These last few weeks I’ve developed a tumultuous relationship with my sinuses played out through vigorous nose-blowing and ineffective hacking. After almost definitely reaching my max intake of alkaseltzer and nasal spray I thought it may be more effective to try the proven Bloom method of just whippin' together our own herbal remedy that we can safely slather all over our body without fear of overdose warning. Enter the earth bae version of good ol' vapor rub. My sad sack of sinuses are v pleased with this lil recipe and I hope it may too save you from having to desperatley use yr tshirt as a snot rag every night at the gym.
This herbal vapor rub upgrade requires a few base oils (as thickening agents) and then a handful of relieving essential oils. Our essential oil blend is based on their effectiveness as inhalants, specifically to help heal respiratory problems or infections, open and sooth our inflamed lungs, and fight against bad bacteria which may be prolonging our sickness. These essential oils also have dominant effects on our brain game, by reducing stress, stimulating blood flow, elevating spirits, and eliminating fatigue- basically everything you’re forced to feel when having to blow said nose 100 times a day. And while of course no essential oils should be directly applied to the skin, these oils are added to our super soother beeswax and coconut base, both champions in skin care and cell repair.
HEALING, SNOT FIGHTING HERBS
Rosemary
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Calendula
Beeswax
Beeswax is used primarily as a thickening agent for this, but also provides an array of skin benefits relevant to exhausted areas around and below our face. An anti-allergenic, it is easily tolerated by sensitive skin. When applied, beeswax can work as a protective barrier from bacteria, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness. High in anti-inflammatory properties and Vitamin A, beeswax is the perfect cure for dry, dead, blister-red skin that needs to be soothed and repaired.
Coconut Oil
While coconut oil has a million billion benefits that we never stop referencing, a few standout reasons to include this as in our vapor rub is its high content of Vitamin E and proteins, which encourages the repair and regrowth of damaged skin cells. Being antimicrobial, coconut oil can also help to protect our skin from further infections.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp grated beeswax
7 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp calendula oil
20 drops rosemary essential oil
30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
*Alternatives for your oil blend: pine, peppermint, lemon
Method:
1. In a double boiler, warm the beeswax and coconut oil until it is in complete liquid form.
2. Add in the calendual and essential oils to your bowl, combine well.
3. Immediately pour mixture into container of choice before it can solidfy.
4. Rub all over yr chest, neck, shoulders, back, feet, hands, forehead, etc.