Make Your Own "Vicks®" Vapor Rub ~ All Natural Respiratory Relief

With the changing of seasons, we often find ourselves congested with a cold and cough. When symptoms manifest, there is nothing like being prepared.

Our favorite and easiest remedy is to rub a few drops of Breathe essential oil with a bit of olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil to the neck, chest and lung area . You will instantly feel some relief!

If you are interested in making something similar to "Vicks" but with a natural oil base (instead of a petroleum one), then gather the following (it will only take a few minutes to make) and prepare our version below.



Simple Supplies:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 Tbsp. shredded beeswax (or 1/8 cup)

• 40 drops of Breathe Respiratory Blend (Note: You could probably replace this with a blend of either laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, melaleuca -- aka tea tree oil, rosemary, ravensara and/or thyme essential oils totaling 40 drops if you already have an oil collection.)

• 20 drops of peppermint essential oil

• 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

How to Make:

If you have a double boiler, melt together the olive oil and beeswax. If you don't have a double boiler, put a heatproof glass inside a simmering pot of water and place ingredients inside the glass vessel (this is what we do using our pyrex measuring cups). Carefully stir the contents until mixture is nice and smooth.

Once everything is melted, remove from heat. Wait a few minutes (until you can comfortably "touch" the container that is holding your mixture-- before it starts to actually harden) and then add in your essential oils (if you put them in too soon, the heat will evaporate them). Stir well and pour immediately into glass jars or tins since the mixture will begin to solidify.

Place any leftover salve inside a small container (like a discarded lip balm case) for a convenient travel size. This should keep through the next season if stored in a cool, dark location.

How to Use:

Use like you would any vapor rub by applying to chest, lung and neck area. Take a deep breath as the salve is penetrating your skin. I also use this for my allergy attacks and it really helps to stop the sneezing! Perhaps you would like to add this recipe to your "herbal"?

Important Note on Children/Infants {Plus a Gentle Recipe for Baby}:

Children under the age of 3 should not use peppermint essential oil topically as it contains menthol and has documented risks of asphyxiation. Children under the age of 7 should not use eucalyptus essential oils (unless under proper dosage of a professional) to be extra cautious as well. Though I have seen many recipes online for vapor rubs, I had not come across this information until I took the online essential oil course at Vintage Remedies. I know many of us may have administered this in the past, but once I learned this information, I felt the need to pass it on to you. For a safe vapor rub recipe for babies using the more gentle herb form of the eucalyptus and peppermint leaves, visit here.

"Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

It will be health to your flesh,

And strength to your bones."

~ Proverbs 3:7-8

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is approved by the FDA or intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. All things on this blog are my opinion or the opinion of others. To learn more about scientific evidence-based essential oil information, visit Vintage Remedies (affiliate link).



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