Cool Vibes Vapor Rub Jr - A Eucalyptus-Free Child-Safe Vapor Rub

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Last year, when Robert Tisserand's newest edition of Essential Oil Safety hit the shelves, everyone was surprised that it was now advised not to use ANY form of eucalyptus and rosemary on children under the age of 10 and peppermint on children under the age of 6 years old because of the menthol and cineol content in those essential oils. My first thought was, well now I have to re-think my vapor rub! This vapor rub is my eucalyptus-free child-safe version! Using the gentler woodsy essential oils, such as fir needle and cypress, you can effectively create a vapor rub that will help break up mucus, open up the lungs for easier breathing, and help soothe a cough.

You can learn more about essential oil safety for babies and children here.

Cool Vibes Vapor Rub Jr.

The fir needle essential oil in this recipe can be substituted for cypress, spruce, or pine essential oils. The woodsy essential oils are all really great at helping combat congestion, coughs, and even are great expectorants! You can easily make this recipe with only the essential oils and coconut oil. In the winter time, unrefined coconut oil will harden if the temperature drops below 76 degrees, so if you do not have any beeswax on hand, do not fear! Simply melt the coconut oil, add the essential oils and allow to cool. If you don't want to make your own vapor rub blend, Plant Therapy has a great kid-safe blend, Sniffle Stopper, that can be added to this recipe instead!

MAKES 8 OZ.

BASE INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil
¼ cup beeswax pastilles
½ tsp. Vitamin e (optional, helps keeps butters and oils from going rancid longer)
age appropriate essential oil blend

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND 6+ MONTHS - 1.5% DILUTION

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND 2+ YEARS - 3% dilution

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND 6+ YEARS - 4% dilution

DIRECTIONS

In a double boiler melt the coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax.
Remove from heat and add age appropriate essential oil blend and vitamin e (if using). Pour into containers to cool. Store in a cool dark place when not in use.

TO USE

Dab a small amount onto your fingers and apply to your child's chest, back, and feet to help open up airways and ease breathing. An old school remedy to help your child sleep is to rub a generous amount of vapor rub on their feet and cover them with socks, before bed. This will help your child sleep soundly through the night when they have a cough and congestion. Even my pediatrician has told me to do this! You can also use a small scoop of this in a cup of hot water to make a steam inhalant. Use as often as needed. A little bit goes a LONG way! Do not rub this on your child's face or around their nose.