Rice sock is a homemade hot compress that you can quickly reheat in the microwave. You can apply it to different parts of the body to relieve pain, cold and other ailments. The key factor is to use a cotton sock, so that it does not burn and melt as you heat it, and simply tie it with a knot to be able to periodically replace the contents.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Fill the Sock with Rice
Step 1. Find a suitable sock
If you want to make a small compress, use one that is up to mid-calf length. If you need it bigger, choose a sock that comes below the knee. It is essential that it is 100% cotton; in addition, it is better that it has a tight weave to protect the skin from boiling rice and to hold the grains.
- The cotton will not burn and will not melt in the microwave;
- Check that there are no decorations or metal wires on the sock, for example copper or silver, as they could catch fire in the microwave;
- Do not use a sock with holes or the grains of rice could spill out and burn you.
- If you want to make an even bigger warm compress, you can use the cotton cover of a small pillow instead of a sock.
Step 2. Slip the sock into a tall, thin glass
It will act as a support to allow you to fill it more easily with rice. Turn up the edge of the sock and wrap it around the rim of the glass to keep it open, just like you do when you put a new bag in the waste bin.
If the fabric slips on the glass and the sock does not stay open, hold it in place with a rubber band
Step 3. Fill the sock three quarters full with uncooked rice
Do not use pre-cooked one as it tends to mold quickly. You will likely need between 800 and 1,200g, depending on the size of the sock. Leave a quarter of empty space to be able to tie the knot. If you want, you can use a different ingredient instead of rice, for example:
- Dried beans;
- Barley;
- Flax seed;
- Corn grains.
Step 4. Perfume the tablet if you wish
In addition to rice, you can put aromatic herbs in the sock so that when heated they give off a pleasant fragrance. Simply mix them with rice, for example you could use:
- The content of a sachet of chamomile or mint tea;
- A spoon or teaspoon of dried lavender flowers;
- Alternatively, you can use essential oils (5 to 10 drops).
Step 5. Knot the edge of the sock
Grab it by the flap and carefully remove it from the glass, then shake it gently to evenly distribute the rice. Tie a knot at the top of the sock by twisting it around itself to prevent the rice from coming out.
Tie the sock instead of sewing it. This way you can replace the contents if it gets wet or gives off an unpleasant odor
Step 6. Replace the rice if necessary
Over time, it may smell stale or burn. If that happens, undo the knot, throw away the old rice and fill the sock again with freshly bought rice. In addition to avoiding spreading a bad smell around the house every time you use the tablet, you will prevent the risk of the rice from igniting in the microwave oven.
Part 2 of 3: Heat the Tablet
Step 1. Heat the rice-filled sock in the microwave
The easiest and quickest way to heat your own tablet is to use the microwave. Place it on the turntable next to a cup full of water and heat it on full power for one minute. Open the oven and touch the sock in several places, very carefully, to see if it is warm enough. Heat it for another 30 seconds if you want it to reach a higher temperature.
- Proceed very carefully when you touch it and take it out of the oven as it will be extremely hot.
- The water in the cup will raise the humidity level inside the oven and prevent the fabric or rice from burning.
- Turn off the microwave immediately if you smell burning. Put on your oven mitts or use the pot holders to take the sock out of the oven.
Step 2. Heat the tablet in the traditional oven if you prefer
Turn it on to 150 ° C and wait for it to reach the desired temperature. Place the rice-filled sock in a baking dish or pan with high sides. Cover the bowl with a lid or aluminum foil and fill a clay or other heat-resistant bowl with water. When the oven is hot, place the dish on the top shelf and the bowl with water on the one below. After 20 minutes, check if the compress is warm enough. If necessary, leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes.
The water in the bowl will raise the humidity level inside the oven and prevent the fabric or rice from burning
Step 3. Alternatively, you can let the tablet warm up on the heater
During the cold months, you can take advantage of the heat emanating from the radiators in your home. Wrap the sock in aluminum foil and place it on the radiator. Flip it every 10 minutes and let it warm up for half an hour to an hour.
Step 4. The rice sock can also play the role of a cold compress
Just put it in the freezer to use it in place of ice if you've taken a hit. Let it cool for about 45 minutes and remember to shake it before using it, to stir the rice and ensure an even cooling to the skin.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Tablet
Step 1. Treat muscle aches and tensions
The rice sock is ideal for relieving muscles in case they are sore or stiff due to sports activity, injury or stress. Bring it to the desired temperature and then tap it in multiple places to make sure there are no hot spots. Place it directly on your skin where you feel pain or discomfort and let the heat spread through your muscles for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Fight the cold with your hot compress
When you are cold, cold or simply cold because you have been outside or because there is not the right warmth in the house, the rice sock can help you to warm up. If you have cold feet, warm the tablet, place it on the floor and place your feet on it while sitting comfortably in a chair or sofa. If you get chills from fever, keep the tablet on your lap and wrap yourself in a blanket.
On colder days you can hug the hot compress in bed when it's time to fall asleep
Step 3. Use the tablet to relieve pain and cramps
When you're tired, sick, or sore, it's not uncommon to have joint pain. Place the warm sock where you feel pain, for example around your neck, and let it sit for 20-25 minutes for relief. For menstrual cramps, lie on your back and keep the hot compress on your lower abdomen for 30 minutes.
Step 4. Find headache relief
If you suffer from migraines, sinusitis, or other ailments involving the head or face, you can try to treat them with heat. Lie on your stomach and keep the warm sock on your forehead or face for pain relief. Alternatively you can use it as a pillow.
Step 5. Treat arthritis with heat
Generally the pain caused by arthritis decreases thanks to the heat, and the rice sock can help you get it where it is needed. Heat the compress and apply it to your sore joints for 20 minutes at a time.
