How to Make Your Own Natural Vapor Rub

Vapor rubs are medicated ointments that provide relief from congestion, coughs, sore throats and other cold and flu symptoms when applied to the chest or nostrils. The mentholated aroma helps open airways and make breathing easier. While very effective, most commercial brands contain petroleum byproducts, artificial fragrances and preservatives. Luckily, it’s easy to make a natural, homemade version using healing herbs and essential oils.

Discover how vapor rubs work and learn a simple recipe to create your own safe, natural vapor rub right at home.

How Do Vapor Rubs Work?

The three main actions provide symptom relief:

Congestion Relief
– Menthol – Causes cooling sensation that provides the perception of easy breathing.
– Camphor – Nasal dilator that opens airways and breaks up mucus.
– Eucalyptus – Decongestant properties reduce stuffy nose and chest congestion.

Sore Throat Comfort
– Warming effect – Creates soothing warmth that distracts from throat pain.
– Analgesic oils – Numbs nerve endings and reduces inflammation in throat.
– Antiseptic activity – Oils kill bacteria that cause strep, tonsillitis, etc.

Cough Suppression
– Soothing action – Coating throat reduces tickle that triggers cough reflex.
– Relaxing aromas – Calms coughing by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
– Expectorant oils – Helps loosen and thin mucus to stop coughing.

Using a synergistic blend of aromatic plant oils and extracts provides multisymptom cold and flu relief when massaged into the chest, back and throat areas.

Benefits of Natural Ingredients vs Commercial Brands

It’s easy to find vapor rubs in any pharmacy and they seem to work well. So why make your own version? Here are some benefits of natural homemade vapor rub:

– Avoids petroleum ingredients like petrolatum that can be carcinogenic and contaminate the body.

– Prevents absorption of synthetic fragrances that act as irritants and disrupt hormones.

– Eliminates exposure to preservatives like parabens that are toxic to cells.

– Uses only pure, organic plant extracts instead of artificial versions.

– Ability to customize ingredients based on personal preferences.

– Cost effective since ingredients can be purchased in bulk.

– Can personalize aroma by selecting essential oil combinations.

– Opportunity to use more potent medicinal oils not found in commercial versions.

– Total control over quality of ingredients used.

With just a few affordable ingredients, it’s easy to make a homemade vapor rub free of any mystery ingredients while harnessing the power of natural plant medicines.

Choosing Ingredients for DIY Vapor Rub

These are the two essential components needed:

Carrier Oils – These form the ointment base to hold other ingredients. Look for gentle, stable oils like:
– Coconut oil
– Olive oil
– Sweet almond oil
– Shea butter
– Beeswax to thicken

Essential Oils – These provide the medicinal effects. Some to look for:
– Eucalyptus
– Peppermint
– Rosemary
– Thyme
– Camphor
– Menthol crystals
– Ravintsara
– Lavender
– Tea tree
– Lemon
– Oregano
– Clove

For easy absorption, use lighter oils like coconut, olive or almond as the base. Add just enough beeswax to reach the desired consistency. Then select from a variety of antiviral, decongestant and pain-relieving essential oils to create the perfect symptom-fighting blend.

Equipment Needed to Make Vapor Rub

You probably have most necessary equipment in your kitchen already:

– Small glass jar or tin – For mixing and storing ointment
– Small spoon – For stirring and scooping out ingredients
– Double boiler – For gentle heating of oils and beeswax (or bowl over saucepan of water)
– Essential oil bottles – Have oils on hand to select from
– Funnel – For decanting mixture into storage containers
– Dark glass jars – For final storage of vapor rub
– Labels – To note ingredients and date

Have all equipment ready before starting the process.

Basic DIY Vapor Rub Recipe

Follow these simple steps to make your own easy homemade vapor rub:

Ingredients:
– 1⁄2 cup carrier oil (coconut, olive, almond, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
– 15-25 drops essential oils of choice

Instructions:
1. Using a double boiler (or bowl over saucepan of water), melt beeswax into the carrier oil, stirring occasionally until melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add chosen essential oils and stir vigorously until well blended.
3. To test consistency, place a small spoonful of mixture in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to solidify. It should be semi-firm but still spreadable. Add more beeswax if too soft or oil if too firm.
4. Once desired consistency is reached, pour mixture into storage tins or glass jars.

To use, simply rub a small amount onto chest, throat and back as needed to relieve congestion and coughs. Store any extra in an airtight container away from direct light.

Tips for Making Your Own Vapor Rub
– Use pure, high quality ingredients for safety and effectiveness.
– Select lighter, odorless carrier oils as base for easy absorption.
– Avoid getting water into your vapor rub mixture to prevent spoilage.
– Add more beeswax for firmer rub or oil for softer consistency.
– Combine synergistic essential oils that target your main symptoms.
– Make small batches to ensure it gets used up while still fresh.
– Store out of direct light and away from heat to preserve potency.
– Conduct a skin test on inner arm before applying over large areas.

Follow basic safety precautions and your homemade vapor rub will remain a go-to natural remedy.

Vapor Rub Variations

The basic recipe can be adjusted depending on your specific needs:

For sinus congestion – Eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, pine, tea tree
For sore throat – Sage, thyme, lemon, lavender, myrrh, marjoram
For coughs – Eucalyptus, thyme, benzoin, pine, frankincense
For headache/pain – Peppermint, lavender, chamomile, rosemary
For immune support – Oregano, cinnamon, clove, lemon, ravensara

Or create your own unique blend by combining a few complementary essential oils. Just keep total drops around 15-25 depending on strength of oils used and your skin sensitivity

Pediatric Vapor Rub

Babies and young children can also benefit from relief of congestion, coughs and upper respiratory symptoms with gentler ingredients:

– Carrier oil – Extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil
– Essential oils – Lavender, sweet orange, lemon, chamomile
– Optional – Natural herb infused oils like calendula or plantain

Use very mild kid-safe oils at lower concentration. Always do a patch test before applying to child’s skin. Discontinue use if any reaction occurs.

How to Use a Homemade Vapor Rub

Homemade vapor rubs provide the same congestion-clearing, cough-soothing relief as commercial brands, with the advantage of natural components. Here are some tips for effective use:

– Massage into chest, upper back and throat for direct action on coughs or stuffy nose.

– Can apply to soles of feet or temples for absorption into congested respiratory system.

– Use small amount diluted with a carrier oil to apply under nostrils or on chest of babies/young children.

– Reapply 2-3 times daily or as needed for coughing or congestion episodes.

– Works well proactively by applying at first signs of cold or flu for prevention.

– Store in convenient places like nightstand or bathroom for easy access when needed.

Replace conventional drugstore vapor rubs containing questionable ingredients with your own homemade version made with simple, pure, natural components to safely bring relief to the whole family.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

While extremely effective, essential oils must be used properly. Follow these precautions:

– Perform a patch test before applying any new essential oil blend.

– Dilute oils with a carrier oil before applying directly on skin.

– Avoid contact with eyes and other mucus membranes.

– Consult a doctor before use if pregnant, nursing, on medication or with medical conditions.

– Use gentle, kid-friendly oils appropriately diluted in children.

– Stop use if any irritation, rash or discomfort occurs.

Essential oils are very concentrated so only small amounts are needed. Limit use to short durations until you establish tolerance. With responsible use, vapor rubs can be an effective addition to your natural medicine cabinet.

The Benefits of Natural Vapor Rubs vs OTC Medicines

When it comes to relieving congestion and coughs, over-the-counter medicines seem like the most powerful option. But turning to natural vapor rubs offers some unique upsides:

No side effects – Vapor rubs use natural plant oils so adverse reactions are rare when used properly. Medications often have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, etc.

Safe for pregnancy – Pregnant woman can only take certain OTC medicines but can use herbal vapor rubs safely.

Non-drowsy – Unlike cold medicines that cause sleepiness, natural rubs improve breathing without sedative effects.

Can use long term – Medications should only be used briefly but vapor rubs can be applied as needed long term.

Kid friendly – Gentle natural vapor rubs are safe for use on children ages 2 and up to clear congestion.

Moisturizing – The emollient carrier oils hydrate and protect skin while medicating.

Non-addictive – No risk of developing dependence or building tolerance over time with continued use.

Affordable – A bottle of essential oils yields many batches of homemade rub for a fraction of the cost of OTC drugs.

While oral decongestants and cough syrups seem convenient, the side effects, risks and costs make natural vapor rubs a safer, affordable alternative for home use.

A Natural Must-Have for Cold and Flu Season

Vapor rubs started out as simple herbal remedies but were co-opted by commercial pharmaceutical companies who adulterated the original natural formulations. With quality ingredients and a few minutes of effort, it’s easy to make your own safe, natural vapor rub at home to keep stocked for cold season and other respiratory ailments.

Know exactly what goes into your DIY vapor rub creation and customize it to meet your family’s specific needs. The ability to open congested airways and soothe sore throats without side effects makes natural vapor rubs a cold weather essential to add to your home medicine cabinet.

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