How to Make a Natural Heating Pad

Heat warms and expands cramped muscles, providing temporary relief. Heating pads help relieve muscle pain, including back, neck, menstrual, and leg discomfort. If you have a microwave you can make your own heating pads at home. You just need a few materials, which you can find around the house. Rice and other uncooked grains make excellent filler. Add some soothing herbs, and you can have a heating pad, which should last a long while.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of cloth in desired size
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Filler (Options include uncooked rice, wheat, feed corn, barley, oatmeal.)
• Spices, herbs or essential oils (optional)
• Microwave

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut and sew fabric into your desired shape and size. A large washcloth works well. Use old towels, fleeces, washcloths, velour knits or flannels. Leave an inch or two open on one side to stuff with filler.

• 2

  Fill the bag to about a half to three quarters. Use more or less filler if you wish, but avoid making it too plump. You want the pad to be supple enough to mold to your sore body part.

• 3

  Add herbs such as lavender, rosemary or cloves. All these elements provide relief, and will add a soothing fragrance. Sew the opening by hand or machine, making sure the filler is at the opposite end.

• 4

  Place in your microwave for one to three minutes, depending on the size of the pad. Remove from microwave. Shake. Make sure it is not too hot, before applying.