How to Make a Rice Pillow

Contributed by Ellen T Johnson

Many women who suffer from endometriosis pain find that heating pads or hot water bottles are very soothing. A rice pillow is a nice alternative because it’s portable and stays hot for a long time. If you’d like to make your own, here are the instructions:

• Cut two lengths of sturdy cotton fabric (such as chintz) into 14” x 7” (35cm x 20cm) rectangles.
• Put the wrong sides of the material together. Stitch the long side edges together using a ½” (1.5cm) seam allowance. Leave the top and bottom edges open and trim them with pinking shears so the raw edges don’t ravel.
• Turn the pillow right side out. Gather approximately 2” (5cm) of material together at one end and use a rubber band to tightly close that end.

• Fill the open end of the pillow with an inexpensive brand of regular white rice (not instant) or flax seeds. Put a few drops of natural essential oil (such as lavender or rosewood) on a cotton ball and add it along with the rice. Fill the pillow loosely with the rice so it will be slightly “floppy.” This enables it to conform to the shape of your body.
• Close the open end with another rubber band. You may want to cover the ends with a ribbon.

To Use Rice Pillow: Microwave for 1-2 minutes (length of time depends on microwave wattage). Test to make sure it’s not too hot before using. (NOTE: If you don’t have a microwave, do not use an oven to heat your pillow!)

I’ve used my heated rice pillow for headaches, muscle aches, cramps, abdominal pain, sinus pressure, and joint pain. It travels well, and also makes a nice gift.

© 1994-2003, Ellen T Johnson

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