Lavender is among the widely used herbs in relaxation and soothing of sore joints and muscles. Many people have bought items like lavender neck wraps to help ease pain around the shoulder. However, it is possible to prepare one at home since the materials used are readily available. Follow the given steps below and come up with a wrap that you can use any time you are in need.

Begin by choosing a suitable fabric. Different fabrics exist in the stores but one can recycle old towels, shirts, socks among others. Of importance is to stay off materials that contain any metals as these can catch fire when heating the wrap. A large thick sock would be your best option since it comes in tubular shape and already sewn on the sides.

Measure your neck. You could use a fabric tape measure and mark 0.5 inch extra to cater for the seams. For those unable to measure their neck, use the standard size of 20 inches (52 cm) and 5 inches in width. These are the measurements you will use to cut your fabric.

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.

Cut the fabric into the desired measurements. Those using a sock or towel may not need to cut. If you intend to use a double fabric, cut into rectangle the inner and outer materials. Make sure to cut the lining slightly smaller than the outer cover. 0.5 inch smaller will work.

You will need to fold the material and hold the seams with pins to allow you sew comfortably. You could fold it lengthwise, with the inner side facing out. Sew the length and one end leaving the other open for filling. An alternative is to leave a one-inch opening at the seam of the second end. You could use a machine or a needle and thread. Sew tight stitches that will not allow small grains of rice to pass through.

When using an inner and outer bag, leave an open end in the latter. This is opened regularly when heating the inner bag. Use the one-inch opening to turn the material right-side-out. Pour the scented grain into the inner bag using a funnel to halfway or three-fourths full. This makes your wrap conform properly to the shape of your shoulders or neck. You could sew a zipper on the opening to use it when opening and closing your sack.

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.