I use dried beans and freeze them. I like the cold better than the heat.

How about putting a little lavender in with the rice to help with the smell?
My mum uses the rice and I don't really notice the smell AND it makes her ankle feel so much better.

Wouldn't be without mine! In fact I used it last night for my hands.

Nice idea, Ruth.. I'm wondering about whether the hand sized rice bag could be doubled and joined.. to bring warmth to both sides of the hand at one time. I often have hand pain [my guess is early arthritis since my dear old gramma had it badly] and know many others who do too. When I get a chance to try this I'll let you know how it turns out! Thanks for your post!

When I was teaching (Home Ec) I had my students make some one year. We made a tube, filled it with rice and wound it around and around for a mug warmer. We also put spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in with the rice to keep it smelling nice.

Once in a ski resort area, while on a business trip in early 1980s, I called the main desk of the hotel to ask for a heating pad for a sore neck and shoulder. The clerk referred me to the kitchen! There, the responder said he would "send me a pad" and then I learned about what you are calling "warmers" Since then I have used sturdy cotton like duck, corduroy, and channels (several inches wide), in any size anyone would want.

Use them all the time.

I make and use them. I have a problem with small muscle cramps..(small muscles/big cramps) and they work so well to relieve them.

I have had one for a long time. My sis has two made with corn. They do the job!!