Preparation method of sleep-aiding health care pillow

Abstract

The application discloses a preparation method of a sleep-aiding health care pillow and relates to the technical field of health care pillows. The preparation method comprises the following steps: taking pinus massoniana, beishegyan and dry leaves of liquidambar formosana for use; extracting target components from the pinus massoniana, the beishegyan and the dry leaves of liquidambar formosana respectively to obtain liquid extracts of the components; mixing the residues of the pinus massoniana, the beishegyan and the dry leaves of liquidambar formosana, pressing and shaping into rectangular blocks to obtain inclusions, and forming a plurality of first through holes on the inclusions; respectively performing microcapsule treatment on the liquid extracts, adding the microcapsules into natural latex respectively, mixing, stirring and foaming to obtain a first mixed solution; and placing the inclusions into a pillow mold, introducing the first mixed solution into the pillow mold and shaping. The technical scheme provided by the application effectively improves the stability of sleep-aiding components, slows down the volatilization speed of the sleep-aiding components, guarantees the persistence of the drug effect, and presents good sleep-aiding health care functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of health-functional pillow technology, and in particular to a method for preparing a sleep-aiding health pillow. Background Technology

[0002] The pressures from various aspects of daily life cause some people to be in a sub-healthy state; among them, sleep disorders are one of the manifestations of sub-health. In addition to common herbal treatments, there are some auxiliary means to help solve sleep disorders, such as using some functional pillows.

[0003] Chinese patent CN108743832B discloses a "Pillow Core for Relieving Depression and Calming the Mind," which uses traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as lavender, jasmine, cypress seed, polygala, wheat bran, and calamus. The herbs are used in a cloth bag with a pillow to help patients reduce mental burden and excessive mental work, adjust their work and lifestyle, and ensure good sleep quality at night. Chinese patent CN104257191B discloses a "Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Pillow," which uses licorice, chuanxiong, calamus, costus root, peppermint, angelica, asarum, schizonepeta, dried ginger, sandalwood, soapberry, ligusticum, fennel, akebia, magnolia flower, and other herbs. Many traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, such as fennel, saposhnikovia root, aconite, white peony root, atractylodes rhizome, patchouli, chrysanthemum, angelica root, galangal, cinnamon, aconite, eucommia bark, notopterygium root, veratrum root, and hematite, are powdered and packaged in pillowcases to achieve corresponding health benefits. It is not difficult to see that most traditional health pillows are currently just a simple combination of a medicine bag and a pillow, which requires a large amount of Chinese medicinal herbs to achieve the corresponding health benefits, resulting in high costs. Secondly, in actual use, powdered medicine bags or other forms of medicine bags are more susceptible to external factors, and since they are only used as a headrest, strictly speaking, the properties of some medicinal herbs cannot be fully utilized. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a method for preparing a sleep-aiding health pillow to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application provides a method for preparing a sleep-aiding health pillow, the method comprising the following steps:

[0006] Step 1: Take dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana and prepare them in a mass ratio of (3-5):(2-4):1;

[0007] Step 2: Extract the target components from the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana to obtain liquid extracts of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana.

[0008] Step 3: Mix the remaining residues after extracting the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar form, press and shape them into a rectangular block, punch holes in the block to obtain an inclusion body, and form multiple first through holes on the inclusion body;

[0009] Step 4: Microencapsulate the liquid extracts of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana to obtain microcapsules of Masson pine extract, Litsea cubeba extract, and Liquidambar formosana leaf extract, respectively. Add the microcapsules to natural latex, mix, and stir to create foam to obtain the first mixture; wherein the weight ratio of natural latex to the total weight of microcapsules is (25-35):1.

[0010] Step 5: Place the inclusion body into the pillow mold, pour the first mixture into the pillow mold, solidify and form it in the steam chamber, perform vulcanization treatment after forming, and then wash and dry it.

[0011] Preferably, the sleep-aid health pillow includes a pillow core body, an inner body encased within the pillow core body, and an antibacterial coating on the outside of the pillow core body; a plurality of second through holes are formed through the pillow core body, and the first through holes communicate with the second through holes.

[0012] Preferably, step 2 further includes the following step:

[0013] Extraction of Masson pine liquid extract: Weigh the specified mass of Masson pine needles, cut them into small pieces and grind them. Wrap them in gauze and soak them in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours. After soaking, evaporate the solvent and add the residue to 70% ethanol for reflux extraction. Add 75°C purified water to the extract and filter it. After cooling, extract with n-butanol. Recover the extract under reduced pressure and evaporate the solvent to obtain Masson pine liquid extract.

[0014] Preferably, step 2 further includes the following step:

[0015] Extraction of Litsea cubeba liquid extract: Weigh the specified mass of Litsea cubeba, grind it, wrap it in gauze, add 95% ethanol for reflux extraction, take out the extract and heat it in a water bath to evaporate the solvent to obtain the Litsea cubeba liquid extract.

[0016] Preferably, step 2 further includes the following step:

[0017] Liquid extract from dried Liquidambar formosana leaves:

[0018] Weigh out a specified amount of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves, grind them, spray with an acetic acid solution with a pH of 5.0, stir and let stand for 1-1.5 hours, then add 60% ethanol solution and place in an ultrasonic extractor at 30 kHz, 500 W power and 55 °C for ultrasonic extraction. After extraction, filter, concentrate under reduced pressure, add petroleum ether to the concentrate for extraction, and concentrate the extract under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves.

[0019] Preferably, in step 4, the microcapsule treatment includes the following steps:

[0020] Cyclodextrin was dissolved in an aqueous solution and stirred in a water bath to obtain an aqueous cyclodextrin solution;

[0021] Liquid extracts of Pinus massoniana, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana leaves were added to different cyclodextrin aqueous solutions for encapsulation.

[0022] The encapsulated products were subjected to vacuum filtration and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules of Pinus massoniana extract, Litsea cubeba extract, and Liquidambar formosana leaf extract.

[0023] Preferably, the mass ratio of the pine liquid extract to the cyclodextrin aqueous solution is 1:(8-10);

[0024] The mass ratio of the liquid extract of Litsea cubeba to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10);

[0025] The mass ratio of the liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10).

[0026] Preferably, step 3 further includes the following steps: after extracting the remaining residue from the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana, 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose is added, followed by compression and shaping.

[0027] Preferably, the antibacterial coating is a silver ion coating.

[0028] Preferably, in step 1, the mass ratio of dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana is 4:3:1.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, this application includes at least the following technical effects:

[0030] (1) By selecting three medicinal materials with good compatibility, namely, Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana dried leaves, and preparing them in a specific ratio, the medicinal properties of the three can complement each other and give full play to their respective effects.

[0031] (2) In the preparation process, the target components of the three medicinal materials are extracted first to obtain the corresponding liquid extracts. Compared with the traditional method of directly using powdered medicinal materials, it can better exert the efficacy of the medicinal materials, thus making the effect more obvious when the user uses it.

[0032] (3) Extracting the target components of the three medicinal materials separately is also beneficial for further processing of the extracts, achieving organic integration with the pillow core, and further enhancing efficacy;

[0033] (4) After the target components of the three medicinal materials are extracted, the residue is not discarded. Instead, it is stamped and shaped to be used as part of the pillow core in the form of an inner body. This not only makes full use of the medicinal resources, but also reduces the use of the corresponding materials in the pillow core, effectively compresses costs, and improves the feasibility of commercialization. This method also promotes the efficacy of the pillow core. Although the target components of each medicinal material are extracted, only a portion of the target components are extracted. The remaining medicinal materials can still exert certain effects and achieve auxiliary effects, thereby further enhancing the overall health benefits of the pillow core.

[0034] (5) After extracting the corresponding liquid extracts from each medicinal material, this method first microencapsulates the corresponding liquid extracts to ensure that each liquid extract is well encapsulated so that the effective components can be well mixed with the subsequent natural latex. The ratio of natural latex to microcapsules is (25-35):1. At this ratio, the softness and memory recovery characteristics of the latex pillow are preserved, while ensuring a sufficient proportion of the effective components of the medicinal materials to achieve good health care functions.

[0035] (6) This method mixes the residues remaining after extracting dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana, and adds 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose by weight of the residues. This can improve the sustained-release performance of the effective substances in the contents, thereby effectively prolonging the duration of the health benefits of the pillow core. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pillow core body according to one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inclusion body according to one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-layer structure of the pillow core body according to one embodiment of this application;

[0040] Among them: 10, pillow core body; 11, second through hole; 12, antibacterial coating; 20, inner body; 21, first through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to examples. Several embodiments of the present invention are given below. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be more thorough and complete:

[0042] This application provides a method for preparing a sleep-aiding health pillow, comprising the following steps: taking dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana, and preparing them in a mass ratio of (3-5):(2-4):1; extracting target components from Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana respectively to obtain liquid extracts of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana; mixing the remaining residues from the extraction of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana, pressing and shaping them into rectangular blocks, punching holes in the blocks to obtain inclusions, and forming multiple first through holes on the inclusions; and respectively... Liquid extracts of Pinus massoniana, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana were microencapsulated to obtain Pinus massoniana extract microcapsules, Litsea cubeba extract microcapsules, and Liquidambar formosana leaf extract microcapsules. The microcapsules were then added to natural latex, mixed, and stirred to produce a foam, resulting in a first mixture. The total weight ratio of natural latex to microcapsules was (25-35):1. The contents were placed in a pillow mold, and the first mixture was introduced into the pillow mold. The mixture was then solidified in a steam chamber, vulcanized, washed, and dried.

[0043] The aforementioned sleep-aiding health pillow uses three compatible medicinal herbs—Pinus massoniana, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana dried leaves—as its main ingredients, blended in a specific ratio to allow their medicinal properties to complement each other and fully exert their respective effects. During the preparation process, the target components of each of the three herbs are extracted separately to obtain corresponding liquid extracts. Compared to the traditional method of directly using powdered herbal packets, this method better utilizes the efficacy of the herbs, resulting in more noticeable effects for the user. Furthermore, the separate extraction of the target components from the three herbs facilitates further processing of the extracts, achieving organic integration with the pillow core and further enhancing efficacy. After the target components of the three herbs are extracted, the residue is not discarded but instead stamped and shaped, becoming part of the pillow core in the form of an inclusion, thus fully utilizing the medicinal properties. This method not only utilizes natural medicinal materials but also reduces the need for subsequent pillow core materials, effectively compressing costs and enhancing commercial viability. It also promotes the efficacy of the pillow core. Although the target components of each medicinal herb are extracted, only a portion are extracted; the remaining herbs still exert certain effects, providing auxiliary benefits and further enhancing the overall health benefits of the pillow core. After extracting the corresponding liquid extracts from each medicinal herb, this method first microencapsulates the liquid extracts to ensure proper encapsulation, allowing the effective components to mix well with the subsequent natural latex. The ratio of natural latex to microcapsules is (25-35):1. This ratio preserves the softness and memory recovery properties of the latex pillow while ensuring a sufficient proportion of effective medicinal components, achieving optimal health benefits.

[0044] To better understand the technical solution and beneficial effects of this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0045] Step 1: Prepare dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana in a mass ratio of (3-5):(2-4):1. It is understood that the Masson pine used in this plan belongs to the Pinaceae family, and this plan further prioritizes the use of Masson pine needles, which have the effects of dispelling wind and regulating qi, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. Litsea cubeba, also known as mountain pepper, belongs to the Lauraceae family, and its branches, leaves, and fruits all have an aromatic flavor. The branches, leaves, and fruits can all be used medicinally. It has the effects of warming the kidneys and strengthening the stomach, promoting qi circulation and dispersing stagnation. The dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana have the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, and promoting blood circulation. The three are selected in a specific ratio of (3-5):(2-4):1. It is understood that even with the same medicinal materials, different ratios of medicinal materials can seriously affect the subsequent efficacy. This plan uses this ratio to select and combine the three medicinal materials to ensure that the efficacy of all three medicinal materials can be better exerted, achieving a complementary and synergistic effect.

[0046] Step 2: Extract the target components from the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana separately to obtain liquid extracts of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana. It is understood that extracting each herb separately ensures the full extraction of its target components, increasing the extraction rate of the corresponding target components. This also provides a favorable foundation for subsequent pillow making, allowing for better independent processing of individual extracts and achieving specific extraction of different components from different herbs. Compared to the traditional method of directly using powdered herbal packets, this approach better leverages the efficacy of the herbs, resulting in more noticeable effects for the user.

[0047] Step 3: Mix the remaining residues from the extraction of dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana, press and shape them into rectangular blocks, punch holes in the blocks to obtain inclusions, and form multiple first through holes on the inclusions. It is understood that this solution makes full use of the extraction residues of the three medicinal herbs. After mixing, the residues are further incorporated into the pillow core as inclusions. While this solution extracts the target components of the three medicinal herbs, it is understood that only a portion of the components are extracted. The extraction residues will still contain some residues and other unextracted effective components. This solution mixes the residues, presses and shapes them as part of the pillow core, fully recycles and utilizes the waste materials, effectively utilizes residual resources, and is more environmentally friendly. At the same time, the remaining effective components can further promote the health benefits of the subsequent pillow core.

[0048] Step 4: Microencapsulate the liquid extracts of *Pinus massoniana*, *Litsea cubeba*, and dried *Liquidambar formosana* to obtain microcapsules of *Pinus massoniana* extract, *Litsea cubeba* extract, and dried *Liquidambar formosana* leaf extract, respectively. Add each of these microcapsules to natural latex, mix, and stir to create a foaming solution, obtaining the first mixture. The total weight ratio of natural latex to microcapsules is (25-35):1. It is understood that this method microencapsulates the liquid extracts of each herb, and the microcapsules can effectively encapsulate the liquid extracts. The coating allows for better mixing of the active ingredients with natural latex, while also enabling a more sustained release of these active ingredients, thus enhancing the longevity of the health benefits. Furthermore, the final ratio of natural latex to microcapsules is (25-35):1. At this ratio, excessive microcapsule content will not affect the properties of natural latex, ensuring that the final latex pillow retains its softness and memory recovery characteristics. At the same time, insufficient microcapsule content will not weaken the health benefits of the pillow core, achieving a good balance between the two.

[0049] Step 5: Place the inclusion body into the pillow mold, pour the first mixture into the pillow mold, solidify and shape it in the steam chamber, perform vulcanization treatment after shaping, and then wash and dry it.

[0050] In some of these implementations, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1-2 The sleep aid health pillow includes a pillow core body, an inner body encased within the pillow core body, and an antibacterial coating on the outside of the pillow core body; multiple second through holes are formed through the pillow core body, and the first through holes communicate with the second through holes;

[0051] Understandably, the pillow core has multiple second through holes, which ensures that the pillow core has a certain degree of breathability and also provides a sufficient basis for deformation recovery, thereby improving the comfort of use. The first and second through holes are interconnected, so the contents can release corresponding effective substances through the first and second through holes, thereby improving the health care performance of the pillow core.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the antibacterial coating is a silver ion coating; it can be understood that by further spraying a silver ion layer on the outside of the pillow core body, the antibacterial performance of the pillow core body can be effectively improved, thereby reducing the probability of mold growth and extending the service life of the pillow core body.

[0053] In some implementations, step 2 further includes the following steps:

[0054] Extraction of Masson Pine Liquid Extract: Weigh a specified amount of Masson pine needles, cut them into small pieces, grind them, wrap them in gauze, and soak them in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours. After soaking, evaporate the solvent and reflux the residue in 70% ethanol. Add 75°C purified water to the extract, filter it, cool it, and then extract it with n-butanol. Recover the extract under reduced pressure and evaporate the solvent to obtain the Masson pine liquid extract. It is understandable that cutting Masson pine into small pieces is more conducive to rapid grinding, and grinding it into powder is more conducive to full extraction. Soaking the Masson pine powder in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours allows sufficient time for the effective substances to precipitate. Then, reflux extraction with 70% ethanol can further promote the precipitation of effective substances. Finally, n-butanol extraction is performed, and the extracted substance is the Masson pine liquid extract, which is also one of the target components.

[0055] In some implementations, step 2 further includes the following steps:

[0056] Extraction of Litsea cubeba liquid extract: Weigh a specified amount of Litsea cubeba, grind it, wrap it in gauze, add 95% ethanol for reflux extraction, and then heat the extract in a water bath to evaporate the solvent to obtain the Litsea cubeba liquid extract. It can be understood that grinding the Litsea cubeba into powder first is more conducive to the precipitation of effective substances and effectively improves the precipitation efficiency. Wrapping it in gauze facilitates subsequent extraction processing. Then, reflux extraction with 95% ethanol is performed, and the extract is heated in a water bath to evaporate the solvent, finally obtaining its liquid extract, which is also one of the target components.

[0057] In some implementations, step 2 further includes the following steps:

[0058] Liquid extract from dried Liquidambar formosana leaves:

[0059] Weigh a specified amount of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves, grind them, spray with an acetic acid solution at pH 5.0, stir, and let stand for 1-1.5 hours. Then add 60% ethanol solution and place in an ultrasonic extractor at 30 kHz, 500 W, and 55°C for ultrasonic extraction. After extraction, filter, concentrate under reduced pressure, add petroleum ether to the concentrate for further extraction, and concentrate the extract under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves. It can be understood that grinding the dried Liquidambar formosana leaves into small particles facilitates the subsequent precipitation of effective substances, improving precipitation efficiency and the yield of target components. Spraying with an acetic acid solution at pH 5.0 further promotes the disruption of the cell structure of the dried Liquidambar formosana leaves. A certain period of stillness after stirring provides sufficient reaction time. Adding 60% ethanol in conjunction with ultrasonic extraction further promotes the precipitation of effective substances. Finally, liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves is obtained by concentration under reduced pressure and extraction with petroleum ether.

[0060] In some embodiments, step 4, the microcapsule treatment includes the following steps:

[0061] Cyclodextrin was dissolved in an aqueous solution and stirred in a water bath to obtain an aqueous cyclodextrin solution;

[0062] Liquid extracts of Pinus massoniana, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana leaves were added to different cyclodextrin aqueous solutions for encapsulation.

[0063] The encapsulated products were vacuum filtered and freeze-dried to obtain microcapsules of Pinus massoniana extract, Litsea cubeba extract, and Liquidambar formosana leaf extract. It can be understood that this method microencapsulates the three components separately to obtain independent microcapsule materials. Compared with mixing the components first and then microencapsulating them, the reaction is more controllable and more conducive to the subsequent separate delivery of each microcapsule material.

[0064] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the liquid extract of Masson pine to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10). It is understood that a mass ratio of 1:(8-10) for the liquid extract of Masson pine to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution can avoid the problem of insufficient effective substances encapsulated in microcapsules, which would result in insignificant health benefits. It can also avoid the problem of poor encapsulation quality due to insufficient aqueous cyclodextrin solution. A further preferred ratio is 1:9.

[0065] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the liquid extract of Litsea cubeba to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10). It can be understood that a mass ratio of 1:(8-10) for the liquid extract of Litsea cubeba to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution can avoid the problem of insufficient effective substances encapsulated in microcapsules, which would result in insignificant health benefits, and can also avoid the problem of poor encapsulation quality due to insufficient aqueous cyclodextrin solution. A further preferred ratio is 1:9.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10). It can be understood that a mass ratio of 1:(8-10) for the liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution can avoid the problem of insufficient effective substances encapsulated in microcapsules, which would result in insignificant health benefits. It can also avoid the problem of poor encapsulation quality due to insufficient aqueous cyclodextrin solution. A further preferred ratio is 1:9.

[0067] In one embodiment, step 3 further includes the following steps: after mixing the residue remaining from the extraction of dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana, 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose is added, followed by pressing and shaping. It can be understood that after mixing the residue remaining from the extraction of dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana, 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose by weight of the residue is added, it can enhance the sustained-release performance of the effective substances contained in the pillow core, thereby effectively prolonging the duration of the health benefits of the pillow core.

[0068] In some embodiments, the mass ratio of dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana is 4:3:1; it is understood that the three medicinal materials in this ratio can better exert their respective effects and enhance the sleep-aiding and health-preserving properties.

[0069] The following are some specific examples. When %, it refers to a percentage by weight. It should be noted that the following examples do not exhaustively list all possible scenarios, and unless otherwise specified, the materials used in the examples are commercially available.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] Weigh out the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana in a mass ratio of 4:3:1 and set aside.

[0072] After cutting the pine needles into small pieces and grinding them, the mixture was wrapped in gauze and soaked in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours. After soaking, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was added to 70% ethanol for reflux extraction. The extract was then filtered after adding 75°C purified water and cooled. It was then extracted with n-butanol. The extract was recovered under reduced pressure and the solvent was evaporated to obtain the pine liquid extract.

[0073] The Litsea cubeba fruit was ground, wrapped in gauze, and then refluxed with 95% ethanol. The extract was then heated in a water bath to remove the solvent, thus obtaining a liquid extract of Litsea cubeba fruit.

[0074] The dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana were ground, and after grinding, they were sprayed with an acetic acid solution with a pH of 5.0. After stirring, they were allowed to stand for 1-1.5 hours. Then, 60% ethanol solution was added, and the mixture was placed in an ultrasonic extractor at 30 kHz, 500 W, and 55 °C for ultrasonic extraction. After extraction, the mixture was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure, and petroleum ether was added to the concentrate for extraction. The extract was then concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid extract of the dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana.

[0075] The residues remaining after extracting dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana are mixed together, and 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose by weight of the mixture is added. The mixture is then pressed and shaped into a rectangular block. The block is punched to obtain an inclusion body, and multiple first through holes are formed on the inclusion body.

[0076] Cyclodextrin was dissolved in an aqueous solution and stirred in a water bath to obtain an aqueous cyclodextrin solution;

[0077] Liquid extracts of *Pinus massoniana*, *Litsea cubeba*, and dried leaves of *Liquidambar formosana* were added to different cyclodextrin aqueous solutions for encapsulation. The mass ratio of each liquid extract to the cyclodextrin aqueous solution was 1:9. Microcapsules of *Pinus massoniana* extract, *Litsea cubeba* extract, and dried leaves of *Liquidambar formosana* were obtained. These microcapsules were then separately added to natural latex, mixed, and stirred to produce a foaming solution, resulting in a first mixture. The total weight ratio of natural latex to microcapsules was 30:1.

[0078] The inclusion body is placed into a pillow mold, the first mixture is introduced into the pillow mold, and solidified in a steam chamber. After molding, it undergoes vulcanization treatment, followed by washing and drying to obtain a sleep-aiding health pillow.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] Weigh out the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana in a mass ratio of 3:4:1 and set aside.

[0081] After cutting the pine needles into small pieces and grinding them, the mixture was wrapped in gauze and soaked in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours. After soaking, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was added to 70% ethanol for reflux extraction. The extract was then filtered after adding 75°C purified water and cooled. It was then extracted with n-butanol. The extract was recovered under reduced pressure and the solvent was evaporated to obtain the pine liquid extract.

[0082] The Litsea cubeba fruit was ground, wrapped in gauze, and then refluxed with 95% ethanol. The extract was then heated in a water bath to remove the solvent, thus obtaining a liquid extract of Litsea cubeba fruit.

[0083] The dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana were ground, and after grinding, they were sprayed with an acetic acid solution with a pH of 5.0. After stirring, they were allowed to stand for 1-1.5 hours. Then, 60% ethanol solution was added, and the mixture was placed in an ultrasonic extractor at 30 kHz, 500 W, and 55 °C for ultrasonic extraction. After extraction, the mixture was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure, and petroleum ether was added to the concentrate for extraction. The extract was then concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid extract of the dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana.

[0084] The residues remaining after extracting dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana are mixed together, and 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose by weight of the mixture is added. The mixture is then pressed and shaped into a rectangular block. The block is punched to obtain an inclusion body, and multiple first through holes are formed on the inclusion body.

[0085] Cyclodextrin was dissolved in an aqueous solution and stirred in a water bath to obtain an aqueous cyclodextrin solution;

[0086] Liquid extracts of *Pinus massoniana*, *Litsea cubeba*, and dried leaves of *Liquidambar formosana* were added to different cyclodextrin aqueous solutions for encapsulation. The mass ratio of each liquid extract to the cyclodextrin aqueous solution was 1:10. Microcapsules of *Pinus massoniana* extract, *Litsea cubeba* extract, and dried leaves of *Liquidambar formosana* were obtained. These microcapsules were then added to natural latex, mixed, and stirred to produce a foam, resulting in a first mixture. The total weight ratio of natural latex to microcapsules was 25:1.

[0087] The inclusion body is placed into a pillow mold, the first mixture is introduced into the pillow mold, and solidified in a steam chamber. After molding, it undergoes vulcanization treatment, followed by washing and drying to obtain a sleep-aiding health pillow.

[0088] Example 3

[0089] Weigh out the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana in a mass ratio of 5:2:1 and set aside.

[0090] After cutting the pine needles into small pieces and grinding them, the mixture was wrapped in gauze and soaked in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours. After soaking, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was added to 70% ethanol for reflux extraction. The extract was then filtered after adding 75°C purified water and cooled. It was then extracted with n-butanol. The extract was recovered under reduced pressure and the solvent was evaporated to obtain the pine liquid extract.

[0091] The Litsea cubeba fruit was ground, wrapped in gauze, and then refluxed with 95% ethanol. The extract was then heated in a water bath to remove the solvent, thus obtaining a liquid extract of Litsea cubeba fruit.

[0092] The dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana were ground, and after grinding, they were sprayed with an acetic acid solution with a pH of 5.0. After stirring, they were allowed to stand for 1-1.5 hours. Then, 60% ethanol solution was added, and the mixture was placed in an ultrasonic extractor at 30 kHz, 500 W, and 55 °C for ultrasonic extraction. After extraction, the mixture was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure, and petroleum ether was added to the concentrate for extraction. The extract was then concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid extract of the dried leaves of Liquidambar formosana.

[0093] The residues remaining after extracting dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana are mixed together, and 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose by weight of the mixture is added. The mixture is then pressed and shaped into a rectangular block. The block is punched to obtain an inclusion body, and multiple first through holes are formed on the inclusion body.

[0094] Cyclodextrin was dissolved in an aqueous solution and stirred in a water bath to obtain an aqueous cyclodextrin solution;

[0095] Liquid extracts of *Pinus massoniana*, *Litsea cubeba*, and dried leaves of *Liquidambar formosana* were added to different cyclodextrin aqueous solutions for encapsulation. The mass ratio of each liquid extract to the cyclodextrin aqueous solution was 1:8. Microcapsules of *Pinus massoniana* extract, *Litsea cubeba* extract, and dried leaves of *Liquidambar formosana* were obtained. The microcapsules were then added to natural latex, mixed, and stirred to produce a foam, resulting in a first mixture. The total weight ratio of natural latex to microcapsules was 35:1.

[0096] The inclusion body is placed into a pillow mold, the first mixture is introduced into the pillow mold, and solidified in a steam chamber. After molding, it undergoes vulcanization treatment, followed by washing and drying to obtain a sleep-aiding health pillow.

[0097] Comparative Example 1

[0098] The preparation method of Comparative Example 1 is basically the same as that of Example 1, except that Comparative Example 1 does not contain inclusions.

[0099] Comparative Example 2

[0100] The preparation method of Comparative Example 2 is basically the same as that of Example 1, except that sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose is not added to the inclusions of Comparative Example 2.

[0101] Comparative Example 3

[0102] The preparation method of Comparative Example 3 is basically the same as that of Example 1, except that the Litsea cubeba in Comparative Example 3 is replaced with agarwood.

[0103] Comparative Example 4

[0104] The preparation method of Comparative Example 4 is basically the same as that of Example 1, except that Comparative Example 4 does not encapsulate the liquid extract, but directly mixes the liquid extract with natural latex.

[0105] Performance testing

[0106] Performance tests were conducted on Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-4, respectively.

[0107] (1) Persistence of effective substance volatilization

[0108] The persistence of volatile substances was tested on each sleep aid pillow. Under natural conditions, the odor concentration of the sleep aid pillows in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Example 3 did not show a downward trend after 18 months; the odor concentration of Comparative Example 2 decreased after 18 months; and the odor concentration of Comparative Examples 1 and 4 decreased more significantly after 18 months.

[0109] As can be seen from the above, by microencapsulating the liquid extracts of each component and simultaneously setting inclusions mixed with sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose, the effective substances exhibit strong and sustained volatility, maintaining a high level of fragrance volatility even after 18 months. In contrast, the fragrance persistence of Comparative Example 2, which did not contain sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose inclusions, showed a certain downward trend after 18 months. Furthermore, the pillows in Comparative Example 1 (without inclusions) and Comparative Example 4 (without microencapsulation of the liquid extracts) showed a significant decrease in fragrance volatility after 18 months.

[0110] (2) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) test

[0111] Methods and Statistical Approach: The PSQI was used to assess the sleep quality of participants over one month. It consists of 19 self-reported items and 5 peer-reported items, with the 19th self-reported item and the 5 peer-reported items not included in the scoring. The 18 self-reported items comprise 7 factors: sleep quality, sleep onset time, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of hypnotic drugs, and daytime functioning. Each factor is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, and the sum of the scores for all factors constitutes the PSQI total score, ranging from 0 to 21. A higher score indicates poorer sleep quality. Participants were required to complete the questionnaire in 5 minutes.

[0112] Sixty test subjects were included, 30 men and 30 women, aged 25-65.

[0113] The samples were divided into three similar groups, and after three months of use of pillows from Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Example 3, respectively, tests were conducted, and the average values ​​were taken. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) values ​​were 7.6, 5.0, and 6.4, respectively.

[0114] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0115] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application shall fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A method of preparing a sleep-aiding health-care pillow, characterized by: The preparation method includes the following steps: Step 1: Take dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana and prepare them in a mass ratio of (3-5):(2-4):1; Step 2: Extract the target components from the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana to obtain liquid extracts of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana. Step 3: Mix the remaining residues after extracting the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar form, press and shape them into a rectangular block, punch holes in the block to obtain an inclusion body, and form multiple first through holes on the inclusion body; Step 4: Microencapsulate the liquid extracts of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana to obtain microcapsules of Masson pine extract, Litsea cubeba extract, and Liquidambar formosana leaf extract, respectively. Add the microcapsules to natural latex, mix, and stir to create foam to obtain the first mixture; wherein the weight ratio of natural latex to the total weight of microcapsules is (25-35):

1. Step 5: Place the inclusion body into the pillow mold, pour the first mixture into the pillow mold, solidify and form it in the steam chamber, perform vulcanization treatment after forming, and then wash and dry it.

2. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleep-aid health pillow includes a pillow core body, an inner body encased within the pillow core body, and an antibacterial coating on the outside of the pillow core body; a plurality of second through holes are formed through the pillow core body, and the first through holes communicate with the second through holes.

3. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 2 also includes the following steps: Extraction of Masson pine liquid extract: Weigh the specified mass of Masson pine needles, cut them into small pieces and grind them. Wrap them in gauze and soak them in petroleum ether at 50°C for 2 hours. After soaking, evaporate the solvent and add the residue to 70% ethanol for reflux extraction. Add 75°C purified water to the extract and filter it. After cooling, extract with n-butanol. Recover the extract under reduced pressure and evaporate the solvent to obtain Masson pine liquid extract.

4. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 3, characterized in that: Step 2 also includes the following steps: Extraction of Litsea cubeba liquid extract: Weigh the specified mass of Litsea cubeba, grind it, wrap it in gauze, add 95% ethanol for reflux extraction, take out the extract and heat it in a water bath to evaporate the solvent to obtain the Litsea cubeba liquid extract.

5. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 4, characterized in that: Step 2 also includes the following steps: Liquid extract from dried Liquidambar formosana leaves: Weigh out a specified amount of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves, grind them, spray with an acetic acid solution with a pH of 5.0, stir and let stand for 1-1.5 hours, then add 60% ethanol solution and place in an ultrasonic extractor at 30 kHz, 500 W power and 55 °C for ultrasonic extraction. After extraction, filter, concentrate under reduced pressure, add petroleum ether to the concentrate for extraction, and concentrate the extract under reduced pressure to obtain a liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves.

6. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step 4, the microcapsule treatment includes the following steps: Cyclodextrin was dissolved in an aqueous solution and stirred in a water bath to obtain an aqueous cyclodextrin solution; Liquid extracts of Pinus massoniana, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana leaves were added to different cyclodextrin aqueous solutions for encapsulation. The encapsulated products were subjected to vacuum filtration and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules of Pinus massoniana extract, Litsea cubeba extract, and Liquidambar formosana leaf extract.

7. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mass ratio of the pine liquid extract to the cyclodextrin aqueous solution is 1:(8-10); The mass ratio of the liquid extract of Litsea cubeba to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10); The mass ratio of the liquid extract of dried Liquidambar formosana leaves to the aqueous cyclodextrin solution is 1:(8-10).

8. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that: Step 3 also includes the following steps: after extracting the remaining residue from the dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba and Liquidambar formosana, 1% sodium hydroxypropyl cellulose is added and then pressed and shaped.

9. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 8, characterized in that: The antibacterial coating is a silver ion coating.

10. The method for preparing the sleep-aiding health pillow according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step 1, the mass ratio of dried leaves of Masson pine, Litsea cubeba, and Liquidambar formosana is 4:3:1.

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