Amish Vapor Rub for Congestion Relief
Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Kiersten
Make this powerful Amish vapor rub for congestion relief using natural ingredients like coconut oil, menthol crystals, and essential oils.
Even though I feel like I say this every year, I’m going to say it again…I feel like we’ve been sick for 4,178 days since October which is impressive since there are only 365 days in a year.
Regardless of how much fermented garlic honey, elderberry syrup, fire cider, or essential oils I bathe in, a fact of life is that school-age kids are gross and will forever bring home strange (and familiar) diseases until June.
Since we’re all on the same page, I made more of my “severe congestion” Amish vapor rub the other day and finally took pictures to share with all of my NHA friends.
This one is much stronger than the other homemade Vick’s vapor rub for kids and contains ingredients that you won’t want to use on kids younger than about 12 years old.
I’m not saying you can’t, but I personally haven’t because it contains camphor essential oil and menthol crystals which may irritate sensitive skin. This vapor rub is reserved for just my husband and I.
If the kids need something stronger than their version of homemade Vick’s, I’ll throw together an Amish garlic salve which works AMAZINGLY well but causes your kids to smell like garlic bread for a few days. (There’s always a trade-off when taking the natural route lol.)
Personally, I’d take garlic bread over boogers any day.
No Petrolatum Here
Vicks Vapor Rub brand name products are made with petrolatum.
Petrolatum is classified as a carcinogen in the European Union and the EU heavily restricts the addition of petrolatum in cosmetics.
As an oncology nurse, anything that makes a carcinogen list anywhere in the world is not welcome to be used in my house. For the most part, I try to stick with natural ingredients that I feel confident in.
There is always a happy medium and middle ground, but there are so many effective home remedies for congestion, coughs, and colds that I’ve moved entirely away from over-the-counter products.
Active Ingredients Used in This Vapor Rub
Camphor essential oil: provides a cooling sensation and helps suppress coughs.
Eucalyptus essential oil: natural decongestant that opens airways and promotes clearer breathing.
Menthol crystals: created as a byproduct from the manufacturing process of mint essential oils. It boosts the cooling effect and helps clear nasal passages quickly.
Are essential oils safe?
As with anything, there is controversy (because why wouldn’t there be) surrounding the use of essential oils.
I get my essential oil safety data from Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand and Young. It’s the most comprehensive compilation of safety data published to date on the use of essential oils in every application.
When properly diluted, I use nearly 70 different essential oils on myself, husband, kids, and animals.
How to Make Amish Vapor Rub for Congestion
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 12 drops camphor essential oil
- 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 teaspoon menthol crystals
Supplies you may need
- Storage containers (glass or PET plastic)
- Double boiler
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
Instructions:
- Melt coconut oil in a double boiler or glass jar. I use a small condiment-sized ramekin.
- Once liquified, add beeswax. Stir frequently to assist with melting.
- Remove from heat.
- When cooled to room temperature, stir in essential oils and menthol crystals.
- Pour into a storage container(s) and allow to cool.
- Store at room temperature for 4 months or in the refrigerator for up to one year.
How to Use:
Take a small amount of vapor rub on your fingertip and massage into the skin using a circular motion. Common application zones are the chest, down the spine, and bottoms of the feet.
This remedy is NOT for internal use or to be applied near the face and eyes.
Appy the vapor rub as often as needed throughout the day, preferably rotating areas of the body. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use for 24 hours and evaluate whether or not an allergy may be present.
More Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Season
Homemade Vick’s Vapor Rub for Kids
Easy Fermented Garlic Honey Recipe (Uses & Benefits)
Homemade Amish Cough Syrup Recipe (Kids & Adults)
Fast Onion & Honey Cough Syrup
Amish Vapor Rub for Congestion
Learn how to make an Amish vapor rub for congestion relief using natural ingredients like coconut oil, menthol crystals, and essential oils.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 12 drops camphor essential oil
- 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 teaspoon menthol crystals
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil in a double boiler or glass jar. I use a small condiment-sized ramekin.
- Once liquified, add beeswax. Stir frequently to assist with melting.
- Remove from heat.
- When cooled to room temperature, stir in essential oils and menthol crystals.
- Pour into a storage container(s) and allow to cool.
- Store at room temperature for 4 months or in the refrigerator for up to one year.
Save It For Later!
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is imperative that you do your own research regarding what is best for your child and your family. All content on www.naturalhomeapothecary.com is intended for educational use only and not as medical advice.
