Today we have a fun homemade remedy to make just like grandma would!  We are making a DIY vapor rub. This can be a great way to naturally improve your sleep and take a deep breath with ease. 

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How to Make DIY Vapor Rub with Essential Oils

Coughing and congestion are two of the most uncomfortable winter weather and allergy season occurrences that you may experience when dealing with the sniffles. Are you looking for a way to relieve your chest congestion and nasal congestion? Although commercial vapor rubs are a good way to open airways, we are trying to come up with natural recipes to alleviate these ailments. Last year, we found natural solutions using a small amount of essential oils. We never knew making our own DIY vapor rub would be so easy! This homemade vapor rub recipe is a great way to help everyone with runny noses, including small children, older kids, adults, and even people with sensitive skin. Make sure to keep it in your medicine cabinet so next time you need natural remedies you’ll be more than ready.

Supplies Needed

• 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops (each) of peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oil
• 1.5 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
• 5 tablespoons of coconut oil or other carrier oil such as shea butter
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter

Keep in mind that although some homemade vapor rubs call for different amounts of oils, these are typically the essential oils that most DIY vapor rubs use. These essential oils, in particular, are best known for treating chest congestion and stuffy noses, which is what makes them a great option. 

Instructions

1. Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter together in a saucepan over low heat, or use a double boiler if you have one.
2. Add the beeswax and allow it to melt.
3. Remove the pan from the stove and allow it to sit for five minutes. You want the mixture to cool before adding the essential oils. This will help prevent the heat from damaging them.
4. Once cool, add the drops eucalyptus, drops peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils to the pan. Use a spoon to stir them into the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar, such as a mason jar.
6. Store your homemade vapor rub at room temperature for up to one year.

Yield: 1

DIY Vapor Rub with Essential Oils

Print

Make your own homemade vapor rub using essential oils and natural ingredients.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Difficulty Medium

Estimated Cost $10

Materials

• 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops (each) of peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oil
• 1.5 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
• 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter

Tools

• Saucepan or double boiler
• Glass jar

Instructions

1. Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter together in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the beeswax and allow it to melt.
3. Remove the pan from the stove and allow it to sit for five minutes. You want the mixture to cool before adding the essential oils. This will help prevent the heat from damaging them.
4. Once cool, add the eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils to the pan. Use a spoon to stir them into the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar, such as a mason jar.
6. Store your homemade vapor rub at room temperature for up to one year.

Notes

It’s important to keep in mind that not all essential oils are considered safe for babies or small children. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary essentials are not recognized as child-friendly. It's best to do your research beforehand and contact your child's pediatrician.

 

A Word or Two of Caution When it Comes to Essential Oils & Kids

It’s important to keep in mind that not all pure essential oils are considered safe for babies or small children. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary essentials are not recognized as child-friendly. Some essential oils are safe to use on children when you use less of them. Some essential oils may be safe to apply to the bottoms of feet, rather than to the chest. Not only should you do your research ahead of time before making this homemade version, but you will also want to check with your child’s pediatrician or health care provider to make sure that what you’re doing is safe and remember that using essential oils is more about accentuating your health, not treating disease!   This is just one way you can make your own chest rub from essential oils! This natural remedy can help get you through the sniffles with less discomfort.

Looking for more essential oils tips? 

• Are you suffering from tummy troubles? Try these essential oils for tummy troubles.
• Traveling this summer? Here are the most useful essential oils and best carrier oils for sunburn.
• Make your own essential oil toothpaste and enjoy the benefits of essential oils in your oral care!
• Essential oil is not just for adults! Here are our favorite essential oil games for kids.
• You can also use essential oils to calm pets or help them relax.

Did you try this homemade vapor rub recipe? Which essential oils did you use?