When I posted on meaningful tasks and making a rice bag, I completely neglected to describe what we were doing, and what exactly a rice bag is used for. Farmgirlcyn asked for more information, so here it is.
The rice bag is used in the same way Laura Ingalls used a hot iron or potato. In our cold farmhouse, we heat the rice bag before going to bed, and it does an amazing job of chasing the cold out of the bed (at least down by our feet!). It can also be used for sore, aching muscles, or on the abdomen for cramps. Every time I go to the hospital to have a baby, my rice bag goes along! It is great for a laboring momma...
There is no science here. Just cut a square or rectangle of fabric (cotton) the size desired, sew it along 3 1/2 sides, then fill with rice. Keep in mind the weight of rice when determining the size. I added a couple drops of lavender essential oil on the tines of a fork and mixed it around in the rice. Stitch the opening, and enjoy!
These make great gifts...simple, inexpensive, and useful.
Over time we notice that the rice loses it's ability to retain heat, so replacement is necessary after many, many uses.
5 comments:
How useful! Thank-you for the idea!
Kelsey
I love making these! :)
Is there a way to heat it without a microwave? Everytime I see these, microwave heating is the only way described. I know boiling wouldn't be a good idea :)
Our family uses them for earaches, too...though I usually just pour a cup of rice in a sock. :o)
We also put a rice bad in the freezer. When someone has a fever, headache, bruise or any pain needing cooling we use it. I have made small one for boo boo's too!
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