heating pads (cold, infect, tooth, legs)

[MaryleeII]

I just thought I'd pass this little tip along for how to make your own heating pads.

Use rice---just plain, uncooked rice, doesn't matter if long or short grain, just get a 5 pound bag of the cheapest rice you can find, shouldn't be more than a few dollars.

Then, stuff old socks, pillow cases, whatever you have, with the rice, and tie it off securely with something like a rubber band. Then, microwave, for about 2-4 min. They come out very warm, so be careful! I've found these little heatingpads retain the heat for a long time! And, of course, they are re-usable. To retain the heat even more, you might want to wrap the heated pads in something like a towel, etc.

Obviously, you can make them any size you wish. I used little baby hats to make small pads for my cat when he had a tooth infection, he loved to lay on them! I suffer from chronic cold feet and lower legs, no matter what I wear, they're like ice. My mother said I was like that as a kid, so, guess its not old age! But I find such heating pads keep my legs warm over night, and my arthritis feels better overall, probably due to improved circulation.

My little tip of the day! Muc better than those thermal wrap things, use once, cost about $20 And they don't even work very well

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

On the advice of my massage therapist years ago, I used a long man's tube sock but did not fill it completely. It bends around my neck or arm, etc.

[AnonChick]

If you can get buckwheat, use that instead of rice. Rice absorbs moisture like nobody's business and can grow fungus and bacteria very easily when exposed to humidity (which is what happens when you heat those things in the microwave). That's why you'll find some diners put rice in the salt shakers. It keeps the salt from clumping up.

[MaryleeII]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

If you can get buckwheat, use that instead of rice. Rice absorbs moisture like nobody's business and can grow fungus and bacteria very easily when exposed to humidity (which is what happens when you heat those things in the microwave). That's why you'll find some diners put rice in the salt shakers. It keeps the salt from clumping up.

ok, hat's good, too. Probably can find buckwheat at a natural foods store.

[melaniej65]

I put herbs that I like in with the rice (lavender & rosemary) and it takes away the funky smell and has the added bonus of the relaxing smell. My Sister likes vanilla (essential oil) or lemon; so many yummy options.

[MaryleeII]

Originally Posted by melaniej65

I put herbs that I like in with the rice (lavender & rosemary) and it takes away the funky smell and has the added bonus of the relaxing smell. My Sister likes vanilla (essential oil) or lemon; so many yummy options.

Maybe put in some catnip for Buttons sleep basket!

[lubby]

Thanks for this tip!! I had no Idea you could make your own aroma therapy heating pad.

[melaniej65]

Originally Posted by lubby

Thanks for this tip!! I had no Idea you could make your own aroma therapy heating pad.

Be careful to start lightly with the herbs or essential oils; it is easy to add more so that you have it exactly the strength that you prefer.