Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN

This homemade Vicks vapor rub for kids opens the airways and alleviates respiratory congestion. Great for combating seasonal colds and allergies without medication.

While September is associated with weather cooling down, everything cozy, and a season of change, it also comes with runny noses, coughs, and other annoying issues.

Every year during Labor Day weekend, I go through the entire inventory in my home medicine storage to see what I need to stock up on for the upcoming school season.

This vapor rub is always on my list right next to a fresh batch of elderberry syrup, fermented garlic honey, and fire cider.

If you’re looking for a much stronger vapor rub for adults, use this Amish vapor rub instead.

All natural, safe ingredients – no petrolatum

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.

Anything that makes a carcinogen list is not welcome to be used in my house on a child’s skin.

Whenever possible, I try to stick with natural ingredients that I confidently feel are safe. There is always a happy medium and middle ground, but commercial Vicks ain’t it.

How to Use Homemade Vick’s Vapor Rub

Take a small amount of vapor rub on your fingertip. 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.

We specifically use the chest rub at night about an hour before bed to improve breathing and alleviate congestion. If the cold is really bad, I’ll reapply it throughout the day, as needed.

Are essential oils safe for kids?

There is some controversy surrounding the use of some essential oils around kids and babies.

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 rosemary, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils on my children when applied externally to the skin.

BUT I am not a doctor, I’m an RN. I will only ever speak as a mother to what I personally do here at the house with my own children. Please remember this is not medical advice and for educational purposes only.

Essential Oils Used in This Recipe

Peppermint essential oil: cough suppressant, decongestant, improves breathing by relaxing bronchial spasms that cause coughing.

Rosemary essential oil: reduces mucus build up, anti-inflammatory.

Eucalyptus essential oil: cough suppressant, anti-inflammatory, opens up the airways.

Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles
12 drops rosemary essential oil
12 drops peppermint essential oil
12 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Supplies you may need

Storage containers (glass or PET plastic)
Double boiler
Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon

How to Make Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub for Kids

Melt coconut oil in a double boiler or glass jar. I use a small ceramic ramekin to make it easy.
Once liquified, add beeswax. Stir frequently to assist with melting.
Remove from heat.
When cooled to room temperature, stir in essential oils.
Pour into storage containers and allow to cool.
Store at room temperature for 4 months or the refrigerator for up to one year.

More Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Season

Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Toddlers

Easy Fermented Garlic Honey Recipe (Uses & Benefits)

Homemade Amish Cough Syrup Recipe (Kids & Adults)

Powerful Amish Vapor Rub for Fast Congestion Relief (Adults Only)

Homemade Vicks Vapor Rub for Kids

Yield: 2oz

This homemade Vicks Vapor Rub for kids opens the airways and alleviates respiratory congestion. Great for combating seasonal colds and allergies.

Materials

1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles
12 drops rosemary essential oil
12 drops peppermint essential oil
12 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Tools

Storage containers (glass or PET plastic) Double boiler Measuring spoons Mixing spoon

Instructions

Melt coconut oil in a double boiler or glass jar. To make it easy, I use a ceramic 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.
Pour into storage containers and allow to cool.
Store at room temperature for 4 months or the refrigerator for up to one year.

Notes

To use: take a small amount of vapor rub on your finger tip. 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.

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natural vapor rub for kids - fast congestion relief

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.