If you have children with frequent earaches, here is a great tip: Get a clean sock and fill with 1/2 cup or so of regular white rice. Make a knot just above the rice leaving a bit of "wiggle room". Just put in the microwave for about 30 - 40 seconds at med-high, testing periodically for comfort. Your child can hold this on their ear or even sleep on it for a soothing treatment until oral meds take effect. I even sew 2 x's for eyes and a smile at the top and call it their ear buddy.
Of course this works for adults too! Just use a larger sock fill and sew closed and you have a soothing pack for lower back pain, cramps, headaches, etc. I like to add a couple of drops of lavender oil to mine. Believe it or not these rice packs make the most soothing moist (natural) heat you will find and can be used over and over again! I have made some with fleece sewn into a rectangle and pretty fabrics to give as gifts. People love 'em!
Probably can be used for relief for arthritic hands.
By
05/10/2008
Be very careful about applying heat to an earache. If there is any infection, this could cause it to expand, which could rupture the eardrum.
By
05/08/2008
Great idea. And cute with the eyes and smile sewn on. Will be making some of these. Not only for my dd, but also for my neice and nephew who have babies (ages 1 and 2). Thank you for sharing.