It's that time of year. With everyone back in school and temperatures wavering between hot and cold, runny noses and coughs abound. My little one has had ongoing congestion and a cold that has hung on for some time. He had a night time cough that was keeping him up, but I didn't want to use the traditional drug store chest rub on him. The smell is too strong and the ingredients less than ideal. So I whipped up a batch of homemade, petroleum free chest rub for him and he slept like a little baby.
The rub only requires three ingredients and smells so much nicer than the standard vapor rub. The coconut oil base is also a great nourishing moisturizer for the skin. Since the rub has a less overbearing smell, you may have to reapply after a few hours. But it is well worth knowing what ingredients you are smearing on your kid's skin.
*Do not use in children younger than 2 years old.
Coconut Oil Chest Rub
1/4 c. organic virgin coconut oil20 drops eucalyptus oil
10 drops lavender oil
Mix thoroughly in a resealable glass jar. Apply under nose, on chest and back, rub a little on your temples, or on the bottoms of your feet to relieve a cough. For ease in applying, allow to re solidify by placing in a cool area of your home.
I like the lavender because it is a sleep aid. You could also add about 20 drops peppermint oil to ease congestion as well.
