One of the best home remedies for a cough is a vapor rub, but have you checked the list of ingredients on store bought stuff? Yikes. Some of those ingredients belong in a car engine -- not on my skin!
While it's best to make it now before you need it, it doesn't take long to make it. This vapor rub recipe is really versatile, too. If you don't have all of the ingredients, you can made some adaptations. I'll get to that after the recipe.
You can also use this recipe in a tart burner. Add some water to the top of the burner and add half of a tablespoon of this natural vapor rub recipe and burn a tea light as usual. Now your entire family can get the benefits of the essential oils.
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How to Make Vapor Rub Naturally
What You Need
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 15-20 drops of essential oils (see below)
Directions
STEP #1
Melt the coconut oil or olive oil and beeswax in a double boiler until just melted. You can also use a microwave, but the beeswax takes a long time to melt. I find that it's much easier in a double boiler.
STEP #2
Add essential oil blend. Use half as much if you are using this on children or babies.
STEP #3
Mix well and pour in to a small mason jar.
If you use coconut oil and beeswax, this will be thicker than using olive oil and beeswax.
Don't have beeswax? You can still make this with either oil, but if you use olive oil, it can get messy.
Don't have beeswax? You can still make this with either oil, but if you use olive oil, it can get messy.
Note: If you are making this for infants for children, always use half of the recommended essential oils. Never put this on a child's face or under their nose. Always use on their chest or on their feet. Talk to your doctor before using this is you are pregnant or nursing.
Essential Oils
Which essential oils are best? Well, that's personal preference. Personally, I like peppermint and rosemary, but you can pick the best ones based on their properties and your family.
- Peppermint essential oil is naturally antibacterial and it can sooth pain and reduce inflammation. It is also cooling, so it can help sooth irritated lungs.
- Lavender essential oil is soothing and can help promote a good night's sleep.
- Eucalyptus essential oil is a great expectorant. It is also antimicrobial.
- Tea tree essential oil is antimicrobial.
- Lemon essential oil is said to slow down coughs, colds, and wheezing.
The last time I made this, I used the Breathe Easy essential oil blend from Crafty Bubbles. It's a blend of:
They don't have online ordering, but they do take orders via email and the phone. You can browse all of their essential oils in their catalog.
Use this on your chest when you have a cough or cold symptoms. I also start taking my elderberry syrup recipe with honey when I don't feel well.
Use this on your chest when you have a cough or cold symptoms. I also start taking my elderberry syrup recipe with honey when I don't feel well.
