DIY: Heating Pad

Warming neck wraps are a terrific gift to give during the holidays. They can help soothe sore muscles and enhance relaxation. When used with essential oils, they can provide additional relief and aromatherapy benefits. Below are three tutorials on how you can make your own warming neck wraps that vary by skill level. Even if you don't consider yourself a crafty person, you will be surprised at how easy it is to make your own. No matter your skill level, you will be able to find a tutorial that's right for you. Have fun!

ADVANCED LEVEL

Materials Needed:

½ yard flannel or cotton cut into two 8 x 20 inch pieces.

6 cups flaxseed or rice

Sewing machine

doTERRA essential oil(s)

Directions:

1. Cut fabric into two 8 x 20 inch pieces.
2. Place right sides (pretty sides) together and pin along edges.
3. With right sides together, sew ¼” seam all the way around the fabric leaving a three-inch opening on a short end and 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 two cups of rice or flax seeds.
6. Sew on marked line. Repeat until all four sections are filled.
7. Sew opening closed and you’re done.
8. To use, microwave for two to three minutes and add 2 drops of essential oil on the outer fabric.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Materials Needed:

Kitchen Towel

6 cups flaxseed or rice

Sewing Machine

dōTERRA  Essential Oil(s)

Directions:

1. Fold towel in half longways (hotdog style).
2. Sew around the edges leaving a three-inch opening. Turn right side out.
3. See steps 2-3 above.
4. Divide the length into four equal sections and mark with a fabric marker.
5. See step 4 above.
6. Loosely fill the first quarter with two cups of flax seeds. Sew on marked line. Repeat until all four sections are filled.
7. See steps 5-6 above.
8. Sew opening closed and you’re done.
9. See step 7 above.
10. To use, microwave for two to three minutes and add 2 drops of essential oil on the outer fabric.
11. See step 8 above.

BEGINNER LEVEL

 Materials Needed:

Tube or dress sock

3 cups flaxseed or rice

dōTERRA essential oil(s)

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 essential oil.

Tips:

• If you smell burning while microwaving your heating pad, you are microwaving it too long. Try cutting down the heating time or lowering the power setting to 50%.
• Use the leftover fabric to make hand warmers.
• Homemade heating pads make great gifts. Give a heating pad with a bottle of your favorite dōTERRA essential oil to friends and loved ones for a practical gift they are sure to love!

Editors 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.

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.