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Last Updated on 2015-01-22 by Kassandra
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When I was a little girl, my mother used to have these neck warmer things that seemed to be made of unpopped corn kernels and she would heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds then put it on her neck to help with pain or soreness.
For a few years now I’ve been looking for them for myself – and then yesterday I stumbled upon a friend’s Pinterest board that had a DIY on it! So I am reposting for you guys here. 🙂
Warming neck wraps can ease sore muscles, and add some essential oils to mix? Oh, baby!
Now, I am not giving my own opinion on what’s best, because as of this post I do not have a wide knowledge of essential oils and what works best for what, so please bear with me and take this with a grain of salt (or a drop of oil, as it were) …
Here is the original blog post from a doTerra consultant. I have heard that doTerra used to be part of Young Living, so I would just say that wherever you get your essential oils, make sure they’re good ones and not filled with nasty fillers to save money.
What I loved about this post is that there are 3 levels on making one of these … and even if you’re not crafty I feel like anyone can do the most “advanced” one – as long as they had access to a sewing machine and knew how to use it!
Tips:
- If you smell burning while microwaving your heating pad, you are microwaving it too long. Either lower power setting to 50% or try cutting down the heating time.
- Use any leftover fabric to make hand warmers!
- These homemade heating pads make GREAT gifts! Give one of these and a bottle of essential oil for a practical gift your loved ones will appreciate after a long day!
Original Editor’s Note:
If you don’t have a microwave, you can heat your heating pad by putting it in an oven-safe dish and heating it in the oven at 150 degrees for 15 minutes. Remember to set a timer and to frequently check your heating pad to make sure it doesn’t get too hot and become a fire hazard.
Original Editor’s Word of Caution:
The heating pad will be very warm and can burn you if you heat it for too long. Start by putting your heating bag in the microwave for 1 minute, and then increase by 30 second increments until you have achieved your desired temperature. If you accidentally heat it for too long, let it rest until it becomes cooler. You might also want to place a wash cloth or towel against your skin to act as a barrier and to ensure you don’t get burned in case you heat it more than you intended.
Warning From Responder on Original Post:
Make sure the material you use is 100% cotton and remove any tags (if you use a towel)… I learned this the hard way by a fire starting in my microwave…
DIY Neck Wrap Tutorial
Advanced Level
What You Need:
- 1/2 yard of flannel or 100% cotton cut into two 8×20 inch pieces
- 8 cups flaxseed or rice (original site said 6, but the numbers don’t match up)
- sewing machine
- essential oil(s)
Directions:
1. Cut fabric into two 8 x 20 inch pieces (if you haven’t already)
2. Place right / correct (pretty) sides together and pin along the edges.
3. With right sides together, sew 1/4″ seam all the way around the fabric leaving a 3 inch opening on a short end and then turn right sides out.
4. Divide the length of the fabric into four equal sections and mark with a fabric marker.
5. Loosely fill the first quarter with 2 cups of rice or flax seeds.
6. Sew on marked line. Repeat steps 4-6 until all four sections are filled.
7. Sew opening closed and you’re done!
8. To use, microwave for 2-3 minutes and add 2 drops of essential oil on the outer fabric.
Again – I got this DIY from a doTERRA independent Rep (i.e. a network marketer) … You do not have to use their product, just be sure you’re using essential oils that are as pure as possible with no nasty fillers.
Intermediate Level
What You Need:
- kitchen towel
- 6 cups flaxseed or rice
- sewing machine
- essential oil(s)
Directions:
1. Fold towel in half hot dog style (long ways)
2. Sew around the edges leaving a 3 inch opening. Turn right side out. (See steps 2-3 in Advanced Level.)
3. Divide the length into 4 equal sections and mark with a fabric marker. (See step 4 in Advanced Level.)
4. Loosely fill the 1st quarter up with flaxseed or rice. Sew on the marked line. Repeat until all 4 sections are filled. (See steps 5-6 in Advanced Level.)
5. Sew opening closed and you’re done! (See step 7 in Advanced Level.)
6. To use, microwave for 2-3 minutes and add 2 drops of essential oil onto outer fabric. (See step 8 in Advanced Level.)
Beginner Level
What You Need:
- tube or dress sock
- 3 cups flaxseed or rice
- essential oils
Directions:
1. Pour flaxseed or rice into sock
2. Tie a knot and you’re done!
3. To use, place in microwave for 2-3 minutes and then add 2 drops of essential oil.
I hope this DIY information has come in handy! Be sure to check out the rest of the person’s blogs for more tips, or check out my friend’s Pinterest board!
And if you’re looking for something that can help bring in a little extra cash for this upcoming Valentine’s Day – then check this out!
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