Sore spot? Use a Rice Pack!

I have had a bad month so far with what I believe is a Lupus flare-up so I've been making regular use of my trusty rice pack.  I thought many already knew about this great invention, but that is not so. Because of that, I am sharing how I've made a few extra ones over the years. Best of all?  It is more of a moist heat and totally reusable! When I made mine, shown below, I didn't add baffles, but it would have helped if I had... so consider doing that when making yours.
 

This is one of my Rice Packs. It is not new, but shows
the size for one made of a hand towel.

Rice can be sewn into pieces of cloth to make a compress or pillow-type pack. These can be put into the freezer for cold applications such as sprains or aches, or microwaved to create a hot pillow similar to a hot-water bottle for achy muscles. Scents can be added to the pillow during the sewing process through the use of essential oils or herbs. The packs can be further customized through the use of various types of materials, colors and patterns.

Directions to Make Rice Packs  (my personal way)

You will need:

• Either a hand towel or wash cloth or use a soft fabric such as flannel
• A bag of plain, uncooked, regular white rice (NOT instant rice)
• Needle and thread or use a sewing machine.

Instructions:

1. Just take a hand towel or wash cloth (depends upon size you want) and fold it in half, right sides facing in. 
2. Sew up the three sides.
3. Stitch three even lines down the long side of the pack to form baffles. This will help keep the rice in place when the pack is finished. 
4. Turn right side out.
5. Add rice to all three channels/baffles, until about HALF FULL or more if you feel the need.
6. Then fold over the end and sew the end shut. 
7. Pour a few drops of essential oils or herbs such as lavender into the rice before closing the pack if you want a fragrant rice pack.

 To use:
Microwave for about a minute or two... start with a minute to see how hot it gets. Or put in the freezer for at least an hour or more. Apply to your sore body area.... I use mine on my knees, but also on my hands a lot too.