DIY Herbal Vapor Rub – Crockpot Method

Today’s Daily Tip: If you have multiple goals, take one or two baby steps each day.  The more changes you make at once, the less likely they are to stick.

I’m sure many of you grew up with Vicks VapoRub. Every time my siblings and I had a stuffy nose before my mom would put us to bed she would rub Vicks under our noses and on our chests to help break up the congestion so we could sleep better.

Sadly over the counter vapor rubs are made with petroleum, parabens and turpentine, not something you want to put on your body! In Mexico, many grandmas’s and mamas give their children a finger full of it, thinking that is will bring healing. Consumption of vapor rubs can be fatal because of the toxic ingredients.

Replacing over the counter remedies with natural ones may seem daunting at first. It’s important to take baby steps. Making your own vapor rub is a great place It had never been easier or more convenient to access the we loved – until now. to start. There are many great homemade vapor rubs out there that use essential oils, like Amanda’s DYI Chest Rub. I am slowly building my essential oil collection so for now I make my rubs and salves out of dried or fresh herbs, with the addition of only a couple optional essential oils.

This is a safe  and effective remedy that will break up congestion, clear sinuses, help you relax and get a better night’s sleep. 

DYI Herbal Vapor Rub

1/2 cup Dried Lavender
1/4 cup Dried Peppermint
¼ cup Dried Rosemary
¼ cup Fresh Grated Ginger
1  cup Coconut Oil
1 cup Olive Oil
4 TBP Bee”s Wax Pellets or Grated Bee’s wax
20 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil (optional)
20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)

Directions

1. Put both oils in a crock pot, melting if necessary. Add the herbs and cook on the lowest setting for 2 days. (I turn the crock pot off at night).

2. On the third day strain the herbal oil through a cheese cloth or old t-shirt.

3. Wipe out the crock pot to remove any plant particles. Reheat the herbal oil.

4. Add the bee”s wax one table spoon at a time. Stir until the wax melts completely.

5. Add essential oils if using.

6. Pour the rub in small glass jars or metal tins and let cool.

How to Use:

Rub under the nose, on your chest or feet!

You will notice notes on each herb below:

Lavender -Antiseptic healing, relaxing,  pain relieving, antihistamine (safe for babies of all ages)
Peppermint– Cooling, pain relieving, helps opens nasal passages (safe for babies over the age of two, not recommended for woman who are pregnant)
Rosemary– Antiseptic, helps open nasal passageways (safe on children over the age of two, not recommended for woman who are pregnant)
Ginger– Breaks up congestion (safe for children over the age of two)
Eucalyptus– Potent antiseptic, antiviral, and decongestant (eucalyptus smithii variety can be used on babies over two months old)

Have you tried any DIY home remedies? If so, what have you made?