Making your own all-natural vapor rub is easy and effective. Follow this simple recipe to learn how to make and how to use this homemade vapor rub.
ALL-NATURAL VAPOR RUB
Let’s first discuss why homemade! Vapor rubs are usually made with essential oils or a fragrance that smells similar to essential oil. Essential oils are not created equally, and I am pretty picky when it comes to the kind I use in my home.
Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t have any regulations on essential oils, so you have to be very careful about where you are getting your oils from. I have heard and seen so many horror stories, rashes, and reactions from people using what they thought were pure essential oils.
I would prefer to use my own essential oils that I have researched like crazy and find to be pure before putting any synthetics on my children.
All-natural vapor rub can be used on the bottom of the feet, the chest, and down the spine. Applying the vapor rub to the chest can help open up airways to promote clear, healthy breathing.
When applying the homemade vapor rub on kids, it is always good to apply it in an area they can’t reach with their hands to avoid getting the essential oils in their eyes or mouths. Applying it down the spine is a great place for that and can help support the body.
Clove– Similar to cinnamon, clove also has immune-boosting properties.
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HOW TO MAKE VAPOR RUB
Making your vapor rub can be as easy or complicated as you want! If you are going to make a larger batch for the fall and winter season, I would suggest using the recipe below.
If you don’t have all these ingredients on hand and need to whip up something fast, you can simply use coconut oil to dilute the essential oils before rubbing them on. Believe me, in a pinch. I have done this several times! Think overnight with a baby!
The recipe calls for a double boiler. If you don’t have one, you can easily make one by placing a glass bowl over a pot of water, then bringing to a boil.
DILUTING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HOMEMADE VAPOR RUB
This recipe will make about 6 ounces of vapor rub. Follow the chart below to know how many essential oils to add to your recipe.
Place all the ingredients, except the essential oils, in a double boiler.
Remove from the heat once everything is melted.
Allow to cool slightly and then add in essential oils.
Store in a glass airtight container.
Notes
Consult with your healthcare provider before using this product.If making this recipe for children under 13, use 5 drops of each essential oil.If making for anyone under the age of 2 only use 2 drops of each essential oil.
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Laura, I am getting ready to make this and don’t have Siberian Fir on hand to add for lingering coughs. Is there another option? I’ve got Balsam Fir. Would that work?
I love all of your DIY recipes! I’ve been binge watching your YT channel and now discovered your blog! Just one question though, I thought eucalyptus oil isn’t safe to use on babies? It’s so hard to know since there’s so much differing opinions on this! Would love your input! Thank you!
I find eucalyptus and peppermint safe as long as you are using pure essential oils and diluting them properly. I use this vapor rub on my littles and it helps so much!
Laura, I am getting ready to make this and don’t have Siberian Fir on hand to add for lingering coughs. Is there another option? I’ve got Balsam Fir. Would that work?
Yes you can use that one too! I also like lime and eucalyptus for coughs.
What do you recommend for our kiddos with tree nut allergies?
Have you heard of a good alternative for coconut oil in chest rub recipes? I’ve been scouring the internet and have yet to find one!
You can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead.
Oh and also for kids what other oil can I use if I wanted to replace clove
Thank you
Hi tried this and the vapour rub turned out to be very hard. Is it normal?
It does harden a bit, but it doesn’t get really hard.
Maybe you added a bit more of the bees wax than suggested that would make it harder I believe!! Just a thought!! I just made mine and I’m in love
I love this- it’s such a nice thing to have on hand, and it’s nice how it’s all natural ingredients!
I always like to have it on hand, just in case!
This is great timing – I love home remedies!
This is great to have on hand, especially with cold and flu season coming on fast. My kindergartner brings everything home!
Oh, I bet! We definitely amp up on all the immune-boosting oils this time of year!
I love all of your DIY recipes! I’ve been binge watching your YT channel and now discovered your blog! Just one question though, I thought eucalyptus oil isn’t safe to use on babies? It’s so hard to know since there’s so much differing opinions on this! Would love your input! Thank you!
Thank you so much! Here is a post you may want to check out: https://www.ouroilyhouse.com/203-2/
I find eucalyptus and peppermint safe as long as you are using pure essential oils and diluting them properly. I use this vapor rub on my littles and it helps so much!