Homemade Vapor Rub – Natural, Organic & Healthy

Vapor rubs are a popular form of over-the-counter topical medications that can be used to relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory symptoms caused by colds, allergies, or the flu. While many people rely on store-bought vapor rubs for relief, making your own homemade vapor rub has numerous benefits and is becoming increasingly popular. In this blog post, we’ll explore what homemade vapor rubs are, their various benefits, how to make them at home, as well as common mistakes to avoid when crafting your own recipes.

What is Vapor Rub?

Vapor rub is an ointment made from menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. It is typically applied to the chest and throat areas to help alleviate coughing, congestion, and muscle aches associated with colds and the flu.

The Benefits of Homemade Vapor Rubs

Making your own homemade vapor rub offers several advantages. For one, you have complete control over the ingredients and amount of each ingredient you use. Secondly, you don’t need any special equipment; all you need are a few basic kitchen items like mixing bowls and spoons. Finally, you can customize your own recipe to match your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Vapor Rubs

The base ingredients for most homemade vapor rub recipes are menthol, camphor, beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. Menthol helps open up airways, while camphor acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Beeswax helps solidify the mixture so it stays in place once it’s been rubbed onto the skin. Coconut oil and shea butter act as moisturizers that protect the skin from irritation. Lastly, essential oils give the mix its signature scent.

Different Types of Homemade Vapor Rub Recipes

Once you’ve collected all the necessary ingredients, there are several variations of homemade vapor rub recipes you can try. One simple recipe includes combining two tablespoons of melted beeswax, one tablespoon of coconut oil, one teaspoon of shea butter, and 10 drops of essential oils into a bowl. Once these ingredients have been mixed together, stir in four teaspoons of menthol crystals and three teaspoons of ground camphor until they’re fully dissolved.

Another variation uses vegetable shortening instead of beeswax as the base ingredient. To make this version of homemade vapor rub, combine one cup of vegetable shortening with two teaspoons of menthol crystals, one teaspoon of camphor powder, one tablespoon of eucalyptus oil, two teaspoons of sweet almond oil, and eight drops of peppermint essential oil into a bowl.

Step by Step Guide for Making Homemade Vapor Rubs

Making your own homemade vapor rub is easy! Follow these steps: 1. Gather all your ingredients 2. Measure out the amounts specified in your desired recipe 3. Melt the beeswax or vegetable shortening in a double boiler or microwave (whichever method you choose) 4. Add the remaining ingredients to the melted wax or shortening 5. Stir until everything is combined and all lumps are gone 6. Pour the mixture into a container or jar with a lid 7. Let cool completely before applying

Storing Your Homemade Vapor Rubs Properly

To ensure that your homemade vapor rub lasts longer than just a single use, proper storage is key. Keep your homemade vapor rub away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, as both can cause the ingredients to separate or degrade more quickly. Make sure you tightly close the lid on the container after each use and store it somewhere cool and dry. Be sure to also label your container clearly with the date that it was made as well as expiration date (usually about 6 months).

Using Homemade Vapor Rub Safely

When using homemade vapor rubs, always keep safety in mind. Always test a small patch on your forearm before applying liberally to larger areas of your body. Additionally, if you experience any rash or allergic reaction from using a particular type of essential oil or blend, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if needed. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor prior to using any kind of homemade vapor rub. Finally, never ingest any form of vapor rub under any circumstances.

Common Mistakes When Making Homemade Vapor Rubs

Some of the most common mistakes people make when creating their own homemade vapor rub recipes include not measuring correctly or forgetting to let it cool completely before application. Additionally, some people forget to label their containers properly which could result in accidentally using expired product. When working with essential oils, always exercise caution and only use those that are approved for topical applications and are diluted appropriately according to usage guidelines.

Using Essential Oils in Your Homemade Vapor Rubs

Essential oils add fragrance and additional healing properties to homemade vapor rubs. Some popular options for blending essential oils include lavender for relaxation, rosemary for stimulating circulation, tea tree for immune support, oregano for fighting infection, clove for relieving sore muscles, and eucalyptus for clearing sinuses. As mentioned previously however, always check labels carefully to make sure that the oils are safe for topical applications and do not contain any synthetic fragrances or preservatives. Additionally, take extra care when adding essential oils to children’s products as certain types may irritate delicate skin due to their potency level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Vapor Rubs

Conclusion

Creating your own homemade vapor rub offers numerous advantages including customizing scents to fit individual preference and having full control over the ingredients used during production process. And although it may seem intimidating initially to craft these recipes yourself, the truth is that it’s actually quite easy when following step-by-step instructions provided above! So next time you catch a cold or start sneezing due to seasonal allergies grab those ingredients from your pantry and get blending because nothing feels better than relieving congested sinuses naturally with homemade remedies!