DIY Vapor Rub

Many years ago, when my kids came down with minor colds, I decided to mix some things up and see if it helped. It did. My daughter, who had coughed quite a bit the night before, slept soundly. It worked so well that I knew I had to make it public. So, I wrote this DIY recipe and made a purchasable variation — Breathe Well Salve.

DIY: Herbal Vapor Rub

This recipe is completely natural and safe for ages 6 months and up.

What You'll Need

• 5 tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 tbsp. evening primrose oil (could use sweet almond, olive, etc., if you want)
• 2 tbsp. beeswax
• 12 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 12 drops of balm mint essential oil
• 12 drops of Rosalina essential oil
• 12 drops of lemon essential oil

How to Make It

Step 1: In a small pan over low heat, melt coconut and evening primrose oil.

Step 2: Add the beeswax, chopped up or in granules (mine was in a large chunk, so I chopped), and stir until melted.

Step 3: Add the essential oils and stir to combine.

Step 4: Pour into a 4-oz. glass jar and allow to cool.

This mix will not be completely solid even when cool, so be careful when opening the jar.

Before bed, put this mixture on the feet and socks over it. When put on the feet, it’s absorbed quickly into the body and goes through the whole system. That’s why it works. You could follow this up with a spoonful of raw honey and the same essential oils in a humidifier (which I did). Worked great, and we all got sleep!