It all started with a cough…
We were out playing and next thing I know, I heard the dreaded wet cough. Then the runny noses started. And you know when one gets it, they all share. (Not the kind of sharing I’ve been trying to teach, either)
I can deal with a 24 hr stomach bug…a little fever every now and then…but a COLD. Yea, I’m not into the week long snot-fest of kids who can’t breathe through their nose and can’t sleep all night because of a cough.
Run out to the store?
Not so fast. America’s favorite vapor rub (I’m not gonna name any names) is full of petroleum-based toxic ingredients.
Active Ingredients: Camphor (4%), Eucalyptus Oil (1.2%), Menthol (2.6%). Inactive Ingredients: Cedarleaf Oil, Nutmeg Oil, Special Petrolatum, Thymol, Turpentine Oil
With a chemical formula of C10H16O, synthetic camphor is related to pinene, the main ingredient in turpentine.
Turpentine? No thank you.
It’s amazing that just a few short years ago, I had no idea what was in most products I was putting on my body.
Why make your own?
Well if the scary ingredients in the store bought didn’t convince you, then maybe the ingredients in the homemade version will. Anti-viral and anti-bacterial essential oils don’t just help you feel better, but they also aid your body while it heals itself. (Which we should let our bodies do to get stronger!)
Eucalyptus – is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant. Safe for children over 2 months.
Lavender – Antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial. Safe for children of all ages.
Tea Tree – effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and stimulates the immune system. Safe for children over 6 months.
Chamomile – calming and effective antiseptic, antibiotic, and disinfectant. Safe for children of all ages.
Rosemary – contains natural camphor and is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic. Safe for children over 2 years.
Homemade Vapor Rub
1/4 cup of beeswax grated or pastilles (where to buy)
1/2 cup coconut oil (where to buy)
3 tablespoons shea butter (where to buy)
30-60 drops of essential oils (where to get quality essential oils) (I also recommend this brand)
Combine all ingredients except essential oils in double boiler.
Stir until all ingredients are melted. Remove from heat and add essential oils of your choice.
Pour into container and wait until cool and hardened to cap.
Apply on chest and feet to help break up mucous and congestion.
What an awesome idea of making your own vapor rub. Some of my friends use vapor rub for their kids so I will definitely send them your recipe! It sounds awesome! So much better than the ones you get in store.
I’ve never used vapor rub so I’ve never thought of making it. But what a great idea!
My daughter could have used this last week when she was diagnosed with bronchitis! Timing is everything. Pinning:)
I stopped using vabor rub once I found out what was in it! This is a great recipe and will be making a batch before cold season starts. Thanks for sharing!
Love this. We have been making our own vapor rub for years..it is the right time of yera to stock up.
I find thyme to be really helpful for easing coughs as well.
We are pinning this post! Good stuff!
This is such a great idea – looks very soothing.
This looks amazing. What a great thing to have on hand in case someone gets sick. I will have to try this. It looks so much healthier than the stuff in the store.