Homemade Aromatic Rub Like Vicks Vapor Rub

Normally I make things from scratch because they are less expensive.  However, sometimes I make them out of necessity.  Such is the case with this aromatic rub.  Our entire family has been ill.  I've had a respiratory illness, my hubster had it, and then our son got it.  While we were using lots of good old fashioned Vicks Vapor Rub, nobody had time to get any from the store!  

Homemade to the rescue!  I looked up the ingredients for the original, and discovered that they consisted of camphor, menthol (peppermint), and eucalyptus in a petroleum base.  A ha!  I had all that!  I mixed some up, experimented with quantities, and came up with a mixture that looked, smelled, and worked exactly like the name brand stuff. 

I like this because you can add as much or as little of the scent as you like.  If you find the name brand is too strong, you can cut back slightly on the oils and then add them in a mixture that is pleasing to you.  I have known people who have also substituted lavender, rosemary, or other oils for the camphor listed because they liked a different scent. 

Homemade Vapor Rub:  

Approximately 1/4 cup unscented petroleum jelly (like Vaseline)

10-12 drops eucalyptus essential oil

10-12 drops peppermint oil 

1/8 teaspoon Campho-Phenique ointment or liquid (this is camphor and makes it more authentic)

OR 

10-12 drops rosemary essential oil  

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the petroleum jelly in 30 second increments, stirring until melted.  When melted enough, add essential oils and stir well to combine.  Pour into container, place lid on, and allow to cool.  

Use as you would Vicks Vapor Rub!  

Medical Disclaimer:  This post is not a substitute for medical care, advice, or consultation.  Please use these recipes and tidbits with common sense, and please be aware of your own allergies and sensitivities and use (or don't use) accordingly.  Thank you! 

Homemade Wax Melts or Tarts For Wax Warmers

Homemade wax tarts are a fun way to use up all those old bits and pieces of candles left when the wick burns down.  I also recycle my used tarts/wax bars from candle warmers.  

Start by gathering used candles and other bits of wax.  I have a canning jar into which I pour any wax from my wax warmers. For candles, I wait until they are completely burned, and then I have a candle warmer plate that I sit the jar on to melt the wax and pour into this jar.  

 All this wax can then be melted down by placing the jar in a pot and filling the pot part way with water, so that the water comes up the sides of the jar.  Allow wax to melt.  Then use a long plastic knife or spoon to stir the wax and blend scents and colors.  You can purchase wax colors to even out the colors, especially if you have a lot of varied colors.  When I made mine, I just left them as is because at the time I was making a banana bread scent, and they came out a dusty mauve color.  

Once the wax is melted, add extra scent, if needed.  This is in the candle supply aisle of your local craft store.  Blend well.  

Using tongs or a canning jar tongs, lift the jar out and then pour the wax into a regular-size muffin tin or mold.  This is my old, grungy muffin tin that I use for crafts.  Fill about 1/4 to 1/2 inch full. Allow to cool completely.  Once set, place the mold in the freezer for a few minutes, remove the tin, and invert the muffin tin over a plate.  The tarts should pop out. 

Voila! These fit perfectly into the bowl of most wax warmers.  

Store these in a zippered bag or other closed container.  Now you can design your own homemade tarts, with the scents you like best, and reuse your old candles and wax.