Vapor Rub

Cold and flu season will soon be upon us.  Today I'm posting my recipe for vapor rub.  All of the major ingredients are organic the exception being a few of the essential oils.  You will notice this recipe does not include camphor essential oil.  Camphor is what is in most of the commercial vapor rubs.  Camphor is probably fine for adults and older children, but it is highly toxic even ingested in small amounts.  I choose to use eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils instead as they are much safer.  Should you wish to use camphor, just substitute it for both the eucalyptus and peppermint in my recipe, and use only 20 or so drops.  This rub can be applied to the chest and back as needed for congestion.  As a side note, there has been a debate in recent years about putting vapor rub on your feet with socks.  Some people swear by this method while others say it makes no sense.  Although there is no medical research to back up putting it on your feet, some of the largest pores on your body are on your feet.  This could account for why some people get great relief using the rub on feet.  If you've never tried it on your feet, give it a try next time.  It can't hurt anything either way.  I have never personally gotten great relief with it on my feet, but it does seem to help the kiddo when he is congested.

Vapor Rub
4 oz glass or PET1 jar
1/4 cup organic coconut oil
1/4 cup organic olive oil
3 tablespoons organic beeswax
1 teaspoon vitamin E
50 drops eucalyptus essential oil
40 drops peppermint essential oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
8 drops tea tree essential oil

This recipe will make 4 ounces.  Put coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax in a glass measuring cup for easy pouring.  Heat in 30-second intervals until all ingredients are melted.  Add vitamin E oil and gently stir.  Prepare the jar by adding all of the essential oils.  Pour melted oils over essential oils.  Cover with a paper towel and let sit until cool and firm.  Cover with a lid and store in a dry, dark, room temperature place.  Apply to chest, back, and feet as needed for congestion.  The rub should last 6-9 months.