About this topic
A rice pack can be warmed in a microwave and used instead of a heating pad or hot water bottle. It can also be kept in the freezer and used to apply cold when needed. They are easy to make and do not cost a lot. ‚
General
To make a rice pack, you will need some kind of cloth and a filler. ‚
- Choose your cloth. You will want to use a tightly woven cotton cloth since you will likely be putting it in a microwave. Good kinds of cloth to choose are:
- A hand towel folded in half
- Two washcloths
- Soft flannels
- Fleece
- Cotton prints
- A long clean cotton sock also works if you do not like to sew
- Cut your cloth to the shape and size you want for your rice pack. Be sure to leave an extra 1/2 inch (1 cm) for a seam.
- Sew two pieces of cloth, right sides together around all of the edges. Be sure to leave an opening about 2 inches long on one side. Turn your pack right side out. The seams will now be on the inside.
- Choose your filler. Good kinds of filler to use are:
- Uncooked rice, beans, barley, or oatmeal
- Wheat
- Feed corn
- Flaxseed
- Buckwheat hulls
- Cherry pits
- Decide if you want to add spices, herbs, or essential oils to add a scent to your rice sack. If so, mix spice, herb, or essential oil with your filler and leave in a sealed container for a few days. Stir it each day to distribute the scent. You may want to add something like:
- Rose petals
- Lavender
- Mint or peppermint oil
- Ground cloves
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
- Fill your pack about 2/3 full. An 18 inch by 11 inch (46 cm by 28 cm) pack will use about 2 pounds (0.9 kg) of filler. You will want to leave room to be able to mold the pack to the shape of your body.
- Sew the opening closed either with a sewing machine or by hand. If using a sock, tie a knot in the end.
To use your rice pack: ‚
- A warm pack can be used to relax body tissues for long-term conditions.
- For a warm pack, place in microwave for 1 to 3 minutes. Warm for 30 seconds at a time until the pack is warm to touch.
- Watch carefully to make sure it does not start to smoke.
- You may want to spritz with water or place a cup of water in the microwave at the same time.
- Carefully shake the rice pack to make sure no areas are too hot.
- A cold pack can be used for 48 hours after an injury and for injuries from overuse of a body part to lessen swelling.
- For a cold pack, place in the freezer for 1 to 3 hours.
- Shake the rice pack to make sure no areas are too cold.
- You may want to place a towel or thin cloth between the rice pack and your skin when using as a cold pack.
- Using a cover over your pack will protect your skin and can be washed.
What problems could happen?
- Rice pack could become too hot and catch fire in the microwave.
- May injure your skin if rice pack is too hot or cold and placed directly on your skin.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚