When kids become too energetic, overstimulated, or in need of a break, we give them a time-out. This brief period allows them to cool down, rest their senses, and reset mentally. Adults need cooling-off periods, too.
Herbs can be valuable allies during this restorative time, offering calming scents that support relaxation and clarity. A cooling herbal sachet filled with lavender, rosemary, and salt offers gentle weight, soothing aroma, and a chilled sensation that can feel especially refreshing in the summer heat.
I like to take an eight-minute power nap around midday while using a small pillow or sachet to cover my eyes. The gentle pressure, combined with instant darkness, quickly reduces outside stressors and offers a refreshing mental reboot.
Lavender for Relaxation
Rosemary for Clarity and Sleep
Salt for Cooling and Comfort
Heating or cooling sachets are typically filled with materials such as rice or small pits, such as cherry pits. These fillings serve various purposes, including heat retention and added weight. For cooling sachets, salt can be particularly beneficial:
As a drying agent, salt absorbs ambient humidity and functions as a moisture-regulating carrier. This keeps dried herbs fresh for longer and preserves the potency of their essential oils.
Salt retains temperature well. When placed in the freezer, salt crystals can be used as an ice pack; salt placed in the freezer maintains a cool temperature longer than herbs or cotton.
A comforting factor of a sachet is its texture and weight. Salt complements both and allows for a gentle, conforming pressure that relieves tension in the eye area, which is saturated with nerves that correspond with our emotions.
Growing and Harvesting Herbs
Both lavender and rosemary are readily available as precut herbs in well-stocked grocery stores or as plants from nurseries. They are also easy to grow on a sunny windowsill or balcony, so you can harvest your own fresh herbs straight from the pot.
Lavender and rosemary are hardy, woody perennials originating from the Mediterranean, preferring well-drained soil and full sunlight. Just be sure to dry them completely before adding them to the sachet.
They are both best harvested in the height of summer, lavender when it is in full bloom, with a pair of scissors or some garden clippers. To dry the cuttings, bundle them and hang upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area until they are crisp to the touch.
Sewing Your Sachet Bag
Of course, you can buy a small premade sachet bag. I suggest purchasing one made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen. However, you can also add the extra rewarding step of making your own, through easy hand stitching or machine sewing.
Size of the Finished Sachet: 10 inches by 2 1/2 inches
Approximate Project Time: 30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials
1 piece of cotton or linen fabric, 6 1/2 inches by 10 inches, for the inner pouch. This can be a plain fabric without print, since it will not show on the finished sachet.
1 piece of cotton or linen fabric large enough to cut two 4-inch by 10 1/2-inch rectangles and one 7-inch by 4-inch rectangle for the outer cover. You can pick your favorite print, since this fabric will show.
Matching colored thread, if desired.
Needle for hand-stitching or a sewing machine.
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.
Cutting mat or a board that can take cut marks.
Cutting Guide
To make cooling herbal eye-sachet bags, you will need one inner pouch that holds the salt and dried herbal mixture, and one outer cover that you can remove and wash if needed.
Cut one rectangular piece, 6 1/2 inches by 10 inches, for your inner pouch. Fold in half along the long side, and press the folded side with your finger. The double-layered, folded piece will measure 3 1/4 inches by 10 inches.
Sewing Instructions
Both pieces are now ready for the filling.
Prepare the Sachet Filling
All herbs used need to be well-dried and brittle to the touch.
1 bunch of dried lavender, approximately 1/3 cup
1 bunch of dried rosemary, approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup
1 cup Himalayan rock salt
Using a small dish, use your fingers to strip the flowers from the lavender stems; then do the same with the rosemary leaves.
Assembling the Herbal Sachets
Do not place the sachet over irritated skin or eyes. Avoid use if you are sensitive or allergic to lavender, rosemary, or strong scents.
How to Use
To use the sachet, chill it in the freezer for about one hour, then place it over closed eyes while lying down. Breathe slowly and let the cool weight and soothing aroma help reset your mind.
Store the sachet in a sealed bag in the freezer or in a cool, dry place between uses. If the fabric becomes damp, stained, or starts to leak salt or herbs, wash the outer cover and replace or repair the inner pouch before using it again.
