How to Make an Aromatherapy Vapor Rub

For years people have used vapor rubs to soothe congestion from colds and flu, but aromatherapy vapor rubs can help alleviate symptoms from headaches and muscle tension as well. Homemade vapor rubs made with essential oils have the benefit of being more economical and specially tailored to treat different symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 tbsp. petroleum jelly, jojoba or sweet almond oil
• 10 to 15 drops essential oils
• Double boiler or sauce pan and ceramic bowl
• Spoon
• Sterilized, darkly colored containers

1. Melt petroleum jelly in a double boiler on low heat. Place a ceramic bowl in a saucepan so that the water reaches at least halfway up the sides of the bowl if you don't have a double boiler. Skip this step if using jojoba or sweet almond oil.

2. Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oils to melted petroleum jelly or jojoba or sweet almond oil. Use jojoba oil for rubs used on the face since it is non-greasy. Mix thoroughly.

3. Allow the vapor rub mixture to cool slightly if using petroleum jelly. Pour the mixture into your prepared, sterilized jar or container. Make sure your container seals tightly.

4. Store vapor rub in a childproof area. A petroleum jelly rub will solidify as it cools.

5. Rub onto chest and/or throat for relief from chest congestion or onto temples to relieve headaches. Wake yourself up throughout the day by using a vapor rub made with stimulating essential oils such as lemon.

Tips & Warnings

• Use vapor rubs at night for best results when treating cold and flu congestion since they help you sleep.
• Soothe congestion symptoms with cedar wood, eucalyptus and pine essential oils. Good choices for headaches are lavender and peppermint. Lavender, jasmine and ylang ylang soothe insomnia.
• Check for skin sensitivity by placing a small amount of the rub on a patch of skin before using.
• Lower essential oil concentration for vapor rubs used on children. You should use a tenth of the amount of essential oils for children's vapor rubs and avoid peppermint oil.

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