Fan Shoulder Wrap

Herbal Concepts Aromatherapy Comfort Neck and Shoulder Wrap as featured on Dr. Oz.

I don't know who it was that came up with this product idea, but God love 'em. It's like the old, basic flaxseed filled neck wraps that you microwave to warm and a product that many of us have probably tried at some point. I have one myself, but frankly it was always missing, well...  something. I didn't really know what, until now.

This fan shoulder wrap was featured on a recent Dr. Oz show - y'all know by now that I love his show, and I've purchased quite a few products and supplements that Dr. Oz has talked about and recommended. One thing that sets this wrap apart from many is that it's a fan wrap, that not only fits up higher around the neck, but also fans out down onto the front and top of the shoulders, and upper back of the shoulders, big problem areas for me.

When I was in my teens, and back when seat belts were only lap belts and inadequate protection, much less even required, I was involved in a minor accident where my head met the windshield. I suffered a whiplash injury that has left my neck without much curvature to it, and given me a habitually stiff neck. Pair that with carrying every ounce of tension or stress I experience in my shoulders, spending too much time on a computer, and not having the best posture while sitting either, and well... I'm not even sure I even know what a relaxed neck and shoulders feels like anymore.

When the package arrived it was quite heavy, weighing in at about 4 pounds, so the wrap is substantial in weight and loaded with plenty of flaxseeds in the neck band and the fan part that sits on your shoulders. The weight actually feels good sitting on your shoulders too, so that's really a plus. When I unwrapped it from the plastic, at first I was a little disappointed that there wasn't much smell to it. I knew that it contained herbs, and in fact, that was what prompted me to order it, but I couldn't really smell much of anything. Until I microwaved it.

The instructions said to microwave 1 to 2 minutes, increasing in 30 second increments to get it to your desired heat level, since all microwaves vary. The first time, I folded it to a manageable size and placed it on a clean paper towel, microwaving it for 1 minute on high. Then I removed it, unfolded it and refolded it a different way, just to prevent any hot spots that might burn, and went for another minute. My microwave is a small one with low wattage, so I went 30 seconds longer each time I heated it, and found for my microwave that 3 minutes was perfect. Your microwave may be much more powerful, so start with 1 minute and increase accordingly.

Another thing that sets this wrap apart is the number of herbs included. The wrap contains twelve, 100% natural, aromatic herbs and grains, including lavender, Valerian root, white willow, chamomile, rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, hops, yellow dock, lemongrass, yarrow and other natural ingredients. The fragrance is awakened and released when you microwave it, and, for moist heat therapy, you can water mist it with a sprayer before microwaving. You can also place it into a resealable bag and freeze it for cold therapy.

The cover is made from a very soft, plush material, and not removable, but can be wiped with a damp cloth to clean. The instructions indicate that storing the wrap in a resealable bag will also increase the longevity of the product. It's currently available in eight colors.

I instantly LOVED this product, and it really loosened up those neck and shoulder muscles. I do have to issue a warning about it though... but it's in a good way. The fragrance from the herbals will waft up to your nostrils and RELAX you. It might even make you sleepy. Between that, the weight and the warmth, if you suffer at all from tension and stiffness in your neck and upper shoulders, I think you will love this product too. It really does what it's supposed to.

Made in the U.S.A. by Herbal Concepts a company located in Clackamas, Oregon, it's called a "Comfort Neck and Shoulder Wrap." I purchased mine through my prime membership on Amazon, and you can still order them there, although if you want one right away, you currently have to pay shipping through a third-party company. Considering the weight, the shipping isn't too bad. Apparently Dr. Oz's show prompted some sales, as the free shipping from Prime Membership products are all gone and on wait list for 2 to 3 week delivery. Still, if you don't mind waiting, it's a great price with your Prime membership. Herbal concepts also sell a basic neck wrap along with a number of other products.

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