How to Make a Heat Pack Using Pantry Items
Sore muscles are something no one should have to suffer through, especially when they are exacerbated by stress and exhaustion. Warm heat applied to your sore muscles is a time-worn method for helping to relax your muscle and ease the soreness. You may purchase an expensive heating pad or use a water bag, but a less expensive method is to make a heat pack using items from your own pantry. Read on to learn how to make this home remedy.
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton bath towels (2)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Small 20oz paper cup
- Measuring cup
- Uncooked rice, oatmeal, beans, flax seed or barley (5 cups)
- Flavored packets of single serve tea bags (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut the towels into pieces that are about 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. This size is ideal for the proper shape and form for a heating pad.
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2
Fold each piece of cut towel lengthwise. Make sure that it is inside-out. Sew two sides: one short end and the open long side. Leave the third side open so you can use it to pour the filler material into the sewn towel. Turn the sewn towel pieces right side out.
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3
Scoop one cup of dry rice (or whichever material you have chosen) and pour it into the towel sack. Toss in one packet of your preferred flavor of tea. Pour another cup of rice over the tea bag. Toss in another tea bag and cover it with a cup of rice. Repeat this process until you have scooped in all 5 cups of rice.
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4
Fold the edges over on the last open side just enough to sew it shut. The rice will fill each heat pad up to at least 3/4 of the way. Sew this end shut.
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5
To use your bag, place it in the microwave for one to two minutes and then apply to the affected area.
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Tips & Warnings
While your choice of filler is not limited to these particular items, the ones listed are mom-tested and approved for their ability to retain a warming heat for your sore muscles.
The flavored tea bags are for the purpose of making your heat pack fragrant. Use your choice of flavored tea or omit these altogether if you like.
