While waiting to be seen in the ER for a minor emergency, I flipped through a homemaking magazine from 1998 and found a short set of craft instructions for a buckwheat hull pillow. Always interested in substitutes for animal products, I looked into this alternative stuffing.
Buckwheat hull pillows have been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years and are still a favorite in the East. More recently, they have become a popular choice for people who suffer allergic reactions to down pillows or conventional pillow filling. Since buckwheat is not truly a wheat, grass, or grain, it won't cause any reactions.
Buckwheat hull pillows can make sleep more peaceful even for those who do not suffer from allergies. The hulls don't pack together, allowing for air to flow through, which keeps your head cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The pillows won't flatten over time due to the spaces between the hulls. This makes the pillow conform to your unique shape, reducing neck pain.
Buckwheat pillows used regularly require a bit more maintenance than standard pillows. Every six months, wash the case that holds the buckwheat (after taking out the hulls) and sift the hulls to remove any broken pieces before placing them back in the case.
These pillows are easy to find. After I quick search I found them online at www.bioproductcenter.com and www.thebirkettmills.com. You can also buy them at Brookstone and similar stores.
If you're the crafty type, you can sew your own cases and buy buckwheat hulls in bulk from dried herb sources for about $2.25 a pound, though some retailers sell them for as much as $8.75.
This lightweight stuffing provides cool, comfortable sleep and is a happy alternative to cruel down-filled pillows.
--Rachel is a junior in high school, and she's been vegetarian since 6th grade. She admires veg celebrities who, she believes, "are fulfilling a social responsibility that comes with being in the public eye."
