Tips On Preparing Your Own Lavender Neck Wraps

By Krystal Branch


Overworked muscles can build stress and develop a lot of pain leaving you feeling very uncomfortable. There are various ways to relief sore muscles and one effective method is use of lavender neck wraps. These products are common in local and online stores but one can make in their homes too. The ingredients are readily available and this gives you a good reason to try preparing yours any time you are in need. Below are simple steps to help with the process.

There are various fabrics you can use for this purpose. Old shirts, towels, wash cloths or socks work nicely. Avoid using materials that contain metallic threads as these can ignite when used in the microwave. A large thick sock is a good choice, since it is already tubular and sewn around the sides.

Use a fabric tape measure to get measurements of your neck. In order to account for the seams, it may be necessary to add 0.5 inches to the measurements. For those not willing to measure, work with a width of 5 inches and length of 20 inches. This is a standard size for most necks.

Your next step is to fill the cloth. Flax seed, long-grain white rice, oatmeal or barley are good options for your homemade wrap. If you choose rice, do not use instant, as it may cook when heated. To get a good scent, you can mix an essential oil or spice with the filling in a large bowl. Let this sit for one or two days, stirring frequently so the aroma is distributed evenly.

Use the measurements taken earlier to cut your fabric into the desired size. Make allowance for the seams. Those using a sock or towel need not go through this step. In case of a fabric with both inner and outer sides, cut into rectangles both the cover and lining material. Make the lining about 0.5-inch smaller.

Fold the material lengthwise, with the inside facing out. Secure it in place with a pin across the open length and both ends so the seams will hold together while you sew. Use a needle and thread or a machine to sew the length and one end. Keep your stitches tight so that small grains of rice will not poke through. Sew the other end and leave a one-inch (2.54 cm) opening at the end of the remaining seam.

If sewing an inner and outer bag, leave one end all the way open on the outer bag. You will need to open the outer bag regularly while you heat the inner. Turn the fabric right-side-out through the one-inch opening on the side. Use a funnel to pour the scented grains into the inner sack. Fill only halfway or three-fourths full, as the wrap will conform better to your body. Use a zipper foot on a machine or a needle and thread to close up the remaining seam.

The inner bag is heated using a microwave for 90 seconds or till it is warm enough. You can warm at intervals of 30 seconds. The warm bag is then wrapped around the sore muscles on your neck or shoulders for about 20 minutes. Repeat the process until you feel relieved. The fabric on lavender neck wraps ought to be washed and the grains replaced after every three to six months depending on your frequency of use.




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