Editor’s Note: Homemade All Natural Vapor Rub for Kids was recently updated to reflect most recent information.
Vapor rubs have been proven to offer kids relief from coughs and congestion.
Rubbing homemade vapor rub on your kiddo’s chest and neck soothes their cough and gives them a break from congestion. Both of these are key to helping your precious little ones get the rest they need to recover from their symptoms.
That said, if you buy the popular over-the-counter brand of vapor rub, one of the main ingredients is petroleum.
Did you know petroleum may be carcinogenic and it gets into your body through your skin?
By whipping up a batch of homemade all natural vapor rub, you can be assured your little ones are only getting the good stuff – and none of the bad!
HOMEMADE ALL NATURAL VAPOR RUB RECIPES
Keeping in mind that essential oils contain a host of biologically active and powerful compounds, this first recipe uses only one essential oil – Cypress.
The essential oil Cypress is approved for use on kids.
It’s perfect for this first formulation because Cypress essential oil works to calm the respiratory system and provides relief due to it’s antispasmodic properties while still being gentle enough for your little ones.
Homemade All Natural Vapor Rub Recipe for Kids 2-11
To preserve the potency of this formulation, it makes a small amount, perfect for the duration of a cold.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cocoa butter
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
20 drops cypress essential oil
1. When you buy cocoa butter, it is hard as a rock. You’ll need to melt the cocoa butter in hot water. Simply fill a large bowl or measuring cup with hot water and submerge your jar of cocoa butter like so:
2. Once the cocoa butter is melted, measure out 2 Tablespoons and add to a small glass jar.
3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Allow to cool slightly before moving to the next step.
4. Add 20 drops of Cypress Essential Oil. Count your drops carefully as you add them to avoid overdosing.
5. Allow to harden. If in a hurry, you can place in the fridge to speed up the process.
6. To use: Apply a small amount to the chest.
This formulation should be applied to the chest NOT the face or anywhere near the nose!
Homemade All Natural Vapor Rub for Kids Over the Age of 12
To preserve the potency of this formulation, it makes a small amount, perfect for the duration of a cold.
The essential oils in this recipe are approved for kids over the age of 12. They should be properly diluted in the carrier base to avoid any irritation with the skin.
Eucalyptus Oil – The active ingredient in aromatherapy eucalyptus species is cineol. Cineol’s aroma has both antiseptic and expectorant properties, making it the perfect ingredient for vapor rub.
Peppermint Oil – You’ll recognize the strong, penetrating menthol aroma of peppermint oil. When applied to the skin, it feels cool on the skin, so the body brings more blood to the area, which in turns warms the body.
Lemon Oil – Lemon oil is such a powerful astringent and antiseptic it can cause skin irritation. It should not be applied undiluted to skin. Five drops or less of lemon oil should be added to this recipe.
Please note that I have linked to Kidsafe essential oils. It’s important to buy and use the correct essential oils when applying anything to your children.
Kids are smaller than adults, so they have an increased sensitivity to essential oils. If your child experiences any irritation with this formulation, discontinue use and try the gentler formulation suitable for kids 2-11.
Homemade All Natural Vapor Rub Recipe for Kids over age 12
2 Tablespoons cocoa butter
2 Tablespoons sweet almond oil
20 drops eucalyptus oil
5 drops peppermint oil
4 drops lemon oil
1. When you buy cocoa butter, it is hard as a rock. You’ll need to melt the cocoa butter in hot water. See photo above.
2. Once the cocoa butter is melted, measure out 2 Tablespoons and add to a small jar.
3. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Allow to cool slightly before moving to the next step.
4. Add 20 drops eucalyptus oil, 5 drops peppermint oil and 5 drops of lemon oil. Count your drops carefully as you add them to avoid overdosing.
5. Allow to harden. If in a hurry, you can place in the fridge.
6. To use: Apply a small amount to the chest.
Do you use vapor rub when your kiddos are sick? Do you ever apply it to their feet then have them wear socks?
Looking for more All Natural Recipes? Try How to Make Hand Sanitizer with All Natural Ingredients or DIY Yoga Mat Spray
You might be a Natural Green Mom if:
Have you ever tried making this with coconut oil instead of cocoa butter? I have coconut oil in the house and all the essential oils, but I don’t have cocoa butter right now. 🙁
Lisa, The cocoa butter just solidifies better than coconut oil so it lasts longer. But if you need it now, by all means try it with the coconut oil. Just know it won’t last long. Thanks for commenting, Andrea
I swear by Vicks, but would love to give this natural recipe a try. Nothing beats eucalyptus for opening up those passageways. Thanks for linking up with Tuesday Greens!
Can u use this on a 2 year old????