The chips, or shavings, are most suitable for potpourri. Native to Arabia and Ethiopia, the bark of this tree produces a bitter tasting gum once used as a cure for sore throat, and was burned by the sun worshippers of Heliopolis each day at noon until the mid-1700s. A powder form of myrrh is easily obtainable, and best suited for potpourri. These are just a sampling of potential fixative ingredients, to which you may add endless combinations of herbs and flowers to complete your potpourri. Once you have made your potpourri mixture, store it away from direct heat or sunlight in airtight glass jars or tins for about one month to allow a heady fragrance to develop.
Various materials are suitable for pillow coverings, such as velvet, silk, or chintz.
A layer of muslin or cotton should be placed between two evenly sized squares of material, which can be 12 to 18 inches, or whatever size you care to make the pillow. On this layer, the potpourri is added, and another thin layer of cotton or muslin is placed on top. The muslin layers will make the pillow soft and help prevent the plant material from bunching into one corner. Quilt batting is ideal for herbal pillows since the middle layers of cotton are built into the fabric. Another trick to prevent bunching is to knot a few threads through all the layers once the seams have been securely secured closed by needle and thread, or with a sewing machine.