Eye pillows are a beautiful addition to any mindfulness practice, offering gentle pressure on the eyes that stimulates the vagus nerve and helps promote relaxation and calm. Choosing the right filling for your eye pillow can make all the difference in your meditation experience. In this blog post, we’ll compare some of the most popular fillings—rice, golden linseed, dried beans, and synthetic beads—and share why I personally love organic golden linseed for our eye pillows.
1. Rice
Rice is one of the more common fillings used in eye pillows. It’s affordable, easy to find, and provides a pleasant weight that can soothe tired eyes. However, rice has its downsides. One significant issue is its tendency to go off if it gets wet or is exposed to moisture, like when you put it in the fridge to cool it. This makes it unsuitable for use in environments with high humidity, and it also means that rice-filled pillows cannot be heated or cooled repeatedly without running the risk of developing mould or an unpleasant odour.
2. Dried Beans
Dried beans, such as lentils or black beans, are another popular option. They are durable and provide a nice weight that many find grounding. However, like rice, beans can be prone to moisture issues and may develop mould if not kept in dry conditions. They also lack any natural scent and don’t retain heat or cold particularly well, which limits their versatility compared to other fillings.
3. Synthetic Beads
Synthetic beads, often made from plastic or glass, are a more modern choice for eye pillow fillings. They offer a consistent texture and weight, and they’re resistant to moisture, which makes them suitable for both heating and cooling. However, the major downside is that they are not biodegradable and are typically made from non-renewable resources, which raises concerns about their environmental impact. Additionally, synthetic beads lack the natural scent and feel that many people enjoy in a more organic filling.
4. Golden Linseed (or flaxseed for our American friends)
Now, let’s talk about my personal favourite: organic golden linseed. There are so many reasons why this filling stands out from the rest, making it the ideal choice for relaxation eye pillows.
Organic Benefits
Firstly, choosing organic golden linseed means that you are avoiding the “nasties”—such as pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilisers—that can be found in non-organic alternatives. Organic farming practices are better for the environment, supporting soil health, reducing pollution, and promoting biodiversity. By opting for organic linseed, you’re not only doing something good for yourself but also for our beautiful planet.
Natural Scent and Shape
Golden linseed has a subtle, naturally grainy scent that is both soothing and grounding, enhancing the meditative experience. The small, smooth seeds mould perfectly to the contours of your more sensitive eye are, providing gentle pressure without feeling too heavy. Their rounded shape allows them to move fluidly, distributing weight evenly and comfortably.
Versatility: Heating and Cooling
One of the standout features of golden linseed is its versatility. Unlike rice, which can spoil or go off when exposed to moisture, linseed remains stable whether heated or chilled. You can pop your linseed-filled eye pillow into the fridge for a cooling, refreshing treat on a hot day or when suffering from hay fever, or gently warm it in the microwave for a comforting, soothing heat. This adaptability makes linseed-filled eye pillows a year-round companion for your self-care rituals.
Environmental Considerations
Golden linseed is widely available in the UK, including organic varieties, which means there’s no need for importing, thus keeping your carbon footprint low. Supporting local and organic products not only reduces transport emissions but also bolsters the local economy, making it a sustainable choice on multiple fronts.
While there are many options for eye pillow fillings, each with its own pros and cons, organic golden linseed stands out as a superior choice for those seeking a natural, environmentally friendly, and versatile option. With its gentle weight, soothing scent, and the ability to be both heated and cooled, golden linseed is an excellent companion for enhancing your meditation and relaxation practices. Plus, by choosing organic, you’re making a mindful choice for your health and the planet.
So, next time you’re in the market for a new eye pillow, consider the humble yet mighty golden linseed as filling—you might just fall in love with it, as we have!
Lot’s of love,
Nad x
#findyourbalance
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