There is nothing better than a nice heat pack for sore and aching muscles. I have been making rice packs for my family for years. These are easy, reusable and retain heat for over an hour. They are simple and inexpensive to make and are easily moldable to form to where you need the heat. Here is how I make them.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 6 cups rice (uncooked)
• 10-20 drops lavender essential oil
• Long tube sock

Combine your rice and lavender essential oil into a bowl and mix

I love adding lavender oils to my rice packs, but feel free to add whatever oil you love and calms you.

Simply, pour the rice mixture into a tube sock

Tie a knot at the end of the sock and it is ready to use.

If you want to use it as a heat pack, place it in the microwave for 30 second intervals until you get it to the heat level you like. If you’d like to use it as an ice pack, place it in freezer until it is cool.