How to Make Rice Neck Warmers

Make a rice neck warmer to soothe your aching neck.

Rice neck warmers are easily made from readily available, inexpensive materials. They provide moist heat to melt away stress and tension, and they help relieve pain from tension headaches, minor strains and stiffness. A rice neck warmer also makes for a cozy warm-up on a chilly day, even if your neck is feeling fine. They are thoughtful, comforting gifts for friends and family as well.

Things You'll Need

• 2 bags of uncooked white rice
• Funnel
• Pair of cotton knee-high trouser socks
• Pair of bulky cotton socks in a favorite color or design
• Yarn needle
• Yarn

Instructions

Making Rice Neck Warmers

1. 

   Thread the yarn needle.

   Thread the yarn needle with 12 to 18 inches of yarn.

2. Pour one bag of uncooked white rice into each trouser sock, working with a funnel to prevent spills.

3. Fold over the top of each filled sock by 1 inch.

4. Sew the folds securely with yarn so the rice cannot leak out. Knot the ends of the yarn well.

5. Insert the filled trouser socks, sewn ends first, into the bulky cotton socks, which serve as attractive and protective covers for your finished rice neck warmers. Leave the ends of the bulky sock "covers" open so they can be removed easily and washed when needed.

Using Your Rice Neck Warmer

1. 

   Microwave for two to three minutes.

   Microwave the rice neck warmer for two to three minutes. Microwaves vary, so be careful not to overheat.

2. Feel the heated neck warmer to verify that it is a comfortable temperature for you. If it is not warm enough, microwave for an additional 30 seconds. If it is too hot, let it cool for a few minutes.

3. Apply the rice warmer to your neck, and relax.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a little aromatherapy to your neck warmer by including a crushed cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves with the rice before filling your sock. Do not use ground cinnamon, as it will readily leak out of your rice warmer, leaving a powdery brown mess.

• These instructions yield two rice neck warmers. You can keep both for yourself, or give the other one to a friend, neighbor or co-worker.

• According to Dr. Vert Moody of Spine-Health.com, heat therapy should not be used on the neck under certain circumstances. Consult your physician before using a rice neck warmer on any swollen areas, open wounds or irritated skin. Diabetics should use rice warmers with caution. Rice neck warmers should not be used on small children or those with impaired cognitive functioning.

References

• Spine Health: How to Apply Heat Therapy
• Taste of Home: Homemade Hot Pack That Works and Is Easy to Make