Herbal Heating Bags

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Herbal Heating BagsI'm sure that you can use any oils you choose with this. To create a Headache Pillow, warm or cold, you just need to ensure that the "stuffing" is completely *dry.* Depending on how big you are planning on making it, for you can make it longer to be wrapped around the neck or just about a foot long to be placed on the forehead. You will need;2 parts Lavender, the flower heads,1 part dried Eucalyptus,1 part combined bay leaves, chamomile, & mugwort1 - 2 cups Rice- NO CONVERTED, BROWN OR "MINUTE" RICE.Cotton flannelStretchy velvet, (crushed velvet)Fancy lace or ribbonAll you do is make a rectangular tube on the sewing machine. Using 100% cotton flannel cut a rectangle 15 to 18" long by 7 to 8" wide, fold it in half – (right sides together), and sew one short end and up the long side, thus leaving room for it to be opened. Use a scant 1/2" seam allowance, reinforce the stitches and finish the seam with a zig-zag. Turn right-side out. This makes a little sack.Then mix the herbs together with the rice and pour into the tube. Oh - DON'T fill the bag completely! It should have at least two or three inches unfilled at the top, this space is to allow the filling material to shift around so that the bag can be comfortably molded to the body. Now turn in the seam allowance on the remaining open end and finish with sewing across it, locking your stitches so the rice can't get out.Take another cotton square cut a little bigger. This is going to be the little pillowcase to put the rice bag in. I used a piece of soft velvet with ribbon or lace for the edge of the pillow, for the sake of appearances, or you can just leave it plain if you want to. Sew up this piece like you did the sack only finish off the open end like on a pillow-case on your bed. This will be what can get washed if it gets soiled. DON'T WASH THE RICE BAG!!Now, I would zap for the neck and cool for the head, either place your pillow bag in the microwave oven, (this the reason is why it all needs to be cotton), or keep it in the freezer. Depending on your microwave and the size of the bag, set on HIGH and time for 1 ¹/² to 2 minutes, or until it gets the warmth you want. Get it just warm enough so you can pick it up and it doesn't burn you.. You be the judge at how hot you want it to be, and use it like a heating pad. You can put it on the small of your back if your back aches or at the back of your neck or wherever you want. It will retain the heat for several hours. Just simply mush it around to help the natural scents to come out, AHHH!... simple aromatherapy!To aches and pains say goodbye,Arrange me and give a sigh.Keep me cold, did you know I freeze?Bumps and swellings are a breeze.For a simple No-Sew Herbal Heating-Pad use a sock, preferably clean, turned inside out so the soft inside part is on the outside, fill it with uncooked rice and herbs of your choice, then tie a knot in the sock towards the end. Birdseed or un-popable corn feed could also be substituted for rice and dried herbs and essential oils may added if so desired.

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist." -- St. Francis of Assisi

 

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