Kick Congestion To The Curb With This Easy Vapor Rub

If you're feeling under the weather, this soothing homemade vapor rub will help.

Jill Nystul • February 8, 2022

Jill Nystul • December 20, 2023

Jill Nystul • December 20, 2023

Jill Nystul • December 20, 2023

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I love the challenge of trying to make a homemade version of something that works just as well as its store-bought counterpart. And if I can do that using things I already happen to have on hand, that’s just the icing on the cake! :-)

And that’s precisely how I ended up with my recipe for a homemade vapor rub (à la Vicks), which I’ll be sharing with you in today’s blog post! It works like a charm for easing congested airways, making it a useful addition to any cold and flu “survival kit!”

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What’s In It?

Let’s start with a quick overview of the four ingredients that go into this vapor rub – coconut oil and a few of the best essential oils for congestion – and how they work together to clear up congestion and quiet coughs:

How To Make Your Own All-Natural Vapor Rub

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Ingredients:

1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
10-15 drops peppermint essential oil
10-15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5-10 drops lemon essential oil

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Directions:

In your microwave or a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil until it is completely liquified. Add the peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon oils to the melted coconut oil and stir to combine.

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Pour the oil mixture into a small jar and allow it to solidify. You can do it quickly by placing it in the fridge, or leave it out on the counter if you’re not in a hurry to use it.

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How To Use It

Apply the vapor rub to your chest, neck, and back, the same way you would use the store-bought stuff. The essential oils will help open airways, loosen coughs, and provide a pleasantly cool tingling sensation.

Don’t apply this mixture to broken skin, sensitive skin, or your face. (The pleasant tingling sensation of peppermint oil feels a lot less pleasant anywhere near your eyes!)

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A Note About Kids

For young children, use about half the amount of essentials oils listed in this recipe. Avoid using it on children under two. Instead, add a couple drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser to help ease congestion.

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What are your must-haves for surviving a bout of cold or flu?

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