Buying hot/cold patches or similar from the store can get expensive after a while. Whether you need a hot/cold treatment for yourself or for a child in sports, this hot/cold rice bag will do the trick. It's very easy and cost-effective to make, especially if you already have some fabric lying around.
We recommend making one for every member of your family, so you each can have your own individual rice bag. You will need to replace the rice after a while, but how frequently you have to replace it will depend on how often you use it. The great thing about this rice bag is that it's easy to heat up or freeze.
If you don't have rice on hand, you can use a similar seed or bean. We recommend keeping the rice bags in a sealed container when not in use, so as not to attract animals or bugs. Alternatively, put some peppermint oil in the rice bag to deter unwanted pests.
If you do decide to use an aromatic oil or similar, make sure you keep these rice bags well out of reach of pets. Some of these oils can be incredibly toxic to them. Make sure your kids are also aware that these rice bags should never be within a pet's reach when they're unsupervised. These rice bags are designed for human use only. Talk to your veterinarian if you want to make a homemade option for your pet.
Rice Bags for Hot or Cold Therapy
Materials:
Fabric (We like flannel)
1 lb Rice—(or lentils or other seed/bean you have on hand)
Optional—potpourri, aromatic oil or herbs
Directions:
1. Sew sides of flannel to make a bag (about the same size as the 1# bag of rice), leave top open.
2. Fill with rice (or the seed/bean you're using)
3. Add a tablespoon of potpourri, herbs or a few drops of aromatic oil on a cotton ball.
3. Sew top closed. Make a “pillow case” for your bag to keep it clean.
4. Place in your microwave for 1-2 minutes for heat. Note that heating times will vary depending on your microwave and how hot you want the bag to be. Freeze for cold therapy.