Bed Warmers

I have a bad back.

I also have a bad neck, bad knees, bad shoulders and I get killer headaches. Not exactly migraines, but close.

And the remedy I use over all others for all these aches and pains is a homemade hot pack. You can buy them at pharmacies - they're called all sorts of things, including Bed Buddies. But you can also make your own. It's cheaper and it's easy. And it's a great way to reuse old towels or washcloths and that unmatched sock.

I've used both rice and lentils and have had much better success with lentils.

For a long warmer that you can place around your neck, use a good sized tube sock and 2-3 pounds of uncooked lentils. Simply pour the lentils into the sock and sew up the end (make sure there are no holes in the sock!). Or, if you have no sewing materials handy, just put a knot in the end of the sock.

For a bigger warmer that lies flat enough to put behind your back, take an old dish towel or hand towel, fold it in half and sew around the sides. Leave an opening about 4 inches long into which you can pour the lentils and then fill the cavity with 4-6 pounds of lentils, depending on the size of the towel.

To use, place the lentil stuffed bag or sock into the microwave for a couple of minutes. Microwave power varies greatly from one oven to the next so you will need to experiment with the precise time to heat your bed warmer properly. I would start with 2 minutes, take the bag/sock out and shake the lentils around, and then continue heating in 1-2 minute intervals until you have the desired warmth.

Caution! Never leave one of these unattended in the microwave for more than 4 minutes of heating time, as overheating can scorch the lentils and the fabric. And always use cotton towels - not polyester.

We once stayed in a wonderful rustic stone cabin with no heat source but a fireplace. But, there was a small kitchen with a microwave, so I ran out to the local store and bought lentils. I then used some of the kids extra socks to make each person a bed warmer. The temperature in the cabin was around 40 degrees at night but, between the fireplace, the quilts, and the bed warmers, we were toasty!