Stress pillows - Big Big Forums

jalex · 11-29-2004, 08:35 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stress Pillows
Submitted by Susan

"I have several stress pillows and they do not have rice in them. I do know that they can be made with rice but when I asked a craftsman who sold them he said that the best thing to use is flax seed. It is sold by the 2 pound bag at natural health food stores and isn't expensive, but there are places on the web that you can buy wholesale and I am sure if they know it is for a school project they may even give a discount. Also if this person happens to live in our farm belt she may be able to buy it direct and probably wouldn't cost too much at all.

I was told that the rice can be used but will permeate an odor after a while even if used with herbs etc., where the flax seed doesn't. From what I was told is that the rice will pick up the moisture and that is what will make the odor after a while. I have had mine now for approx. two years and it is still fine. Of course the scent isn't as strong but it does not have an odor. I bought some flax seed to make my own but have not gotten around to it yet. It can be put in the freezer as a cold pack or in the microwave as a heating pack. If put in the freezer please make sure that it is put in a zip lock bag or something similar so that it will not pick up the odors from the freezer.

If you just blend the flax with the herbs of choice and you can even add some oil of essense and let sit for a while like you would a potpourri it should turn out nice."

Submitted by Vanessa

"I have successfully used lavender in bed-bean bags (using whole grain wheat instead of rice) and stress pillows. I used both dried flower heads and a few drops of the oil. As long as you don't go overboard on the oil, you should have no problem in the microwave. They smell so nice and are wonderful to sleep with!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stress Pillows II
Submitted by Cheryl

Items needed:
Scissors
Needle & Thread or sewing machine
Rice
Flax seeds
Peppermint
Spearmint
Chamomile
Cinnamon
Lemon Grass
Rosemary
Valerian Root
Saw Palmetto Berries
White Willow Bark
Yellow Dock Root
Yarrow

Make the pillow the size you choose. I did about 6 inches X16 inches. The ingredients on the package showed all the above but for the Rice. I used mostly rice and added some flax seeds. This makes the BULK of your stuffing.

Sew 3 sides and almost all of the 4th side. Use a funnel to put your ingredients in. I added alot of the Peppermint and Spearmint. Maybe 1/2 cup. Then added alittle less of the Chamomile about 1/3 cup. I then added Cinnamon. My mistake was using the ground Cinnamon. This made for a powdery mess. I had to beat the pillow outside when done so the fine Cinnamon powder could go through the pores of the material. Next time I will use Cinnamon sticks and break them up. I added a moderate amount of Lemon Grass and Rosemary about 1-2 tablespoons each. Valerian Root, Saw Palmetto Berries, White Willow Bark, Yellow Dock Root, Yarrow each add about 1 teaspoon and decrease to make the Yarrow the least amount used.

Look up what each is used for and add or subtract as your need is. Fill the pillow with a funnel and sew up by hand or machine the opening.

These make lovely gifts and are very quick to make if you use a sewing machine. I love to make them out of flannel instead of cotton. Heat them for 3 minutes and they will stay hot up to 45 minutes. One can also place the herbal pack in a freezer bag and put in the freezer. They remain cold about 20 minutes. These are nice also on a trip as you can heat them up in the gas station convience stores. They are great foot warmers in the winter. They help sprains, menstral cramps, etc., during the year and when made with all the herbs are wonderful sinus packs. I place them over my face and they are heavenly.

http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/crafts.html

Surfergal · 11-29-2004, 07:51 PM

I have made these for several years - I use them to warm my bed/feet at night, for a headache, neck ache etc, most especially, in the winter I take them to the car with me. that little bit of warmth until the car warms up is so nice, also I nuke again before leaving work. sold many. If using socks in a pinch, be sure the fabric is a very, very tight weave. the rice will shed and you will have rice dandriff all over

from: http://www.thefunplace.com/crafts/heatpad.html

Posted by ah on August 26, 1999 at 02:47:42:
here are instructions and poem, that were posted on a list I was on. (^:

This little pillow filled with rice,
Is such a comforting device.
Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes on HIGH
and kiss those aches and pains goodbye.
Apply it to the troubled spot,
The heat will ease the pain a lot.
Or warm those little toes, so cold.
You'll find this nice to have and to hold.
Or freeze it for a little while,
And fix that boo-boo up in style.
Instead of a compress made of ice,
Use this pillow filled with rice.

No-Sew Directions for HeatSocks

Take a pair of athletic socks. Pour 3 cups of long grain rice in each one. Close with a (sturdy)
rubber band. Put them in microwave for 1-1/2 minutes per sock.

Use for: Foot warmers, hand warmers, heating pad. To clean, pour the rice out & wash the socks.

Tips: DON'T USE SOCKS WITH HOLES. Also don't use wire twist ties unless you like watching fireworks in your microwave.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Shannon on September 06, 1999 at 18:03:07:

I made these for Christmas last year. They were hit!
I made "pillows" of various sizes and filled them with deer corn.
The scent is comforting and the corn holds heat for a long time.
I heated them for various times depending on how big the pillows were.
I also hear that apple deer corn smells wonderful, but they had sold out
it at the feed stores in our area.

mom324929 · 12-06-2004, 03:15 PM

Where do I find the lavender, etc.. Do I just buy the scented oil or do I need actual lavender, camamoile, etc?? Please help!!! Email at TFord@chartermi.net

jalex · 12-07-2004, 12:29 PM

I am pretty sure you need the actual lavender ect. You should be able to get them at any craft store..but then again. I am not sure.
Anybody else know about that?

mastiff · 12-09-2004, 09:32 AM

Just a note: I have had many different stress pillows. I used to make them with the whole corn, soaked in cinnamon and other scents then dried and put into the bags. However, I found that the whole corn can get "buggy" after a couple of years. Now I have some that I have purchased that are made from Buckwheat. They work great for heating or freezing. I have added scents to mine because they came without them. I have had some made from flaxseed and some from beans and some from rice and so far the flax seed and the buckwheat are the best. The corn are the cheapest and can be washed and dried.
Just my findings, I hope they help someone.
Julie
artistmom@gmail.com

Hollie1974 · 12-10-2004, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom324929

Where do I find the lavender, etc.. Do I just buy the scented oil or do I need actual lavender, camamoile, etc?? Please help!!! Email at TFord@chartermi.net

Some health food stores may sell the herbs dried. If you have any nearby I would give them a call. If not they may be able to tell you where to get what you need.

HTH
Hollie