Herbal Beauty Potions

• hops

• clove

• cinnamon

• lavender (mentally relaxing; banishes sadness)

• lemon balm or lemon verbena (soothing)

• catnip or marjoram (both mildly sedative)

• chamomile (calming)

 Be sure all the ingredients are completely dry before combining them, then store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place for 4 or 5 days. Use 1 or 2 of the sedative varieties mentioned above as a base, then add rose petals or leaves, mint, any of the lemon-scented herbs, linden blossoms, or indeed any favorite herb or spice fragrance. Once you've decided on the blend, you're ready to make the bag itself. It should be flat, even after it's filled, so it is comfortable to lie on, and not too large; or make one for the bedpost. Seam three sides of the rectangle, pink the top, then tie on with a satin ribbon.

Sleep Pillow ideas:

1. Even babies can benefit. A sleep pillow filled with dill (an herb seldom used for adults) will lull them to sleep when they're restless.

2. Stitch one up in muslin and keep it handy to insert in a pillow case or small boudoir pillow.

3. If sewing isn't your forte, simply fill the center of a lacy handkerchief, gather the corners, and wrap with ribbon.

4. Keep your herb pillow nearby for an hour or so before you go to bed, then either sleep on it or keep it close to your head. Enjoy the gentle fragrance as you drift off and slop into the sweetest of dreams.

By Cheryl Porada