As we all know by now, winter is here. While it might not be December 21 yet, the cold weather has arrived along with the sniffles and congestion.
Because I don’t love cold products loaded with strange chemicals, I’m always looking for natural remedies. Luckily Sarah Munro, the heroine of ONE DARK WISH (book 2 in the Deadly Force Series), has been collecting herbal remedies from the 17th and 18th centuries. And this recipe for a Vapor Rub is an updated version of a recipe used during the Revolutionary War.
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re congested and can’t sleep. The essential oils offer soothing aromas, and the coconut oil and cocoa butter moisturize and add nutrients to the skin. This vapor rub works regardless if the congestion is from a cold or allergies or stress. The healing vapors from the essential oils help soothe your irritated sinuses and throat. All of the ingredients below can be purchased from Amazon or other online health stores. While some brands of essential oils are better than others, you don’t need to buy the most expensive. I use the Aura Cacia brand myself because I can buy it at my local grocery store. The main thing is to look for essential oils without synthetics, parabens, GMOs, or other artificial substances.
Sarah Munro’s Eucalyptus Vapor Rub
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/3 c. Coconut Oil*
- 2 tbsp. Cocoa Butter*
- 1 1/2 tbsp. Beeswax Pastilles*
- 20 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil**
- 5 drops each Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Tea Tree Oil Essential Oils**
DIRECTIONS:
In the top of a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and butter together. Turn the heat onto medium and once it’s all melted and smooth, add the beeswax pastilles. Gently, in a smooth motion, stir the mixture until the wax is melted.
Remove the double boiler from the heat and let the mixture sit for five minutes. Then, with a wooden spoon, stir in all of the essential oils. Keep stirring until everything is well blended. Pour the vapor rub into a sterilized glass jar or a food-grade tin. Once the vapor rub is cool, cover and let it sit for an hour until it’s solidified. Store in a cool, dry cabinet and use when needed. This recipe will keep for 4-6 weeks.
*The coconut oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax are all available on Amazon or in most natural food stores.
**This recipe is not suitable for children under ten as eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil can affect their respiration. All of the oils are also available online (Amazon, etc) and in health food stores.
Important Disclaimer: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
