DIY Chest Rub with Essential Oils

Natural Vapor Rub Recipe #1

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Coconut Oil in its liquid state for mixing. (I use organic unrefined oil, but if you have refined on hand don’t go out and buy more just for this formulation.  Use what you have.)
• 10-15 drops peppermint, lavender or rosemary essential oil. [Peppermint Oil is not recommend for children under the ages of 6 years old ]
• 5-10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

1. Melt the coconut oil into its liquid state. Coconut oil melts at 76-78^o F.
2. Add the drops of your essential oils of choice
3. Mix and place in the fridge for about 45 mins to an hour so it hardens.

Tips:

• Keep out of the eye area especially when using essential oils like peppermint.  Peppermint does cool at first, but then burn.
• Apply to chest and neck area.  I don’t recommend applying to the face.
• Please wash your hands after applying or mixing essential oils.
• If you room temperature is under 76 degrees it should stay in a solid state.

Natural Vapor Rub Recipe #2

This recipe is suitable for anyone aged 3 and above. (IE children and adults) Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons grated beeswax
• 3 tablespoons cocoa, shea or mango butter
• 7 tablespoons coconut oil
• 60 drops (total) of high quality essential oil (See below the directions for a complete list of options)

Directions:

1. Melt beeswax and shea/cocoa/mango butter in a double boiler.
2. Once melted turn off the heat and add coconut oil and essential oils.
3. Pour into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 year. Essential Oils that soothe congestion:

• Eucalyptus – Potent antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant. According to Valerie Ann Worwood of The Complete Book of Essential Oil & Aromatherapy, the eucalyptus smithii variety should be used on children and avoided until baby is at least two months old
• Tea Tree – An effective antimicrobial, expectorant and antiseptic. Safe for babies over 6 months.
• Peppermint – Helps to open nasal passages. Some say this should be avoided while pregnant. More on contraindications here. Do not use on babies or young children.
• Thyme – Powerful antiseptic that helps boost immune function. Useful for colds, flu’s  and chills. Avoid if you have high blood pressure and do not use more than 10 drops per batch.
• Basil – Helps open nasal passages. Antiseptic.
• Rosemary – Antiseptic, helps open nasal passageways.  Safe for babies over 2 years. Some say this should be avoided while pregnant. More on contraindications here.
• Pine- Great for colds and sinusitis. Has decongestant and antimicrobial qualities.
• Lavender – Antihistamine, antiseptic and antimicrobial. Safe for babies of all ages
• Clove – No more than 2 drops. I am not an aromatherapist or essential oil expert, but it is my understanding that higher concentrations of this oil should not be used without the supervision of a qualified professional.
• Marjoram – Antimicrobial. Helps with breathing.
• Chamomile – Relieves congestion and helps calm cranky patients. Safe for babies of all ages.
• Lemon – Stimulates immune function, but take care if using in sunlight because it increases sensitivity (safe for children over two years)
• Sweet Orange – Helps with detoxification (safe for babies)

Tips: If you plan to apply to your nose/cheekbones/temples use 20 drops rosemary, 20 drops lemon and 20 drops eucalyptus. For a chest/foot rub here are some popular combinations:

• 20 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops rosemary, 10 drops lavender, 10 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon
• 20 drops each rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus
• 20 drops each rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus
• 20 drops eucalyptus, 20 drops peppermint, 10 drops basil and 10 drops pine needle
• 15 drops each lavender, rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus

Natural Vapor Rub Recipe #3

This recipe s suitable for children 2 and under: Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons grated beeswax
• 3 tablespoons cocoa, shea or mango butter
• 7 tablespoons coconut oil
• 30 drops high quality essential oil – 10 drops eucalyptus smithii, 10 drops tea tree, 5 drops lavender, 5 drops chamomile*

*Please note that only lavender and chamomile are generally considered safe for babies under two months, eucalyptus (the smithii variety) can be introduced at two months and tea tree can be introduced after 6 months. Directions:

1. Melt beeswax and shea/cocoa/mango butter in a double boiler.
2. Once melted turn off the heat and add coconut oil and essential oils.
3. Pour into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Natural Vapor Rub Recipe #4

Ingredients:

•  1/2 cup olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil
• 2 level tablespoons of beeswax pastilles
• 20 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
• 20 drops Peppermint Oil
• 10 drops Rosemary Oil
• 10 drops cinnamon or clove oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt beeswax with oil of choice in a double boiler until just melted.
2. Add the essential oils (use half the amount for a baby version or dilute with coconut oil before using)
3. Stir until well mixed and pour into some type of container with a lid to store. Little tins work well, as do small jars. You could also always make a few in lip chap sticks.
4. Use as needed to help sooth coughing and congestion.

Note: Make sure to dilute for babies and children and use as little as is needed. You can also make this with the actual herbs instead of essential oils by infusing the oil with 1 tablespoon of each of the herbs in a double boiler over medium heat for 2 hours.