Homemade Vapor Rub Recipe with Essential Oils

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A homemade vapor rub recipe is one of the best natural ways to get relief during cold season when stuffy noses, sore throats, and chest congestion are at their worst. Instead of relying on commercial vapor rubs filled with petroleum jelly and toxic ingredients, you can make a natural version at home using pure essential oils and nourishing carrier oils. This simple DIY chest rub is made with natural ingredients that support the respiratory system, provide a soothing feeling, and offer a great alternative to store-bought vapor rub.

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**This post cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice.

Why Choose a Homemade Vapor Rub Recipe?

Commercial vapor rubs may provide relief, but they also tend to contain toxic chemicals and petroleum jelly that aren’t great for daily use. Many families are now searching for natural versions that use natural ingredients to support the respiratory system.

Making your own vapor rub means you know exactly what goes into it. You can pick great options like shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, and extra-virgin coconut oil as your base. These natural products are not only moisturizing but also safe for small children and young children when used properly with essential oil safety in mind.

A homemade chest rub is also a natural alternative to topical treatments filled with toxic ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for this time of year when cold symptoms and runny noses are everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Homemade Vapor Rub Recipe

• 1/2 cup coconut oil (extra-virgin coconut oil is best)
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 1/4 cup castor oil (works as a rich carrier oil)
• 10 drops peppermint oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus oil (preferably eucalyptus globulus for its decongestant properties)
• 15 drops lavender essential oil

This pack HERE has all of the essential oils I used in this recipe at an affordable cost, plus they are organic!

Homemade Vapor Rub Recipe

Prepare Your Double Boiler

Fill a small pot with about 2 inches of water and place it on the stove over low heat. Set a heat-safe glass bowl or a glass measuring cup inside the pot, making sure it sits above the water and not directly in it. This double boiler method prevents the oils from burning and helps everything melt evenly.

Melt The Base Ingredients

Add 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax pellets, and 1/4 cup of castor oil into the glass bowl. Stir occasionally with a clean spoon or wooden stick as the ingredients slowly melt together. Keep the heat low—high heat can damage raw DIY ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax.

Cool Slightly Before Adding Essential Oils

Once the mixture is fully melted and blended, carefully remove the glass bowl from the heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. You don’t want it to harden, but it should be just cool enough so the essential oils won’t lose their natural decongestant properties from too much heat.

Add The Essential Oil Blend

Stir in your essential oils: 10 drops peppermint oil, 15 drops eucalyptus oil (eucalyptus globulus is a great option), and 15 drops lavender. These drops of the eucalyptus and peppermint oils give your balm its cooling sensation and help open airways, while lavender soothes skin irritation. Mix well so the oils are evenly distributed.

Pour Into Containers

While the mixture is still liquid, pour it into small tins, a glass jar, or another airtight container of your choice. You can even divide it into multiple small jars to keep in different rooms of the house for convenience during cold season.

Let It Set

Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature until it solidifies. You’ll notice the balm turns into a smooth, creamy texture similar to commercial vapor rubs but without toxic chemicals or petroleum jelly.

Store Properly

Once fully cooled, place the lid on tightly. Store your homemade vapor rub in a cool place away from direct sunlight. A pantry, bathroom cabinet, or bedside drawer are great options. Properly stored, it will last for several months.

How This Essential Oil Blend Helps

• Peppermint oil: Provides a cooling sensation and helps open nasal passages.
• Eucalyptus oil: Known as a natural decongestant with strong decongestant properties. It supports the respiratory system and helps with chest congestion.
• Lavender oil: Calms the body, reduces skin irritation, and provides soothing feelings during flu season.

Together, this essential oil blend works as a natural chest rub recipe to ease cold symptoms, support the immune system, and help with breathing comfort.

Tips for Safety and Use

• Always do a patch test first to check for allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
• Essential oil safety is important: avoid applying on small children under 2 years of age. For older children, use a small amount diluted with extra carrier oil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool place.
• Use for educational purposes only and always seek professional medical advice from medical professionals if symptoms worsen.
• This is not a replacement for professional medical advice, especially if you experience abdominal pain, joint pain, or persistent cold symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Making your own vapor rub at home is a great alternative to store-bought vapor rub. With natural ingredients, pure essential oils, and safe essential oil safety practices, this homemade recipe is one of the best essential oils blends for respiratory support.

Whether you need help with chest congestion, a runny nose, or just want a natural decongestant during flu season, this DIY chest rub is a first line of defense for your family. Keep it on hand in a glass jar for cold season, and you’ll have a soothing, natural product ready whenever you need it.

This homemade vapor rub recipe is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals before using new natural products, especially around small children and young children.

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