How to Make a Hot Pack

Whether you have a headache, menstrual cramps or just sore achy muscles, a hot pack helps you relax and soothes away pain. When you add herbs and essential oils, the hot pack can further calm and relax you. If you're so sore that the idea of shopping for a hot pack turns you off, you can create a warm, soothing hot pack yourself right in your own kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Old tube sock
• Measuring cup
• 2 to 4 cups rice
• Ribbon, yarn or string (optional)
• Lavender or chamomile flowers or essential oils (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Find an old tube sock without any holes or thin spots. Put your hand in the sock and pull it tight to double check for holes.

• 2

  Pour 2 to 4 cups of rice into a mixing bowl. Add in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mixed lavender or chamomile flowers. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oils if you prefer those to dried flowers. Stir the rice and flowers or oils together to combine. Carefully pour back into the measuring cup.

• 3

  Pour the rice into the tube sock. Fill the sock three-quarters full.

• 4

  Tie a knot in the end of the sock or secure the open end with ribbon, yarn or string. Check your ribbon for wire as wire cannot be safely microwaved.

• 5

  Place your hot pack in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Take it out, shake and squeeze it to distribute the heat. Place it back in the microwave for 30 to 60 more seconds if necessary.

• 6

  Place the hot pack on your sore spots. Reheat whenever it loses its warmth.