Homemade Flu Busting Vapor Rub for The Family

Sorry Sue we have to cancel today Ethan has the sniffles, up all night with a cough and runny nose . . . .

Sound familiar? I would see my little 3 year old nephew Ethan weekly before I moved to the countryside. I loved spending time with him and looked forward to these weekly visits.

My heart would sink with disappointment when the dreaded sniffles took hold of his little body. Subsequently my brother would end up with it and then my sister-in-law.

So with the temperature drop recently as the seasons change, I decided to make a vapor rub for Ethan and the family that will relieve congestion fast because you can be sure the sniffles will be back soon.

This combination of beeswax and extra virgin olive oil make a powerful bug busting formula that helps clear the airways in a creamy easy to apply base that smooths and conditions the skin as it glides on effortlessly.

The three powerhouse essential oils for this recipe are:

Eucalyptus – it is a natural decongestant and is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and superb for all respiratory conditions including asthma, sore throat, runny nose, coughs, colds, and sinusitis.

Eucalyptus may be used in a range of products from deodorants to house cleaners so this inexpensive essential oil is a worthy and easy investment for the family.

Peppermint – cooling, soothing it is antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory and commonly used in a range of homemade and commercial skin care, hygiene and personal care items.

It is beneficial for coughs, colds and clearing lungs of congestion. A stimulating and energizing scent, peppermint is a terrific all round “must have” oil in the cupboard.

Rosemary – a terrific health boosting addition, it is antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and known for its ability to fight respiratory problems.

Rosemary is excellent for clearing throat congestion, coughs, colds, sore throats, allergies and the flu.

It is antispasmodic which means it can be effective for bronchial asthma. A multi-functional essential oil which can be used in a range of homemade products.

2 tsp Beeswax

1/4cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

25-30 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

10-15 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

15 –20 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

You Will Need:

Recycled Small Glass Jar (sterilized)

Double Boiler or Glass Bowl and Saucepan

Hand Whisk

Spoon/Spatula

Disposable Plastic Spatula (optional)

Method:

• Gently melt the beeswax and the EVOO in the double boiler or glass bowl sitting in a saucepan of hot water.
• Stir well until the beeswax is completely melted and combined with the olive oil.
• Remove to a heatproof surface and begin whisking as you are adding in the essential oils one by one.
• Continue whisking until all 3 essential oils are blended in.
• Spoon into your sterilized jar and allow cool on the counter top. Secure with lid and pop it into the fridge to fully harden.
• This vapour rub is suitable for all the family and lasts 6 months to a year.
• Store it in a cool dark cupboard.

To Apply:

• Apply in the same way you would as a regular chest rub by massaging a small quantity on the back or chest.
• Use the small disposable spatula for removing the rub as it is more hygienic than using fingers. Wash in-between uses or throw away and use a new one. NEVER use fingers as cross contamination is more than possible, in fact it is nearly guaranteed.

Remember to store this out of reach of young children. While it is safe for you to apply to them, it is a potent product and should be stored with this in mind.

Always take precautions before using these or indeed ANY essential oils. Always seek the advice of a doctor before using essential oils, particularly with any existing medical condition or prescribed medication.

Attach a spatula with a ribbon for easy access or leave a packet of disposable spatulas with it. You could also use clean toothpicks, popsicle (ice pop) sticks or a teaspoon.

If you have a large family or want to make it for gifts you can double or triple the amounts easily.

Use between 50-65 drops of essential oils, no more. You may want to use less so make sure to have a pen and paper handy in case you want to tweak or adjust quantities.

All these ingredients are multi-functional so you will not be stuck with them and all have good shelf lives. Check out my selection of homemade recipes for more ideas.

For a quick alternative check out the video below which uses coconut oil, lavender essential oil and the three I have used. How easy is that?

Whatever the season those flu like sniffles seem to come on all of a sudden. Being prepared comes easy with this recipe that works a treat. These are my requirements:

• Kid friendly - tick
• Not full of chemicals - tick
• Smells nice - tick
• All ingredients serve a purpose - tick
• Works fast - tick
• Quick, easy and cost effective - tick

This little pot of magic seems to tick all my requirements how about you?

"Creating health awareness through homemade beauty solutions"

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