I’ve been using a rice sock for almost 10 years now. I thought it was something that everyone knew about; but when I mention it to people they look at me like I’m speaking a foreign language. Then when I explain it and just how easy it is, I get the same response “That is such a great idea!” The rice sock is a beyond easy DIY hot/cold pad.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Rice (about 2 cups)
Tube Sock
Essential Oil (totally optional, but smells great)
If you want to add essential oil, then you’ll need to do this step first: Add about 15-20 drops of your fave essential oil to the rice and stir to combine. For this one, I used a combination of my doTerra Lavender and Rosemary oils. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. This sets the oil in the rice. Make sure you let it cool completely before going to the next step.
Next pour the rice into the sock.
Lastly, double knot the sock. And voila! You have a rice sock!
To use your rice sock is just as easy. To use it as a heating pad, just toss it in the microwave for a few seconds. Usually 30 seconds is long enough. However, I like a lot of heat, so I prefer to heat mine for 1 minute. If you want to make your rice sock cold, then you just need to store it in the freezer.
What makes this different from other hot/cold pads that you can purchase, is that this is completely moldable to be used wherever you need it on your body. I’ve used a rice sock on my stomach, my knee, my leg, my foot, my neck, and even my face. You get the picture….
I don’t know about you all, but the cold that is going around finally hit both my house and office hard. With both kids having a cold, it was just a matter of time before I got it. I had major sinus pressure yesterday and could barely keep my eyes open. When I went to bed, I grabbed the rice sock from the freezer and laid it on my eyes; instantly cooling and relieving my sinus pressure. Ahhhhhh, huge sigh of relief. Another great way that I used one was on my daughter the other day. She has a chest cold, so I heated up the rice sock for a few seconds and held it up against her chest. It helps to loosen up any mucus in her chest. I like to do this throughout the day to give her major relief.
I could just go on and on about the different ways this can be used… Everything about it is just awesome. To wash it is just as easy. Just untie the knot, pour out the rice and pop your sock in the wash. I mean, come on! Could you ask for anything easier??? When you make one, let me know what you think. Also, if you choose to add the essential oils to your rice sock, let me know which scent you went with- I always love hearing others people's combinations.