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DIY Essential Oil Vapor Rub

An alternative to that famous vapor chest rub is to make an essential oil vapor rub at home. In particular, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary oils are great to clear out mucous and open up breathing when you have cold or flu.

Caution: Some of these vapor rub recipes contain strong essential oils that can irritate the skin of some people. Test each rub on a small area before using on a larger area. If you identify an oil that irritates your skin, leave it out of the chest rub. Do not apply eucalyptus oil to the faces of children under age 10, according to Essential Oil Safety.

Vapor Chest Rub

You can store this balm at room temperature.

1/2 cup olive oil
3/4 ounce shaved beeswax
1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 teaspoon thyme essential oil (preferably the chemotype linalool)

Over very low heat, melt the beeswax in the olive oil.
Remove the mixture from the heat and then cool slightly.
Stir in essential oils, making sure you keep your face away from the oils.
Pour the mixture into a dark glass container.
Let the mixture harden.

Apply as needed to chest, back, and throat.

Source: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Quick Essential Oil Vapor Rub Recipes

This balm will be the consistency of coconut oil.

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
1/4 cup softened coconut oil

Stir the essential oils into the coconut oil and apply as needed.

Easy Breathing Rub

4 drops spruce essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
4 drops roman chamomile essential oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil

Blend all ingredients in a small glass bottle. Rub on chest as desired.

Source: Floracopeia

Chest Salve

Makes about 2 ounces.

1/4 cup carrier oil
1/4 ounce beeswax
10 drops piñon pine (Pinus edulis) essential oil
8 drops bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)
6 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops thyme linalool essential oil

In a double boiler over low heat, melt beeswax in the carrier oil.
Remove from heat.
Add essential oils and stir well.
Pour into a 2-ounce glass jar. Let set. Use as needed.

Adapted from Jade Shutes. "3 Essential Oils to Explore in 20:Sixteen." Aromatherapy Thymes, Spring 2016, p. 40.

Soothing Chest Rub

This DIY rub uses different essential oils for adults and children.

1 ounce beeswax
2 ounces (4 tablespoons) jojoba oil
2 ounces cocoa butter
2 ounces coconut oil

If making for adults, use:

38 drops saro essential oil
23 drops myrrh essential oil
26 drops thyme linalool essential oil
18 drops juniper essential oil

If making for kids, use:

16 drops cedarwood essential oil
10 drops thyme linalool essential oil
8 drops myrrh essential oil
8 drops juniper essential oil

Using a double boiler over low heat, melt the beeswax.
Stir in the jojoba.
Add cocoa butter and melt.
Add coconut oil and melt, stirring well
Remove from heat.
Stir in the essential oils.
Pour into two 4-ounce glass jars or four 2-ounce jars.
Cover jars and let set.

Adapted from The Heart of Aromatherapy (Bookshop | Amazon).

Essential Oil Vapor Rub for Adults

Makes just over 4 ounces.

1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons grated beeswax
20 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil
10 drops balsam fir essential oil
5 drops juniper berry essential oil
5 drops cardamom essential oil

In a double boiler over low heat, melt the coconut oil and beeswax.
Remove from heat. Add essential oils and stir well.
Pour the mixture into a five-ounce glass jar or salve tins.

To use, rub a dime-sized amount onto the chest, neck, or back.

Cautions: For adult use only. Do not use during pregnancy or if you have kidney problems.

Source: Jaime Vinson. "Combatting the Common Cold." NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Winter 2019.4, p. 40.

Strong Homemade Vapor Rub for Adults

Makes about 5 ounces.

25 drops cajeput essential oil
20 drops eucalyptus radiata essential oil
10 drops balsam fir essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops sage essential oil
5 drops clove essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops thyme (linalool chemotype) essential oil
1/2 cup jojoba oil

Drop all essential oils into a dark storage bottle. Add the jojoba oil. Screw on top and then shake vigorously. Store in cool, dark place for 24 hours before using.

To use: Shake well. Apply a few drops to desired areas. Inhale what's left on your hands by cupping them over your nose.

Source: Hands-On Healing Remedies