I have always used Vicks Vaporub with our boys when they have a cold coming on. I would rub it on their chests, back and bottoms of feet. But, after reading the ingredients in this product, I decided to try and whip up a batch of my own; a more natural vapour rub.
To make this vapour rub, you will need:
- 1/2 cup (100g) coconut oil
- 1/4 cup (55g) shea butter
- 2 TBSP (30g) beeswax
- essential oils
To make this vapour rub:
Add the coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax to a microwavable glass jug or a double boiler.
Melt, while stirring and mixing well.
Add the essential oils and pour into containers.
As I was using this on my kids who are both over 10, I used: 10 drops eucalyptus, 5 drops rosemary, 5 drops lavender, 10 drops peppermint. For a kids version, check to see what essential oils can be used safely for the age of your kids. For a stronger version for adults, you could double the amount of drops of essential oils.
I poured some of my vapour rub into a small round tin and some into small lip gloss containers for easy use. I find these little sticks can be put into my handbag and rubbed on the children’s feet when needed.
Store in a dark, cool place for up to 12 months.
Other essential oils you could use a mixture of are:
- Eucalyptus Radiata – antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant. Be careful when using on children under 10.
- Melaleuca Alternifolia – antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic.
- Peppermint – helps open nasal passages. Avoid when pregnant and on babies and small children under 10.
- Lemon – stimulates imune function, but take care if using in sunlight.
- Lavender – antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial.
- Rosemary – helps open nasal passages. Safe for babies over 2 years. Avoid while pregnant.
- Pine – decongestant and antimicrobial qualities.
- Basil – helps open nasal passages and an antiseptic.
- Thyme – antiseptic that helps boost immune function. Avoid if you have high blood pressure. Do not use more than 10 drops per batch.
Some examples are:
- 20 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops rosemary, 10 drops lavender, 10 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon
- 20 drops each rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus
- 20 drops each rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus
- 20 drops eucalyptus, 20 drops peppermint, 10 drops basil and 10 drops pine needle
- 15 drops each lavender, rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus
If you are looking for a quick and simple recipe that requires no heating, why not try this:
1 TBSP coconut oil, 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil and 3 drops lavender essential oil. Mix well in a glass jar.
Homemade Vapour Rub
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 100g coconut oil
- 1/4 cup 55g shea butter
- 2 TBSP 30g beeswax
- essential oils - lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary
Instructions
- Add the coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax to a microwavable glass jug or a double boiler.
- Melt, while stirring and mixing well.
- Add the essential oils and pour into containers.
- As I was using this on my kids, I used: 10 drops eucalyptus, 5 drops rosemary, 5 drops lavender, 10 drops peppermint. For a stronger version for adults, you could double the amount of drops of essential oils.
- I poured some of my vapour rub into a small round tin and some into small lip gloss containers for easy use. I find these little sticks can be put into my handbag and rubbed on the children's feet when needed.
- Store in a dark, cool place for up to 12 months.
Notes
1 TBSP coconut oil, 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil and 3 drops lavender essential oil. Mix well in a glass jar.
I created a printable with the blue labels that I made for my vapour rub. You can grab them by clicking the link below.
*** Chest Rub Labels ***
Have a question about essential oils? Find out more here!
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.