How to Make A Warm Compress Rice Sock for Sinus Headaches, Backaches, etc.

Sinus headache, backache, other aches or pains that need a heat compress? Make an easy rice compress at home that costs next to nothing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean Sock
• Rice
• Microwave Oven

1. The easiest, most useful thing I've ever made! I suffer quite often from sinus headaches. Anyone else who suffers from sinus headaches probably understands the pain that comes with them and how important it is to drain your sinuses before the headache turns into a migraine. In addition to taking a decongestant, I have made this rice sock, which has been my saving grace! I can honestly say that I'm not sure if I could live without it (when I have a headache). Again, this is probably the simplest and most useful thing I have around my house, made in only two easy steps.

2. Take a new clean sock, or a very gently used clean sock, and fill it with rice, leaving room at the end to tie the sock. Make sure you make a good knot and tie it tightly so that it does not leak rice. Make sure it's a fairly long sock that you're using and it's at least of medium thickness. A cotton sports type of sock should do just fine. Do not use thin socks, such as dress socks. Simply tie the ends of your sock after filling it with rice, and viola, you have your rice sock heat compress. Yes, it's that simple. Really! Of course, these are sold in stores, in pretty packages, sewn in nice fabrics, but this will do for someone who needs it immediately, or if you're a penny pincher like me, you would probably rather use something economical like this anyway!

3. Heat your sock in the microwave. Caution! Like anything, this too could catch on fire if left in the microwave for too long (and the smell of burnt rice is dreadful). Make sure that the first time you use your sock, you watch the amount of time that you heat your sock. I only recommend heating your sock for a minute or two, depending on the thickness of your sock and the amount of rice that you filled it with. After many uses of your sock, the rice inside it may seem to get a bit brittle (a few months later). This would be a good time to replace the rice. If the sock seems worn, you might want to just replace the whole thing. It's so simple, I almost didn't write an article about it, but it really is one of the most useful things that I have, so I figured I would share it with you!

Tips & Warnings

• Use a long sock of medium thickness (like a men's sports tube sock).
• Use for sinus headaches, backaches, or any other aches that a heat compress is recommended for.
• Do not overheat sock! This may cause fire and/or burnt rice!
• Burnt rice stinks! Do not overheat sock!
• Make sure you pick your sock up on the tied end and remember that it is hot, and steam will penetrate through the sock. Be careful not to burn yourself.

[foo00]

on 5/17/2009 Wheat berries work well. Sold in health food stores.

[Mishl555]

on 1/26/2009 Hi! I'm so sorry that I did not respond sooner. :) Yes, you could experiment with other grians and see how it works. Some grains hold heat better than others. I've used beans before, as well (like dried pinto beans). That worked alright, the beans held the heat longer due to their density, but I prefer the rice, because the small grains help it to conform better to the body (especially for sinuses). If you try any other grains and find one that works great, please let me know. I've been doing this for years and I've come to use it for neck aches, back aches, etc. Thanks for your question. I'm glad that you enjoyed the article. I hope that you enjoy your heat sock even more! :) Take Care.

[daisym]

on 12/18/2008 Is rice the only grain you recommend for the compress...do others work? Anyhow, yours was a great tip..thanks