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Home » Blog » Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub

Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub

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This is the most basic homemade Vicks vapor rub recipe which can be modified for infants, children, or adults. Simple but effective!

Homemade vicks vapor rub in glass jar with white cloth and green leaves

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission with no extra cost to you. See full disclosure here.

If you grew up in a Hispanic household or knew any spanish people, you would know our undying love for vicks vapor rub. The best medicine for any cold, or seasonal virus is some good old vicks vapor rub, tea, rest, and prayer.

How to Make Vicks Vapor Rub All Natural?

After adulthood, my love for vicks vapor rub remains. Once I noticed the ingredients, I wondered if we could get the same magical qualities but with better ingredients. And this homemade vapor rub did not disappoint!

Please beware of which oils you are purchasing! This industry is not regulated by the FDA. This means there are no regulations on what qualifies as “100% pure”. More inexpensive oils are covered in toxic chemicals. I use this brand, but do your research!

Vicks Vaporub Ingredients List

This is the one most Hispanics grew up using. The miracle cure mom would pull out to rub on our chest, feet, back, and under our nose no matter the illness.

  • Camphor
  • Menthol
  • Eucalyptus

Homemade vicks vapor rub Ingredients List

The all natural ingredients in this homemade Vicks alternative gives you peace of mind with what you’re putting on your and your children’s skin. The ingredients are simple:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Cocoa butter or Shea butter
  • Beeswax
  • Essential Oils
all natural vapor rub in glass jar with white cloth and green leaves

Best Essential Oils for Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub

  • Eucalyptus – opens up airways
  • Peppermint– clear breathing
  • Frankincense– best overall oil for everything
  • Lemon– immune support
  • Cinnamon– immune support
  • Clove– immune support
  • Lavender– promotes relaxation which is needed when ill

Does Homemade Vapor Rub Really Work?

The answer is yes! It doesn’t quite burn your nostrils when you breathe it in like i remember traditional Vicks doing, but it certainly is effective. The scent of our homemade vicks recipe is still strong, but subtle compared to the overpowering strength of traditional vicks vapor rub.

How to use homemade vapor rub?

Growing up, my mother taught us to use it on the soles of our feet, our chest, underneath our nose, or on our back along our spine. she would even put a small amount on our temples to help with headaches. This is exactly how I still use it.

4 oz glass jar of homemade vicks vapor rub with white cloth and greenery in background

How to make Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub?

This is the most basic homemade Vicks Recipe which can easily be modified to your needs! The most important thing to remember when making a Vicks alternative is the quality of your ingredients.

This Recipe calls for cocoa butter or shea butter (whichever you prefer), coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils.

  1. Double boil the butter of choice, coconut oil, and beeswax until all melted together.
  2. Remove from heat.
  3. Let cool slightly, then add essential oils
  4. Pour into a glass container
  5. Store for up to 6 months

All Natural Vapor Rub for Infants

1/4 cup Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp Beeswax
8-10 drops of essential oils

All Natural Vapor Rub for Children

1/4 cup Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp Beeswax
17-20 drops of essential oils

All Natural Vapor Rub for Adults

1/4 cup Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
2 Tbsp Beeswax
37-40 drops of essential oils

Pin it for later!

natural vapor rub pin
homemade vapor rub in glass jar with eucalyptus

Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub Recipe

This is the most basic homemade Vicks vapor rub recipe which can be modified for infants, children, or adults. Simple but effective!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Beeswax
  • 10 drops Eucalyptus
  • 10 drops Peppermint
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 5 drops Clove
  • 5 drops Lavender

Instructions
 

  • Double boil the butter of choice, coconut oil, and beeswax until all melted together.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Let cool slightly, then add essential oils.
  • Pour into a glass container. Store for up to 6 months.

Notes

Essential oil concentration adjustments:
For infants: 8-10 drops
For children: 17-20 drops
For adult: 37-40 drops

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