls in bulk as well as organic cotton by the yard.
- Save-on-Crafts has organic buckwheat hulls, lavender and other items to complete your project.
- Manna Harvest carries many organic bulk products, including buckwheat hulls.
- Botanicals carries certified organic hulls and other herbal products for a variety of purposes.
You can find simple instructions for homemade buckwheat pillows at Save-On-Crafts. Another set of instructions can be found on the Martha Stewart site.Whether you use buckwheat hulls for a pillow or a pet bed, make sure that you buy only the certified organic ones. Although they can be on the expensive side, a project made with good quality buckwheat hulls can be expected to last for years to come.
Always know your sources for your materials and buy from a reputable dealer. You want to get all of the benefits possible from your certified organic buckwheat hulls.
