How2 Make A Homemade Reusable Ice Pack:

I found the first two techniques better than the reusable ones you buy at the drug store.

1. To make a "small ice pack" :one cup rubbing alcohol, two cups water and one quart size zip lock plastic freezer bag.
2. To make a "large ice pack" :two cups rubbing alcohol, four cups water and one gallon size zip lock plastic freezer bag.
3. Use rice to create a mild ice pack. Insert 1 1/2 cups of rice into a sandwich sized, plastic zip seal bag.

1. (Any type of rice will do.) Freeze the rice for two hours. The result is a simple ice pack that feels quite cool, yet not ice cold, to the skin. This is an excellent form of cold therapy for patients who find ice pack temperatures too uncomfortable to withstand. To make a larger version, use 4 cups of rice and a gallon-sized plastic bag.
2. Make a flexible gel ice pack by pouring a small bottle of dishwashing liquid into a gallon-sized plastic, re-sealable bag. Place that bag inside a second bag to guard against leaks. Double zip and then check both seals, and place in the freezer for at least two hours. The dishwashing liquid will not solidify, but form an icy gel. You can wrap this type of ice pack around knees or elbows and secure it into place when wrapped with a cotton bandage. This is a cost-effective method. Use the dishwashing liquid (and wash and re-use the bag) once you no longer need an ice pack.

The standard ratio for the water/alcohol mix appears to be 2cups water for every 1cup alcohol. I did see one formula that called for 2cups water and 1/3 cup of 80 proof vodka, but it just seemed to be an excuse to purchase vodka.

The method using the dishwashing liquid seems like it might be great for short term problems since you can still use the liquid after the need for the ice pack is over. Since I use ice packs constantly for my back and shoulders I keep several bags in the freezer at all times. One shortcut on the ‘double-bagging’ of zip lock bags is I use regular ice bags. Since I reuse them so much it reduces spills since they’re stronger. [My medical Flexible Spending Accounts covers them.]

Last but not least in an emergency grab a bag of frozen vegetables.