We have had quite the month of sickness at my house. First, my husband spent 8 days with a cold, then I spent 5 days with it, and now both my 7 and 5-year-old’s caught it. They are coughing, suffering from a need to endlessly blow their noses, and just feeling achy and fatigued. I typically diffuse for upper respiratory issues however we are in the middle of a move and I don’t have access to my diffusers.
I remember the relief I got when my mom rubbed Vicks on my chest when I was little, instantly helping me breathe a little easier. Fortunately, we are in the days of information, and I know that due to the artificial ingredients and chemicals unsafe for little ones that it isn’t the ideal choice for use with my children. I needed to make a safe alternative!
I’m always searching “how to boost the immune system”, to take a multifaceted approach to support my kids’ health.
The essential oils I chose are powerful tools if you’re seeking ways to boost your immune system. I wanted to pack as much power in this recipe as possible, carefully choosing each ingredient based on its properties. My intention was to both, help my sons’ breathe a little easier, and kick this illness as quickly as possible. I absolutely love that Plant Therapy offers batch specific GC/MS reports so I can choose oils high in the constituents I’m looking for. The percentages I list are for my bottles of essential oils, and if yours is from a different batch the percentages may vary. I aimed for something a bit softer and easier to apply than a salve, this is more of an ointment consistency which is exactly what I was hoping for.
Beeswax Pearls is so fabulously versatile and I use it in many recipes primarily to harden whatever I’m making (deodorant, salves, chapstick). For this recipe, it’s especially helpful to help hold the aroma longer than a carrier oil which quickly absorbs into our skin. It also has vitamin A which nourishes the skin and supports a healthy immune system.
Solid coconut oil has a high amount of Lauric Acid which is helpful in supporting a healthy immune system.
Due to having a high comedogenic level (can clog pores) I don’t use it in my facial products, even though it is moisturizing, but with application to the chest, I’m not concerned about clogging pores.
Eucalyptus Dives contains 40-55% piperitone and is a safe alternative to the cineole rich Eucalyptus Globulus or Radiata. It is jam-packed with therapeutic properties and is the perfect KidSafe choice to help stop sniffles, break up phlegm, clear up congestion, ward of seasonal threats, and shorten seasonal illnesses. This essential oil is great for helping my sick ones get better faster, helping my healthy ones stay healthy, and offer respiratory support to help them breathe with ease.
Rosalina has about 42% of the chemical constituent Linalool. This constituent helps give your immune system a boost, minimize the perception of pain, and help suppress coughing. It is also helpful at encouraging a restful sleep by calming both the body and mind. Their coughing seems to increase at night and has caused some issues sleeping. Needless to say, I’m very grateful to have this essential oil to help my boys sleep peacefully.
Cypress has 50% Alpha-pinene which is helpful in warding off seasonal threats and shortening the length of an illness. It is also helpful at relaxing the lungs and opening the airways. This offers optimal oxygen intake, allowing them to take nice, deep breaths.
Vapor Rub
What you’ll need:
- 2-ounce tin containers
- 5 ounces Beeswax Pearls
- 5 ounces coconut oil (solid)
- 20 drops Eucalyptus Dives
- 10 drops Rosalina
- 6 drops Cypress
What you’ll do:
- Over a double boiler melt together the beeswax and coconut oil.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in your essential oils.
- Pour into tins.
- Allow to cool fully.
- A shelf life of 1 year when stored in a cool and dark place.
*Update:
4 tablespoons of Beeswax Pearls = 1 weighed ounce
2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil = 1 weighed ounce
*This statement has not be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Plant Therapy and it’s representatives are not intending to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
