How to Make a Hot Gel Compress

When you're hunching over a desk all day or straining your back lifting heavy items, there's one tried-and-true method for soothing strained, knotty muscles: heat packs. Applying heat increases circulation, bringing restorative oxygen to strained muscles. Make your own inexpensive heat pack with a few items you can find around the house.

Things You'll Need

• A half cup water
• A half cup of rubbing alcohol
• Four drops of essence oil
• Ziploc bag
• Washcloth
• Fabric glue

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour a half cup of lukewarm water and a half cup rubbing alcohol into a small Ziplock bag. Mix the water and alcohol with a spoon. Add four drops of an herbal essence oil. Peppermint has energizing properties, while lavender can make you feel more relaxed.

• 2

  Close up the bag, flattening the bag as you close it to prevent air getting trapped inside. Freeze the bag overnight to solidify the mixture as a gel. Take the bag out of the freezer and let it dry to room temperature.

• 3

  Wrap a washcloth around the Ziploc bag -- this will protect your skin against the heat. Seal the edges of the washcloth together with fabric glue. Dab extra essential oil drops onto the washcloth for additional aroma if desired.

• 4

  Heat up the pack for 30 seconds to a minute in the microwave before using. If the pack is too hot, place additional washcloths between your skin and the pack.