Homemade Vapor Rub

As I've said before, coconut oil is sort of an obsession with me.  Its great for your hair, skin, and nails.  We use it as an every day lotion, but it really comes in handy when cold season hits.

Growing up, I can remember my mom slathering me in Vick's VapoRub.  It's one of my favorite things when I'm feeling under the weather, but taking a look at the ingredients put a stop to its use.  I no longer like using petroleum based products, which lead me in search of a natural alternative.

And what do you know?  I discovered yet another use for my beloved coconut oil!

The stuff is amazing, I tell you!

 

Homemade Vapor Rub

 

What you'll need:

2 Tablespoons coconut oil

Eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
small plastic container with a lid

What to do:

1.  Add the coconut oil to your plastic container.

2.  Add 5-7 drops of your essential oil and stir together.  If it isn't strong enough to your liking, add more essential oil in 2 drop increments until you reach the desired strength.

3.  Once it's all mixed up, slather it on your chest* (and feet, if you're like me!) and inhale as you drift into a restful sleep!* When using for babies and children, use half the amount of essential oil, or dilute already made Vapor Rub with more coconut oil before application.

 

To Make Homemade Whipped Vapor Rub, follow the recipe for Whipped Coconut Oil, adding your either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil into the bowl before whisking.
 

Whipped Coconut Oil

One of my favorite ways to use coconut oil is topically, from an all over moisturizer to an intensive conditioner for my hair.  This is a super simple recipe for whipped coconut oil to be used for beauty, and best of all there is only one required ingredient.  Yep, just one.



Even for skin care, make sure you are using food quality organic coconut oil.  Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it, so make sure you slater on the good stuff!

Homemade Whipped Coconut Oil

What you'll need:

1 cup organic coconut oil, a little below room temperature

a few drop of your favorite essential oil, for fragrance (optional)

What to do:

1.  Place your ingredients into a bowl.  Do not use melted coconut oil for this, as it will not whip up properly. It must be solid.

2.  Mix on high speed with a wire whisk for 6-8 minutes, or until whipped to a light, airy consistency.

I suggest using an electric mixer for this step.  Do not use a blender or food processor, as they tend to get too hot and melt the oil.

3.  Spoon whipped coconut oil into a glass jar for storage.  Keep at room temperature, or in the fridge if your house is warm enough to melt the oil.

This will stay soft even when cool and shouldn't become hard like coconut normally does when it gets too cold.


This recipe is wonderfully easy and customizable.  Use it instead of lotion for the whole family, as a conditioner, and  shaving cream.  This recipe can also serve as the basis for Homemade Vapor Rub.