6 Vapour Chest Rubs that are all natural!

It’s winter and time when the lurgies and germs abound.

Vapour or chest rubs are often used to help relieve symptoms of coughs, colds and flu. However, did you know that the leading vapour rubs on the market contains several toxic ingredients?

Petroleum can be problematic for a number of reasons. It’s one ingredient I steer clear of in skincare.

Camphor is a highly toxic poison and can cause serious problems if consumed. Turpentine oil, while a natural product, can burn the skin and cause respiratory problems.

There are some really great options out there though, so it’s easy to make the switch to something more natural. Here are some of the best!

♥ Chesty Rub by 123 Nourish Me

This Chesty Rub from Alisa and Danni at 123 Nourish Me is fresh and minty. It’s suitable for children over 6 months old and contains high quality organic ingredients and flower essences. Get it here.

♥ Baby Breathe Balm by Bubbles Organic

Bubbles Organics is an awesome Gold Coast based small business, owned by sisters, one of whom is an aromatherapist. Get it here.

♥ Chesty Calm Breathing Balm by My Gypsy Child

Cairns mum Sacha is seeing her organic baby range, My Gypsy Child going from strength to strength. Get it here.♥ Lhami Eucalyptus Balm

New South Wales natural new age mum, Natalie makes this Eucalyptus Balm as part of her natural skincare range, Lhami. Get it here.

♥ Simple As That Vapour Rub

This pharmacist formulated range is great for anyone with sensitive skin who reacts to skin care with lots of ingredients. Also in a Baby Vapour Rub version. Get them here.

♥ The Physic Garden Eucalyptus Rub

The Physic Garden make a huge range of balms and rubs and their Eucalyptus one is a best seller. Get it here.

♥ Kiwiherb Baby Balm

I had to add one more because this one is just so good. It’s very safe and gentle for babies with just herbs and a teeny bit of lavender oil. They also make a De-stuff Rub for everyone else. Find them here.

So, there you have some fabulous alternatives to toxic vapour rub!! I also love supporting Aussie family businesses who are making a difference and have a real passion for health and wellbeing.

If you are handy and have some oils on hand at home, you could also try making your own chest rub.

What do you use at home for chest rub? Is it time to make the swap to something a bit more natural?

*Please always double-check any product or ingredient containing essential oils that you use on babies and toddlers. Here is the current safety information regarding peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil around children from a source I trust, Robert Tisserand.

(parts of this post are sponsored)

Make your own natural chest rub!

Did you know the leading chest rub on the market contains petroleum, camphor and turpentine oil??

Petroleum in products can be problematic for a number of reasons. It’s one ingredient I steer clear of. Camphor is a highly toxic poison and can cause serious problems if consumed. Turpentine oil, while a natural product can burn the skin and cause respiratory problems.

So, why not make your own chest rub using organic, natural ingredients? It’s cheaper and your family will be safe and toxin-free.

Homemade Chest Rub

Okay so this is what you need:

Coconut Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Lemon Essential Oil

* If you want to use a ready-made blend of oils, you could also just use Sinus Clear or Wellness Warrior

Okay, so this is how you do it:

* Melt your coconut oil by placing the jar in a bowl of hot water

* Pour 1/4 cup of the oil into a glass jar (clean and sterilise if using a recycled jar)

* Add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil, 20 drops of peppermint oil and 10 drops of lemon oil

* Mix well

* Let it re-solidify for easier use (pop it in the fridge in summer time)

Okay, so this is how you use it:

Rub on the chest, throat and back if you have a cough or cold.

Rub on your feet at night and pop on some socks to help ease a cough.

Rub a little under your nose.

Add a couple of teaspoons to hot water in a bowl to use as a steam inhalation.

The coconut oil is so rich and moisturizing, you will get the extra benefit of soft skin!

If you can’t be bothered making your own chest rub, check out these natural vapour chest rubs that I recommend.

You might also like to read: How to make your own natural hand wash.

*Please always double-check any product or ingredient containing essential oils that you use on babies and toddlers. Here is the current safety information regarding peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil around children from a source I trust, Robert Tisserand.