Hi- I make these all the time- use the raw buckwheat groats. I get mine at the local 'good food' store. The groats are $2.39 a lb. They don't smell and they hold the heat for a very long time. I use prewashed flannel and these are very cuddly. I have RA, lupus, narcolepsy, etc. So I totally can relate your continual aches and pains. Good luck :) :) :) :)

Oh, and I've put lavender in mine. Also have made them with dried bits of orange peels, lemon peels, cinammon, and cloves. It smells like you baked and you didn't even have to get out of your chair.

Cathy M, What do you mean by buckwheat 'groats'? Would I find them at a health food store, or where? Thanks.

Hi- the raw buckwheat groats I buy are at our local health food grocery store. They sell organic veggies, bulk flour, rice, etc. And they will order me a 50 lb bag when I need it. When I buy the big bag, it's a lot cheaper but then I have 50 lbs of it sitting on the kitchen counter waiting to be sewn into bags. yikes :) :) :)

How much would you say makes one bag? and how long do they last?

It depends on how big of a bag you're making. The size I make most is a 10 inch square and it holds about a pound of groats. And I've got a couple here at the house that are a couple of years old and still working great. Granted, they haven't been used on sticky fingered :) :) :) urchins .....(er- grandchildren).

LOL! was just wondering so that I have a good idea of how much to buy and how many I want to make. Thanx!