Create a Rice Sock

If you are like most households it seems like in every pair of socks the dryer seems to eat one and you are left with a basket of socks that are matchless. Well here is a great idea to use some of those matchless socks and get relief from all your aches and pains in one shot!

What Does a Rice Sock Do?
The rice in the sock absorbs the heat from the microwave and dispenses it slowly, providing a long-lasting and renewable source of warmth for the user. The warmth can help to minimize the pain of sore muscles or relieve tension during labor.

A rice sock can also be used as a cold pack by placing the sock in the freezer for a few hours.

Rice socks are also used to treat on going pains associated with arthritis, lupus, and sports injuries.

Supplies

Favorite tube sock
Thread and needle
Rice (NOT minute rice! it will not work and burn)

Make the Rice Sock

Gather your supplies. Use a clean sock.. Cut or tear a small corner of your bag of rice off. Pour rice into open tube sock. Use between 1.5 and 2 lbs. More for a firmer rice sock, less for a less firm sock. Don't pack it in tightly, but leave some room for the kernels to move around, so that it will more easily conform to the area to be treated. (How to Make a Rice Sock) Tie the end of the sock with yarn, ribbon or string to prevent rice from spilling out...or use the thread and needle and sew the end of the sock together so that the rice will not leak out. Heat in your microwave for 1-3 minutes, depending on your microwave...or chill in your freezer for 45 mintues for cool relief. Shake the rice sock to evenly distribute the heated or chilled rice. Apply the sock to the desired body part. Use to relieve pain or aid in relaxation.

Tips:

* Do not use minute rice. (it may burn)

*A gray, black or brown tube sock will not show dirt as quickly.

*Some people enjoy using lavender, cinnamon sticks, lemon peels or other aromas in their socks. Simply add some prior to sealing the sock.

*Buck wheat, cherry pits, corn and other grains can also be used instead of rice.

*To use for physical therapy, just create a smaller rice sock and knead it slowly and gently with the affected hand. As time passes and the hand gets stronger, knead harder.

*An alternate way to make these, if you have more time, is to sew a little pouch (with or without a decorative design). These can be used for yourself, given as gifts, or even to sell if they are really good. (How to Make a Rice Sock)

*New rice will give off quite a bit of moisture when microwave and will smell strongly. The more your sock/beanbag is used and microwaved the less damp it will feel and the smell will gradually fade. (How to Make a Rice Sock)

*The foot of an old pair of pantyhose could be used as the inside layer of a two layer sock to keep the rice from migrating through a less tightly woven outer sock.

*A small pillow case or larger sock may be substituted if you want a pad that covers more area. Although the heating or cooling time may differ if you use a larger rice bag/sock.

*A rice sock also works well for comforting puppies who cry in the night. Warm it and put it in bed with the puppy. Be certain it's not too hot. (How to Make a Rice Sock) This also works wonders with newborn kittens or other animals such as baby chicks that just hatched.

*A small amount of Vick's Vaporub can create an aromatic and therapeutic aid that will help with colds or allergies. (How to Make a Rice Sock) But never use ths with young children. It may cause their fever to spike and Vick's may not be safe for all children to handle.

*To prevent fires, put a glass of water in the microwave with your rice sock when heating it.

* Never use anything metal to make your rice sock. Metal can overheat in your microwave, ruining your microwave. The hot metal may also cause burns to you or a loved one if overheated. Frozen metal objects may also stick to the skin.

NOTE: If the sock becomes dirty, you can throw it away and make a new one, or empty the contents into a clean sock and wash the dirty one. (How to Make a Rice Sock) Never throw a sock in your washer with the rice still inside. Your washer may get too hot for the rice and actually cook the rice.

WikiHow. "How to Make a Rice Sock". Carbon Neutral.