How to Make Herbal Heating Pads

by Carole Vansickle

Overview

Herbal heating pads are great for easing tired muscles and simultaneously soothing achy joints and weary minds. Supplement your herbal heating bag with whatever herbs you like best. Popular herbs include lavender for relaxation and peppermint for vitality. Many herbalists believe that aromatherapy can also help with health problems like arthritis and menopause, so you may want to also look into adding sage for hot flashes or rosemary for hurting joints.

Step 1

Cut a piece of fabric out of one side of the top of the sock. The piece should be the width of the sock and about 2 inches deep. Once you have cut this piece out, you should have a flap that can be pulled over the top of the sock to close it.
Step 2

Cut a length of velcro the width of the sock. You can just lay the strip of velcro across the top of the sock and then cut it to fit, or you can measure if you prefer.
Step 3

Fix half of the velcro to the very edge of the flap, and the other half to the upper edge of the cut-off area. Press the velcro firmly into place. The adhesive should hold it firmly once you do so.
Step 4

Fill the sock three-quarters full of uncooked rice. This will leave it flexible enough to bend and mold to your body.
Step 5

Add the herbs. Just dump them in on top of the rice.
Step 6

Close the herbal heating pad securely using the velcro. Knead it gently with your hands to mix the rice and herbs together. Heat the bag for 60 seconds and then in additional 30-second intervals if it is not hot enough.

1
Long tube sock Uncooked rice Your choice of herbs (1 tablespoon each if dried, and 3 tablespoons if fresh) Scissors Self-adhesive velcro
Long tube sock
Uncooked rice
Your choice of herbs (1 tablespoon each if dried, and 3 tablespoons if fresh)
Scissors
Self-adhesive velcro
Change out the rice and herbs whenever you like.
Change out the rice and herbs whenever you like.