Herbal Vapor Rub Recipe
If you’ve ever watched your baby struggle to
sleep with a cough or cold,
the
deepest feeling of helplessness. If only you
could give him something to help him breathe
or stop her cough.
you know
Fortunately, there’s an indispensable baby remedy that can help:
.
a vapor rub
Most commercial chest rubs are made with
petrolatum (aka: petroleum jelly), a semisolid
mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Additionally, these salves often contain
synthetic fragrances, with any number of toxic
ingredients known to cause allergies, dermatitis, or reproductive issues.
What’s a mom or dad to do?
Make your own vapor rub using organic
vegetable oil and all-natural essential oils!
When making home remedies, it is extremely
important to know which essential oils are
safe for infants. Many essential oils can burn
a baby’s sensitive skin or are toxic to their tiny
bodies. The child-safe oils in this recipe are also
effective for fighting infection and releasing
mucous. Be sure to read labels before purchasing. Eucalyptus Radiata, for example, should
not be confused with Eucalyptus Globulous,
which should not be used on small children.
Herbal Vapor Rub Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup (2 oz.) organic vegetable oil (olive,
almond, apricot kernel, or coconut oil)
• 1 tbsp. (1/2 oz.) beeswax
• 20 drops Ravensara Essential Oil
• 20 drops Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions:
1. Grate the beeswax with a wide-hole cheese
grater.
2. Place grated beeswax into a double boiler
to melt (or you can simply put the wax into
a measuring cup and the cup into boiling
water to melt it).
3. Add the vegetable oil and stir.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring
in the essential oils or they will evaporate.
5. Pour into tins or jars.
The more beeswax, the thicker the salve. Test the
consistency by placing a teaspoon of the liquid
mixture in the freezer for a minute. Take it out
and see how it feels. If it’s too hard, add more oil;
if too soft, add more beeswax.
Once the salve is cooled and solid, rub it on your
child’s chest, back and throat. If stored in a cool,
dark place, it should last for months or even years.
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