DIY SHEA BUTTER VICKS RUB


For those days when you’re sick, can’t breathe through your nose, have a sore throat and your body aches, you need something to break up all that congestion and fight the infection causing you all that trouble. And while it’s common for people to go to the store and buy a pre-made de-congesting balm to rub on their chests, you can easily make your own at home. Not only is it fun and easy, but all of the ingredients are pure, natural and safe- and they even help to fight the infection instead of simply clearing your airways. So whether you’re already sick or would like to have this ready to go ahead of time, below is a recipe for your very own home made de-congesting, infection fighting, Vicks-like chest rub. Feel free to follow the recipe to a T, or color outside the lines and make as many changes as you want.

Recipe:

  • ¼ cup soft raw African Shea butter

  • Eucalyptus essential oil

  • Peppermint essential oil

  • Tea Tree essential oil

  • Spruce essential oil

  • Cypress essential oil

  • 1 small mixing bowl (optional)

  • 1 small mason jar or other container of choice

Put your Shea butter in your mixing bowl (if using), and spend a minute mashing it around to get it extra soft. Once soft and easily mixed, drip essential oils into the Shea. We recommend you start with 5-10 drops of each kind except the Tea Tree, which we prefer to keep at the 5 drop mark. Mix all the oils thoroughly in the Shea butter and check to see if the scent is strong enough. Remember, you want this to be something you can inhale and clear out your lungs and stuffy nose, so it should be relatively strong but not overpowering. Adjust the essential oils to your preference, mix, and that’s it!

This wonderful blend can be used whenever you need and placed directly on the chest for easy breathing and sinus soothing. All of the essential oils included in this formula aid the lungs, clear congestion, fight bacteria and viruses and provide additional aromatherapeutic benefits that help with the yucky feelings that come with being sick. If you have any other essential oils that you really like, such as Lavender, go ahead and add a few drops to the mix for some additional depth and personalization. Store in a cool dry place so it’s ready whenever you are, and enjoy!