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Using a homemade DIY vapor rub versus commercial products like Vicks Vapor Rub can offer several advantages, primarily because it allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they are natural and chemical-free. It also provides a petroleum-free jelly.
Here are some reasons why you might prefer a homemade vapor rub, along with five benefits of using a natural vapor rub:
Control Over Ingredients: Homemade vapor rubs give you complete control over the ingredients used, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals, artificial fragrances, and preservatives often found in commercial products.
Customization: You can tailor the homemade vapor rub to your needs, adjusting the essential oils and carrier oils to address your unique respiratory or skin concerns.
Cost-Efficiency: DIY vapor rubs can be more cost-effective in the long run, as many ingredients are readily available and can be used for multiple purposes.
Reduced Allergens: By making your vapor rub, you can ensure that it is free from common allergens that may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Environmental Impact: Creating your homemade products reduces the need for single-use plastic containers and supports environmentally friendly practices.
No Harsh Chemicals: Natural vapor rubs typically avoid using petroleum-based ingredients, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrances, reducing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Gentle on Skin: Natural vapor rubs often include soothing ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter, which can be less harsh on the skin than commercial alternatives.
Aromatherapeutic Effects: Essential oils used in natural vapor rubs, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, can provide aromatherapeutic benefits, helping to clear nasal passages and promote relaxation.
Customizable: You can personalize your homemade vapor rub with essential oils known for their specific respiratory benefits, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, or lavender.
Avoiding Side Effects: Some people may experience side effects or skin sensitivities when using commercial vapor rubs with synthetic ingredients. Natural alternatives are less likely to cause these issues.
No matter what time of year or part of the planet you are on, you are either in Summer or Winter (Spring or Autumn); you and your kids can always get stuck with a cold.
So, seeing as it is around "that time of year," I wanted to give you three recipes for how to make your own DIY Vapor-Rub.
Of course, you might be saying, but why make my own when I can grab a jar of Vicks?
Well, the problem is its ingredients. By making your own, you will benefit from all the natural ingredients your body will love you for. Vicks vapor rub was the "go-to" for my grandmother whenever I got a cold, and I have fond memories of her applying it to my chest, back, and nose.
That's why these alternatives are so significant. The benefits are the same: memory creation. Additionally, they are all-natural. So don't worry! Making it up is simple and quick- you can do it in a jiffy! So, let's get to the recipes, shall we?
I have found three stellar options for you to choose from based on your preferences:
Ingredients
Directions
Melt the coconut oil in its liquid state. Coconut oil melts at 76-78°F. Then, add the essential oils of your choice. Lastly, blend and let harden in the fridge. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to set.
Tips
Keep out of the eye area, especially when using essential oils like peppermint. Peppermint does have a cooling sensation at first but then burns.
Apply to the chest and neck area. I don't recommend applying it to the face.
Please wash your hands after using or mixing essential oils.
If your room temperature is 76°F or less, it should stay in a solid state.
{Source: Naturally Paula}
This recipe is suitable for anyone aged three and above. (both children and adults)
Ingredients:
Directions
Melt beeswax, cocoa, shea, or mango butter of choice. The best method is to use a double-boiler or a pot over another pot of water and melt it, but you can also use the microwave. Then, after the wax and butter melt, turn off the burner and add the remaining ingredients. Lastly, pour into any glass vessel with a lid. This recipe generates six ounces or 3/4 cups and has a shelf life of up to 12 months.
This recipe is suitable for children two and under:
Ingredients:
We suggest using eucalyptus smithii, lavender, tea tree, and chamomile for children over six months. Use only lavender and chamomile essential oils for babies under two months old.
Directions
Follow the same guidelines as stated above. Melt the wax and butter, then add any additional ingredients. Pour into a glass vessel.
{Source: Mommypotamus}
These all-natural and organic essential oils are excellent for congestion:
There you have it! I told you they were super simple to do, and most only take about 10-15 minutes from start to finish (if that)!
About the Author
Article Contributed by
Danielle Winters
Organic Natural Beauty Directory Founder
Thank you to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.org for this information.
References
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