Clear Head Vapor Ointment

When I was growing up, Vicks vaporub was a common household remedy.  Now pediatricians tell us that the vapors are too irritating to the mucous membranes and cause more harm than good.  I'm skeptical.  I loved the smell of Vicks and the warm feeling I had when I snuggled into the warm towel to breathe in the vapors that did indeed clear my stuffy head or ease my congested chest.

Now that we're trying to be more self sufficient and natural in our remedies, I decided to make my own chest rub.  We love it and my not-so-little kids ask for it.
Here's the recipe:
2 tsp eucalyptus EO
1 tsp peppermint EO
1 tsp fir needle EO
1 tsp rosemary EO
1# UN-petroleum jelly
1/4cup olive oil

Heat the UN-petroleum jelly in a double boiler over low heat just until it melts.  Stir in the olive oil and add the essential oils.  Pour into clean jars and cap.  Store in a dark cupboard. 
Apply to chest and back to relieve congestion.  Rub on neck for sore throat.  Wrap with a warm towel or cover with an old turtle neck sweater to protect from chills.

I'm sharing this remedy with the folks @ Wildcrafting Wednesday #27 and Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth 







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