How to Make Aromatherapy Rice Bags

Microwavable aromatherapy bags are available at health stores, bath shops and even supermarkets, but making your own aromatherapy rice bags is easy and lets you customize your bag exactly the way you want to. Choose herbs to lift the spirit or soothe the mind, and opt for fabrics that please the senses, like cool silk, baby-soft flannel or organic cotton. These indulgent packs heat up after two minutes in the microwave and drape comfortably around your neck for a relaxing experience.

Bags Made with Essential Oil

Add essential oil to 6 cups of rice. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before using your hands to mix the oil and rice together. Allow the mixture to dry completely, for about 1 hour.

Measure and cut your fabric so that it is long enough to drape comfortably around your neck, usually about 8 to 10 inches, and about 6 to 8 inches wide.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Pin the wrong sides of the fabric together on three sides, and use a straight seam with a 1/4- to 1/2-inch seam allowance to sew up the three sides, forming a tube of fabric.

Pour the rice mixture into the bag until the bag is about 2/3 of the way full. Don't fill it completely or it won't be flexible enough to drape around your shoulders.

Pin the remaining side together, and carefully sew it closed, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch.

Heat in the microwave for two minutes, then drape the pack around your shoulders and enjoy 22. You can also chill your bag in the freezer and use it as a cold pack.

Bags Made with Dried Herbs

Measure and cut your fabric so that it is long enough to drape comfortably around your neck, usually about 8 to 10 inches, and about 6 to 8 inches wide.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Pin the wrong sides of the fabric together on three sides, and use a straight seam with a 1/4- to 1/2-inch seam allowance to sew up the three sides, forming a tube of fabric.

Combine 1 cup of dried herbs with 6 cups of rice. You can use a single herb, such as lavender, rosemary or chamomile, or a mixture of herbs.

Pour the rice mixture into the bag until the bag is about 2/3 of the way full. Don't fill it completely or it won't be flexible enough to drape around your shoulders.

Pin the remaining side together, and carefully sew it closed, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch. Heat in the microwave for two minutes, then drape the pack around your shoulders and enjoy 22. You can also chill your bag in the freezer and use it as a cold pack.

Tips

When choosing which herbs or essential oil to use in your bag, keep these tips in mind. Chamomile, spearmint and lavender promote relaxation and soothe stress. Peppermint, lemon grass and rosemary can soothe muscle pain and stiffness. Peppermint is also good for easing hangover symptoms.