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 ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
