The Japanese were the first to discover the benefits of buckwheat some 6,000 years ago. They started using it in their bedding, mattresses, and pillows, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the West finally saw this and started to accept its countless benefits. It was then that the sleep industry saw an opportunity and started investing in buckwheat pillows.
Origin of the word “buckwheat”: Synonymous with beech wheat, buckwheat got its name from its triangular-shaped seed, which bore a resemblance to the larger seeds of the beech tree. The word "wheat" was added to it due to the fact that in earlier times, buckwheat seeds were used as wheat.
What Is Buckwheat?
Fagopyrum esculentum, more commonly known as buckwheat, was mistaken for a grain for a long time. However, it is, in fact, a fruit, a relative of the rhubarb family. Pillows are stuffed with the outer hulls of these fruits, the ones that protect the kernel. Before becoming the filling, they are carefully roasted to remove all dust particles that may have gotten into them when picked from the fields.
What Are The Benefits That A Buckwheat Pillow Offers?
First and foremost, unlike any other pillow stuffing, they are eco-friendly. The filling of organic buckwheat hulls is a renewable resource. Second, they are highly cost-effective. When compared with other foam-filled pillows, they last at least 2-4 years longer, making them budget-friendly and inexpensive. They provide great neck and head support, as the filling corresponds to the shape and weight of the body while sleeping. Lastly, they allow the natural circulation of air between individual hulls, ensuring that the pillow offers the optimal temperature in every season.
What Makes Buckwheat Special?
The characteristics that make them special are their comfortable nature, easy moldability, and the firm support they offer. They are easy to refill in case the user feels he/she wants it to be firmer and higher. The hull can also be removed if one has low height requirements. These pillows are ideal for people who occasionally suffer from headaches, a stiff neck, or back pain, and help relieve the pressure and strain on the spinal cord.
How Long Do They Last?
When you invest in a good and high-quality buckwheat pillow, it is guaranteed to last longer than other specialty pillows, even up to 10-12 years if handled with care. When special care is taken, such as the outer protector being regularly washed and the pillow being frequently set in the sunlight to dry out any moisture caused by hot flashes or precipitation, they can last even longer than that.
Can Everyone Use Buckwheat Pillows?
In one simple word, YES! Buckwheat pillows are ideal for anyone who wishes to enjoy a peaceful slumber. They have become so popular that many physicians and medical experts have started to recommend using them to their patients suffering from conditions like insomnia, snoring, migraines, or menopausal night sweats.
Do go though our other readings on buckwheat pillows and the advantages they offer on our website to better understand what makes them an ideal pillow choice!