How To Make All-Natural Vapor Rub

Heather Dessinger

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Homemade Vapor Rub

Inside: How to make natural vapor rub, plus an update on which respiratory support essential oils are safe to use with young children. More on using essential oils safely with children here.

I miss my nose.” <– That’s what I told my husband a few years ago after gulping down a glass of vinegar I’d mistaken for water. Not fun, y’all.

Also not fun . . . stuffy-nosed kids doing the snot slurp every few minutes. In this post I’m going to share my “Better Than The Unnamed Company That Rhymes With Nicks” vapor rub recipe, which has helped my family breathe easier during cold and flu season.

But first, let’s talk about congestion

Congestion – or snot as my kids like to call it – has a wonderful, maybe even heroic, purpose. The body uses it to trap pathogens and push them out of the body. As the Society for General Microbiology explains:

The respiratory system – the nose and passageways leading to the lungs – is lined with cells that produce sticky fluid called mucus that traps invading microbes and dust. Tiny hairs called cilia move in a wave-like motion and waft the microbes and dust particles up to the throat, where they are either coughed or sneezed out or swallowed and then passed out of the body.”

That’s one of the reasons I tend to avoid over-the-counter decongestant medications. Mucus has a job to do, and I don’t want to get in the way of that. Instead, I want to assist the body in a way that’s aligned with what it’s already doing.

How to support our first line of defense

In addition to supporting what my body is trying to accomplish, I ALSO WANT TO BREATHE. And I want my kids to be able to breathe and sleep well. That’s why during cold and flu season we often use a Nasopure bottle to assist the body with moving out mucus that has captured bacteria, dust, etc. It’s basically a neti pot that’s easier for kids to use.

When my kids need more support, I make a this vapor rub recipe for them. And thanks to an online class called “Protect Your Family from Colds and Flu Using Essential Oils” taught by clinical aromatherapist Andrea Butje, I’ve also added portable “breathe easy” essential oil inhalers to my natural mama kit!

Now, you may be wondering . . .

Why avoid store bought vapor rub?

Two reasons. The most popular store bought brand contains:

  • Strong essential oils that have caused respiratory distress in some children (source)
  • Turpentine (a lung irritant) and petrolatum, which is often contaminated with PAHS, a highly toxic compound which is linked to cancer, development and reproductive toxicity, and immunotoxicity. (source)

The new greaseless formula is even worse – parabens, diazolidinyl urea (a formaldehyde releasing chemical that is toxic upon . . . inhalation) and PEG-100 Stearate (which is often contaminated with dioxane).

Fortunately, you can make your own vapor rub with age appropriate essential oils and natural ingredients – and it’s easy!

Homemade Vapor Rub With Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary

What parents need to know about peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary

Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary are popular essential oils for vapor rub, and for good reason. However, there are some cautions when using them with children (which we’ll cover below), along with safer options that are just as helpful.

Peppermint essential oil contains a high percentage of monoterpenes, which are thought to support healthy respiratory function by stimulating mucus membranes. Unfortunately, it also contains a constituent called 1.8 cineole. Too much can sometimes act negatively on the temperature receptors of children’s lungs and cause difficulty breathing, so it’s often avoided.

Eucalyptus globulus and rosemary are also favorites for respiratory support that contain the problematic 1.8, cineole.

Is there ever a time when using peppermint or eucalyptus with children is safe?

Yes, says Essential Oil Safety co-author Robert Tisserand. According to him, peppermint can be diffused with care around 3-6 year olds and applied topically at a concentration of 0.5% – that would be three drops (substituted for another oil) in the recipe below. Regarding use in a diffuser, in the comment section of this post he clarified that “with care” means about two drops.

In children under three, Tisserand recommends that eucalyptus globula and radiata can be diffused around children under three and applied topically at a concentration of 0.5% – that would be three drops (substituted for another oil) in the recipe below. For children 3-6 he recommends a 1% maximum dilution of eucalyptus globula or radiata, which would be six drops (substituted for another oil) in the recipe below.

“I believe these guidelines are super-safe, if anything a little over-cautious.” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Rosemary is not recommended for children under ten.

Vapor Rub Recipe With Essential Oils

Which essential oils support respiratory function?

Fortunately, there are other oils that contain a high percentage of monoterpenes (a component believed to support respiratory function) without high concentrations of 1.8 cineole.

One of those is lavender, which surprised me. I once thought of lavender as sort of a wimpy oil that was mostly good for soothing skin irritations and calming emotions, but I was so wrong. It contains about 39% monoterpenes, while peppermint is less than 10% higher at roughly 47%.

Here’s a list of child-safe oils that support respiratory function:

  • Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum verum) – NOT cinnamon bark. The maximum recommended dilution in Essential Oil Safety is 0.6%, which would be a maximum of 3 drops in the recipe below)
  • Fir Needle (Abies sibirica)
  • Fragonia (Agonis fragrans) – Smells a lot like eucalyptus, but safe for children.
  • Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
  • Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Lemon (Citrus x limon) – For topical application I recommend the distilled lemon I linked to because it does not cause photosensitivity. If you use cold-pressed lemon essential oil instead, you can safely use up to 12 drops in the recipe below.
  • Pine (Pinus Sylvestris)
  • Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia) – Supports healthy respiratory function (similar to eucalyptus)
  • Spruce (Tsuga canadensis)
  • Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)
  • Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
  • Thyme ct. linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct linalol)
This quick, easy-to-make natural vapor rub is my family's "go to" during cold and flu season.

Natural Vapor Rub Recipe

This is the recipe I use for adults – feel free to substitute any of the essential oils above if you have them on hand, just don’t use more than 3 drops of cinnamon leaf or 12 drops of expeller-pressed lemon. For kid-safe recipes, scroll below.

*If you’re pregnant or nursing, here are some additional guidelines for essential oil use

Instructions

In a double boiler (or a stainless steel bowl set in side a pot of boiling water), gently melt shea butter. As soon as it is completely melted, remove it from heat and stir in the essential oils. Transfer the mixture to a container with a tight fitting lid and store in a cool area when not in use.

Natural Vapor Rub Recipe (Kid Version)

I’ve written before about why and how to dilute essential oils for daily use. However, during times of illness or injury it’s appropriate to use higher concentrations than we normally would. Below are some guidelines that will help you choose what’s best for your littles.

Vapor Rub (1% dilution) 

This dilution is the recommended starting point for kids 2-5. However, it is appropriate to go up to 3% for short periods of time as needed.

Vapor Rub (2-3% dilution)

This dilution is the recommended starting point for kids 6-9. However, it is appropriate to go up to 6% for short periods of time as needed.

Vapor Rub (6% dilution)

This is the strongest dilution suggested for kids 6-9.

Instructions

In a double boiler (or a stainless steel bowl set in side a pot of boiling water), gently melt shea butter. As soon as it is completely melted, remove it from heat and stir in the essential oils. Transfer the mixture to a container with a tight fitting lid and store in a cool area when not in use.

What if my child is under two years old?

According to a clinical aromatherapist I posed this question to, the best approach is to diffuse essential oils for this age group. Here’s a recipe you can adapt based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Instructions

Diffuse oils as needed. A good rule of thumb is 30-60 minutes on, one hour off, then repeat if desired. Another option is to place the oils in an inhaler to take on-the-go.

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

Leave a Comment

137 thoughts on “How To Make All-Natural Vapor Rub”

  1. Oh Heather, thanks, thanks, thanks for this! The natural vapor rub at the Healthfood store is SO expensive for a tiny amount, and I sort of made up my own just using coconut oil and a few essential oils. This is much better – and I’m making it up this weekend to have ready. Thanks SO much, especially for the info on the specific oils and for what ages they are appropriate!!!

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  2. I just love your blog, and this recipe is going in the file and being made asap! Thank you for all of your fantastic information.

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  3. Children aren’t the only ones to react. I was on a trip a couple years back, got a virus, and only had access to the store bought stuff. Within a few hours I had a nasty red rash where I’d put it. That’s the LAST time I ever tried it. Therapeutic grade oils for me from now on!

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  4. going to make this today….one kiddo just got over a cold and another has started…seems like I’ll need a double batch this year:) Thanks!

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  5. Hi Priscilla! It depends on the oils you’re using 🙂 Personally I did use a solution with a few drops of tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar before my babies turned 6 months old.

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    • I use my electric fry pan that has a thermo control plug. Place the pyrex glass measuring container into the pan with water and control the temp. Works like a charm

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    • i probably wouldn’t heat it because I’m not sure the preservatives would be stable but I think you could probably just blend the essential oils with the cream.

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  6. This is wonderful! My husband has a cold right now, but the only oil I have is peppermint. 🙁 Any ideas? I am slowly buying products to transition to making all our own personal care products, essential oils included. They are so expensive upfront, even though they last a while. Where do you get yours?

    Reply
    • If you looked at my essential oil stash you’d see a handful of brands. There are pros and cons of each – price, availability of certain pre-made blends, appropriate safety recommendations, etc. The brand I link to in the post is my favorite in terms of price and appropriate guidance on usage.

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  7. Hello! Thank you very much for this recipe! I can’t wait to try to have it in the house. I have one question. Can I replace coconut oil with other vegetable oil like olive oil? I know coconut oil is in fact solid…but just asking to know what to procure.. olive oil I have plenty of it here in Greece:) Thank you very muchf the wonderful site that you have!

    Reply
    • Hi Ana! You could easily substitute palm oil since both are semi-solid, and if you’d like to play with the ratios a bit (incorporating more solid butters) I’m sure olive oil would be fine.

      Reply
        • Thank you very much for the answer! I’ll try to procure the coconut oil to be sure I won’t make something wrong as it will be my first time when I’ll something like this:)

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          • Sweet almond and grapeseed are also great for chest rubs. Just make sure they are cold pressed and unrefined (processed with a chemical/hexane).

  8. Made this last night for my kiddo’s, it was wonderful and my hands are so super soft! Nothing like something to make the kids feel better and also gives me an added bonus too! Thank you for your great post, I was especially grateful for all the info for the infants!

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  9. % of essential oils is crtitical with children. No more than .25% (about 1 drop per 4 tsp) should be used with an infant (6mo to a 1yo)…if at all and only when necessary (even lavender and chammomile). There is no such thing as therapeutic grade as there are no standards for these. Unless you understand gas chromatography or constituents, I wouldn’t worry about it as long as you are buying from a reputable source. Some retailers command an extreme amount coupled with fearmongering and their sales soar. Oxidation is huge in the world of essential oils too. If they are not stored properly (whether from where you bought it from or yourself) they can become oxidized and create problems on the skin including dermatitis. Good luck!

    Reply
    • HI Tiffany,
      My son is 7 months old now and I’m trying to calculate how much drops is needed from the rub for kids under two. I count here 14 tsp of beeswax + shea + coconut. So to make it .25%, it’s like about 3 drops of each essential oil… Right?

      Reply
      • Since Vicks is/was a totally useless product….look it up on Mayo Clinic website….I’m assuming the oil products are useless too considering they can’t be absorbed into the skin. How can they do anything unless they are absorbed into the skin? The smell is going to cure stuff?

        Reply
        • Essential oils are definitely absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. Additionally, because they are lipid, they can bypass the cellular membrane and kill viruses inside the cells that antibiotics can’t touch.

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        • Oil is one product which actually penetrates the skin so therefore essential oils will get into the bloodstream and work their magic so to speak. It is water that doesn’t get through skin, so oils in the bath unless prefixed with a tablespoon of milk or alcohol won’t do anything apart from smell nice.

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  10. Not all essential oils can be used as a preservative…and never with water. Most eo’s oxidize at different rates…citrus the quickest, etc. A good general rule of thumb for oxidation is 1 year properly stored and this can change with MANY different factors…

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  11. This was from something that I replied to above…% of essential oils is crtitical with children. No more than .25% (about 1 drop per 4 tsp) should be used with an infant (6mo to a 1yo)…if at all and only when necessary (even lavender and chammomile). There is no such thing as therapeutic grade as there are no standards for these. Unless you understand gas chromatography or constituents, I wouldn’t worry about it as long as you are buying from a reputable source. Some retailers command an extreme amount coupled with fearmongering and their sales soar. Oxidation is huge in the world of essential oils too. If they are not stored properly (whether from where you bought it from or yourself) they can become oxidized and create problems on the skin including dermatitis. Good luck! From an aromatherapist with 4 children.

    Reply
    • Hi Tiffany! I have read up on therapeutic grade oils and tend to agree with you, it’s just easier to specify than “high quality” because often people don’t really know what to look for. Can you suggest another phrase that might help distinguish between high and low quality oils?

      Reply
      • That is actually a very difficult question. Seriously. It really boils down to trusting your supplier for the average person that doesn’t read gas chromatography, etc. There are alot of great suppliers. I don’t get all my essential oils from the same supplier as they don’t all offer the oils that I want or effect that I am trying to achieve (constituents/country/species). You will notice that species can be different of the same plant and that will alter their potency of different constituents. It seems to me that most suppliers that throw around the “therapeutic grade” are really trying to sell a trustworthy ‘feeling’. Some brands are great oils I am sure (never used them…could never justify the price, as most of it comes from the multi-marketing). You know Heather, ‘high-quality’ is something that most people wouldn’t recognize if they tried. After many years of experience, most aromatherapists will tell you…the nose knows. I know this may sound silly, but it’s soo true. ‘Reputable supplier’ I think is the best bet. I have seen ‘therapeutic oils’ that were junk and amazing oils come from a no name…this takes pure trial and error. I am enjoying your blog, thank you…

        Reply
  12. This may seem entirely unrelated, but by chance, do you have any knowledge or suggestions for colicky babies? I want to enjoy these first weeks with my baby, but she’s miserable and I’m exhausted. She’s entirely breastfed, and I’m entirely real food fed… Thanks…

    Reply
  13. I heat them just enough to gently melt them, then add the oils. Since I’m adding coconut oil after heating it cools the mixture down quickly and preserves the potency of the essential oils.

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  14. Thanks for sharing this Heather! I really love DIY stuff, especially when it it is health-related. As a mother, I want to know how to make homemade treatments because I don’t want to rely everything on the things that we buy from the drugstore. I will follow your instructions and make my own vapor rub 🙂 Please share more like this. Thank you very much!

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  15. Thanks for the recipe. I am new to essential oils and have a question. Doesn’t putting the essential oils in the hot mixture change the chemical properties of the essential oils? Making there benefits less effective? Thanks!

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  16. Okay, I found your site via a google search becuase I was in desperate need of a vapor rub recipe. Boy oh boy what a blessing. My little one sounds so much better already! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your site is pretty awesome by the way. He is sleeping so soundly now without all of the mucus/congestion he had last night. I am so happy! Thanks for sharing.

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  17. I was wondering if you could just do the essential oils in coconut oil and store it that way? Is the shea butter necessary? I realize that using just the coconut oil will make it softer, but other than that would it still work the same? Thanks! Love your blog by the way.

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  18. Great idea. I’d be psyched if someone could come up with DIY plug-in vapor pads. They’re expensive and always seem to be sold out when I need them. If you have any ideas of what to use for the pads (like stiff paper towel type material), it would be easy enough to soak them in eucalyptus oil. I just can’t figure out what to use for the pads.

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  19. Hi Kat! I’m sorry, I don’t know of any companies to recommend for Canadian Readers. However, it is not absolutely essential to have these ingredients to make a good rub. Though it will be more greasy you could just substitute plain oil, such as coconut or jojoba.

    Reply
    • Thanks Heather! I usually do the EO and coconut oil thing but this recipe looked really awesome!! I’m going to order some ingredients soon because I find more and more that I am unable to make a lot of things with JUST coconut oil 😛

      Reply
  20. Hi Sue, I agree, which is why I note in the post that these formulas should not be placed under the nose, just as manufacturers of the commercial alternatives do.

    I also agree about the term “therapeutic grade,” but because there is no industry standard per se I feel I must make some distinction between oils that have a track record of quality and ones which may be poorly produced. As I mention at the end of the post I am currently researching a more affordable, non-MLM company that I hope to recommend, but I have not completed the due diligence process.

    On your third point, I suppose we just have a difference of opinion there. Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🙂

    Reply
    • Re: third point – here’s the thing – I guarantee you, you will not find a certified aromatherapist who will agree that “to place the oils right under the four smallest toes – this will help the healing properties of the oils be absorbed into the bloodstream”. In fact, most aromatherapisits will explain that EOs are not absorbed into the bloodstream most of the time – they may absorb into the upper layers of the skin but not into the bloodstream. Those that do, usually need some kind of penetration enhancer in order to get this to happen. And why would you WANT EOs to enter the bloodstream? If you can point to some scientific basis for saying any of this – I’ll listen. Marketing from MLM companies is not science.

      Now if you would like the names of some reputable suppliers – let me know. Are you interested in purchasing wholesale or retail?

      Reply
  21. Hi Kourtney, you sure could! Tallow and shea butter, etc tend to absorb more quickly but if you don’t mind feeling a little extra greasy I don’t see any reason not to use it 🙂

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  22. I love your books and blog!! I was wondering if the toddler recipe is ok for expecting mothers…I know that there are several essential oils that are not encouraged during pregnancy.

    Thank you!

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  23. Thanks for letting me know, Mariana! I wrote this post last year and it seems the pages have moved since then. I have updated the links to archived versions of the page 🙂

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  24. I’ve made is for my son and it’s fantastic. In fact, I’ve made it for all of my mommy friends too? Quick question… One of my mommy friends has a son that is allergic to coconut….Is there something I can substitute for the coconut oil?

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  25. From what I understand the smiithi variety is the only one considered safe for small children. I haven’t used the pellets so unfortunately I cannot make any recommendations on that, sorry! Regarding shelf life, it varies greatly depending on the specific oil, overall quality and storage method.

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  26. Okay this is seriously cool! I love the idea of having an alternative option for normal vapor rub AND I can use my EOs too! Win-win! #oils4everyone

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  27. Hi Sue! Thanks for your comments. Just to clarify on the lemon essential oil, what I wrote is that it increases photosensitivity and is generally considered safe for children over two years old. I will check out the link you provided on clove 🙂

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  28. Also, if there was a way to do so while maintaining a liquid form(like the store bought stuff) what do you think the shelf life would be?

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  29. Those people probably have no education in aromatherapy or the safe use of essential oils. The specific essential oils in your recipe work via inhalation – and while a diffuser which creates a mist without using heat would be best – some gentle warmth like a tealight diffuser or the warmth of the body when used topically, is not going to reduce the effectiveness.

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  30. Wintergreen and Sweet Birch essential oils should be considered a BIG No-No for children. For the same reason it is recommended to refrain from giving a child with fever aspirin, these oils should be avoided as well. Both of the essential oils have over 90% salicylates (methyl and ethyl). Salicylate (acetyl) is the active ingredient in aspirin.
    From the ReyesSyndrom.org website, I found this helpful link: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009987-overview

    Reply
  31. thank you so much for compiling this information! do you think it would be okay if i made the rub with just coconut oil? i know it will be runnier and need more massaging to soak in, but if i don’t mind the messier application, would it be as effective? thank you!!

    Reply
  32. EJMC, This is what Heather recommends in her post:
    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

    Try using peppermint or lavender instead of rosemary!

    Reply
  33. Hi Mommypotamus!

    I love all of the great information on your site. It is one of my main “go-to’s” for all natural recipes. So, THANK YOU!

    Reply
  34. Thank you very much!!!!!! I love it. Tomorrow I am going to prepare my first home-made vapor rub. 🙂
    I wish you all the best.
    Sarka

    Reply
  35. I think i love this recipe…except that you do volume measurements, instead of weight. i do a LOT of DIY salves, etc. and almost all of my recipes are by weight, as volume is not nearly as precise….I would love if you converted this to weight…otherwise, this recipe looks great!

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  36. When I had done research a few years ago, it was thought that eucalyptus was safe for babies who were at least a few months old. Now it seems the recommendation has changed based on new information, and it is now known that eucalyptus is not safe on children under 10 years old.

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  37. You can tell when oils are too old when they start to have an to smell “off” or rancid. There may be a better way to know, but this is the method I’ve always used. Sometimes, even a new oil can go bad for whatever reason, such as being contaminated by a dirty finger or getting cross-contamination from another oil. Just let your nose do the work, and trust your instincts.,

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  38. Ok, this sounds almost too good to be true but since I’ve been following your website I have learned so much about natural options so I’m a believer! I do have one possibly uninformed question, how do you make/use an inhaler?? I know the concept from the awful ones at the drug store but didn’t know you could make your own. Do tell!

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  39. Thank you Heather for providing your wonderful website !!…..and for free!!!!! ( I’m sure there is a reward in Heaven for you ) :)) I look forward to your emails each day, thank you.

    Reply
  40. I know this is going to sound awfully “uninformed”…but I AM when it comes to using the oils! So, what I’m wondering is to make the rub, do you use just ONE oil (say Lemon) or one from EACH line in the recipe (in other words, in the adult version, would you be using a total of 36 drops of oil)?? Trying to be better informed!! Really enjoy your site and tks for your reply!

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  41. Just wondering, I have been using Wintergreen oil, not topically, but in the diffuser I have in my child’s room when she is congested. Is this ok? I noticed that wintergreen is not on your list of oils.

    I have also been using Vicks but it leaves a nasty stain on all of her PJs which is impossible to get out. Which oils are going to be the easiest to get out of her cloths and could you use a shea butter base instead?

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  42. Hello! I have the NOW cocoa butter with jojoba oil. Is that okay to use instead of the shea butter for the children’s version of the rub??? I have a sick child and I am unable to leave the house to get shea butter.

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  43. Older comments are all discussing Coconut oil but the recipe calls for Shea? Is it any solid oil/ butter or should I be adding coconut oil to the Shea butter/EO mixture? I have mango butter btw. And what is the approximate shelf life once melted and mixed?

    Reply
  44. Hi hi! If I’d like to use Fragonia, Rosalina, Frankincense and tea tree for adult, how many drops should it be? Is it strong enough for adult? Appreciate tor help.

    Reply
  45. Can I use a different type of cedarwood? The only type available in my place is cedarus deodora. Can that be substituted? I’m unable to get rosalina, spruce or sweet marjoram.

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  46. Hi there!
    I am confused by the dilution rate of eucalyptus globulus for the children’s dilution rate. In the first discussion it talked about the highest dilution rate being 1% for a 3-6yr old in the recipes below. I wanted to make the 3% concentration (the higher level that you use for a short duration) As I want to use it on my 2&4 year old only as needed on rough nights. In the 3% recipe though the biggest amount of drops from any oil is only 3 however, would this mean I’d substitute 2 different oils for 6 of the eucalyptus?

    The last bad cold set we had I actually used eucalyptus g. and frankincense without dilution at all on their chests… I was told by a natural practitioner that this was ok….. cringe ?

    Would you mind clarifying the recipe for me? I was hoping to not have to go and buy additional oils other then what I have. If it would be best to substitute it I figured lavender would be good?

    Reply
    • Hi Charissa, I would not use more than six drops of eucalyptus globulus in the 3% dilution. Yes, that would mean you’d substitute 2 oils. However, my personal recommendation would be to start with a 1 or 2% dilution, especially if you plan to be using it with a two year old.

      Reply
  47. Thank you for the recipes! I love using essential oils-I will add these to my collection. I have not come across the commercial varieties since I moved to Israel, ages ago-this is very helpful.
    I understand that there are a few different methods for making EOs, there is the slow way of extracting the oils with a steam that takes quite a bit of time, and there is also a way to extract them with chemicals. We will probably never know what process the manufacturer uses. It is known if there are any drawbacks to chemical extraction?

    Reply
  48. Hi Rachel, thanks for letting me know about the link! Yes they are the same thing – it’s just a variation in spelling like flavor in the U.S. is flavour in other countries. I just updated the link. 🙂

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  49. 5 stars
    Hi Heather, I love and have been using your vapor rub recipes for awhile now. I’m wondering if you can clarify the 6% recipe for kids. It calls for 6 drops frankincense or cinnamon leaf but previously you mentioned not using more than three drops of cinnamon leaf in these recipes. Thank you for your help. Your blog is one of my top go-to resources!

    Reply
  50. This is an older post, however I hope someone has an answer for me, and maybe others who are looking for the same thing. Is there a way to adapt this recipe, adding beeswax, perhaps, to make it firm enough to form a vaporub-type stick? Would more essential oil drops be required? I’m thinking of trying it, and looking for advice/recipe.
    Thank you

    Reply