Homemade Vapour Rub

Vapour rub is one of those go-to remedies that has been around for many, many years. People of all ages regularly grab the vapour rub to treat coughs, colds, blocked sinuses, the flu, as well as aches and pains. Hopefully the cold and flu season won’t make it into your home this year, but in case it does, make sure you have this natural homemade vapour rub on hand ready to use.

Vapour Rub Safety

In our family, we are now all around the age of adults. If you have young children and babies in your home, then make sure you are using essential oils that are safe for their age. Always err on the side of caution when using essential oils.

Essential oils that may be able to be used when making this rub for young children include fir, cedarwood (Virginian) and lavender. Check out this range of essential oils that have essential oils made specifically for kids.

When using this rub on children, restrict usage only to the chest and bottom of the feet areas. Don’t use anywhere near the face.

Essential Oils for this Rub

Other essential oils you could use a mixture of are:

• Eucalyptus  – antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant. Be careful when using on children under 10.
• Melaleuca  – 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 melaleuca, 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
• 15 drops each lavender, rosemary, melaleuca and eucalyptus

Before Using this Rub

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

• While most essential oils are usually safe for many people, if you have any medical conditions, please take extra precautions and consult a healthcare professional before using. It is best to avoid using a lot of different essential oils when pregnant or breastfeeding or on young children.
• Test on small area of skin before using.  If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
• Wash hands well after using.

Making Homemade 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

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. 

This vapour rub can be stored in small round tins, small glass jars and lip gloss containers for easy use. I find these little sticks can be put into my handbag and rubbed on our feet when needed. 

Store in a dark, cool place for up to 12 months.  

Using This Rub

• Apply a layer of this rub to the upper part of the chest. Wear clothing that is loose around the chest and throat which will allow the scent to reach the nose.
• This rub can also be applied to the bottoms of the feet and then covered with socks.
• If you find that this rub is a little hard, it will melt on contact with skin. If it is too runny, it may be stored in the fridge.

Variations

For those that are allergic to some of the ingredients, try these instead:

• Coconut oil – Try olive oil or jojoba oil
• Beeswax – Try candelilla wax

Quick and Easy No-Heat Vapour Rub 

If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe that requires no heating, try this:

Add 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil to a glass jar. 

Mix through 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 4 drops peppermint essential oil and 3 drops lavender essential oil. 

Note – Again, only use essential oils that are suitable for your family and their medical conditions.

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I created a printable with the blue labels that I made for my vapour rub. You can grab them by clicking the link below.

Homemade Vapour Rub

Simple Living. Creative Learning

This homemade vapour rub is easy to make with only four ingredients and is a great natural alternative.

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ 1/2 cup 100g coconut oil
• ▢ 1/4 cup 55g shea butter
• ▢ 2 TBSP 30g beeswax
• ▢ essential oils - lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary

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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

If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe that requires no heating, try this:

Add 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil to a glass jar. 

Mix through 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil and 3 drops lavender essential oil. 

Note - Again, only use essential oils that are suitable for your family and their medical conditions.

Keyword Beeswax, Essential Oils, Homemade, Vapour Rub

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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.