Homemade Vapor Rub

 

(recipe: http://www.primalrights.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=6264) 4 teaspoons grated beeswax or grassfed beef tallow ... 2 tablespoons shea, cocoa or mango butter 8 tablespoons coconut oil 60 drops high quality, therapeutic grade essential oil (See below for a complete list of options) 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 “Better-Than-Vicks” For Little Ones Under Two 4 teaspoons grated beeswax or grassfed beef tallow 2 tablespoons shea, cocoa or mango butter 8 tablespoons coconut oil 30 drops high quality, therapeutic grade essential oil – 10 drops eucalyptus smithii, 10 drops tea tree, 5 drops lavender, 5 drops chamomile* *Please note that only lavender and chamomile are 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. Essential oils are very potent so use sparingly, alternating with this method for very young babies. Method Instructions: Melt beeswax/tallow and shea/cocoa/mango butter in a double boiler. Once melted turn off the heat and add coconut oil and essential oils. 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. List of 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. Safe for babies over two years. Some say this should be avoided while pregnant. Personally I would use it for a brief period during a cold. 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. Personally I would use it for a brief period during a cold. 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. It is very powerful! 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)