When it comes to natural pain relief, comfort and effectiveness shouldn't be compromised.

That’s why at Zea, we’ve created a better kind of heat pack—one that blends traditional comfort with modern, nature-inspired innovation. Our Natural Lupin Heat Packs are filled with 100% Australian-grown lupin, offering a safer, longer-lasting, and more soothing alternative to wheat packs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why lupin is a superior choice for heat therapy, how each tailored design works best for your needs, how to use it for both cold and heat therapy, and how to get the most out of yours—whether for everyday comfort or targeted pain relief.

Lupin vs Wheat Heat Packs

When you think of a heat pack, you might picture a traditional wheat-filled pouch. But we’ve taken a fresh approach—by choosing lupin, a legume native to Australia, known for its superior heat retention, comfort, and safety.

Lupin, particularly narrow-leaf lupin, is one of Australia’s most widely cultivated crops, especially in Western Australia where the majority of the world’s lupin is grown. It’s not just valuable for farming—it's also ideal for therapeutic products. Lupin holds both heat and cold longer than traditional wheat, reheats more quickly, and stands up better to repeated use over time.

Unlike wheat, lupin seeds are naturally low in moisture content and are odourless when heated. This means no musty smells or dampness—just clean, dry, therapeutic warmth every time you use it. In contrast, wheat heat packs can sometimes release moisture or develop an unpleasant smell after multiple uses.

Another major advantage is that lupin is more hypoallergenic than wheat. Wheat can sometimes harbour allergens or encourage mould growth if not properly dried, making lupin a gentler and safer option for children, elderly users, and those with skin or respiratory sensitivities.

Additionally, lupin seeds are lighter, more moisture-resistant, and more resilient under heating stress compared to wheat grains. This makes lupin heat packs more comfortable to use and longer-lasting, providing a consistently pleasant heat therapy experience.

Designed for Everyday Use

Our lupin heat packs are thoughtfully crafted to support the way you move, rest, and recover. Whether you're seeking targeted relief or full-body comfort, our range has something for every lifestyle.

Here’s a closer look at our most loved styles:

Adjustable Hip & Lower Back Wrap

• Best for: Lower back, hips, pelvis, stomach, abdominal area
  

• Why: This flexible, adjustable wrap contours naturally to the hips and lower back, delivering deep, even warmth where it’s needed most. The adjustable strap keeps it securely in place, allowing you to stay mobile while receiving therapeutic heat. It’s ideal for easing lower back pain, stomach aches, pelvic tension, or menstrual cramps.
  

• Use it when: You’re on your feet all day, sitting at a desk for long periods, experiencing period discomfort, or recovering from a lower body injury.
  

Neck & Shoulder Pack

• Best for: Neck, shoulders, upper back
  

• Why: Designed to drape comfortably across the shoulders and upper spine, this pack helps to relieve muscle tightness caused by stress, posture, or overuse. Its ergonomic shape stays put while you move lightly around the house, making it ideal for soothing everyday tension or helping you wind down after work.
  

• Use it when: You’re feeling stiff from working at a computer, unwinding after a workout, managing headaches, experiencing shoulder pain or simply need a moment to relax before bed.
  

Rectangle Body Pack

• Best for: Lower back, stomach, thighs, calves, general muscle aches
  

• Why: This classic rectangle design is incredibly versatile. It moulds easily to different areas of the body, delivering steady, comforting warmth to large muscle groups or more focused spots. Whether you need relief from cramps, muscle soreness, or winter chills, this is your go-to everyday heat pack.

• Use it when: You’re lounging on the couch, recovering from a gym session, soothing period pain, or just warming up on a cold night.

Dual-Purpose Relief: Heat or Cold Therapy

Our Lupin Heat Packs provide the flexibility of both heat and cold therapy, making them ideal for a range of conditions. Whether you need warmth to ease muscle tension or a cool compress to reduce inflammation, one pack offers both solutions.

Cold Therapy: Soothing Inflammation and Soreness

For cooling comfort, simply place your Lupin Heat Pack in the freezer to create a cold compress. Cold therapy is ideal for:

• Reducing inflammation and swelling after injuries (e.g., sprains, strains)
  

• Numbing acute pain and soothing post-workout soreness
  

• Managing flare-ups of inflammatory conditions like tendonitis or bursitis

Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and slowing circulation, making it most effective during the first 24–48 hours post-injury.

Heat Therapy: Relaxing and Healing

For warmth, microwave your Lupin Heat Pack and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of heat. Heat therapy is perfect for:

• Relaxing tight muscles and easing stiffness
  

• Increasing blood flow to accelerate recovery
  

• Relieving chronic pain from conditions like arthritis

Heat encourages blood flow and tissue relaxation, making it effective for long-term muscle or joint pain.

How to maximise your relief

For even greater results, we recommend pairing your heat pack with our Zea Relief Range. Apply a layer of Kunzea Concentrated Massage Oil or Kunzea Pain Relief Cream, then follow with the heat pack to help the active ingredients absorb deeper into the muscles and joints.

Wellness, the Natural Way

Whether you're easing sore muscles, managing chronic pain, or just need a moment of relaxation, Zea’s Natural Lupin Heat Packs deliver comforting relief you can count on. Backed by the power of nature and designed for everyday life, they’re a simple yet powerful addition to any wellness routine.

Shop now at zea.com.au 

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Treating pain with heat and cold.

2. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. (2017). Wheat bags: Product safety.

3. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Ice vs. heat: Which is better for your pain?. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-use-ice-or-heat-for-pain-infographic  

4. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. (2021). Lupins – essentials for growing a successful crop. Government of Western Australia. https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=fc_factsheets

5. TheraTools. (2025, January 11). Why we choose lupin over wheat for our heat packs. https://theratools.com.au/blogs/physiotherapist-tips-for-headache-neck-and-jaw-pain-relief/lupin-heat-packs-pain-relief-fast