Sunday, February 28, 2016

DIY Vapor Stick

Here's another Do-It-Yourself I just made for my husband. He's been using a vapor stick that I've been buying from doTERRA for awhile now and my husband uses it almost nightly and absolutely swears by it. A couple of days ago he announced that his stick was gone and needed another. I, not being able to read his mind and realize that the stick was running low, didn't have a spare stick sitting in my "Everything Natural" storage area. Yes, I have a large area in one of my storage closets that is filled with everything "doTERRA" and all the other items I keep in stock for soaps, lotions or any of the many things I make for our health and home.

It struck me that I should be able to make something close to what he's been using. Honestly this is why I love doTERRA so much, they sell a lot of pre-made items for those of us who don't have the time or inclination to try and make them ourselves. But seeing as I have the time to play around in the kitchen, I decided to give this one a shot.

I did my usual research on what oils would work best for my needs. Following is a list of my choices.


 -Breathe 

  • Maintains clear airways and breathing
  • Supports overall respiratory health
  • Helps minimize the effects of seasonal threats 

-Peppermint

  • Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing

-Melaleuca

  • Renowned for its cleansing and rejuvenating effects on the skin
  • Promotes healthy immune function
  • Protects against environmental and seasonal threats



Next, I searched on Pinterest for a pre-made recipe for a breathe sticks or at least a recipe that I could adapt to my needs. What I found were recipes for lip balms and salves which are both about the consistency of what I was needing; The only change was that I used olive oil instead of sweet almond oil. I was out of stock of the almond oil and worked with what I had.

After making the recipe I poured the mixture into the empty stick I already had and the remainder into a glass jar. Now as the stick empties out I can just refill it by putting the glass jar into my microwave; watching closely so as to only heat until re-liquefied, and refill my stick. I have found empty stick containers on Amazon if you want to buy some. I'm big into "recycle and re-use" but will eventually run out of what I have and have to being buying items myself.

It's not exactly like the original stick he's been using but in a pinch...It worked. My husband used the home-made stick last night and absolutely loved it. He especially liked how it moisturized as well as kept his nose passage clear. 


Vapor Rub Stick


1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. shredded beeswax
40 drops Breathe
20 drops Peppermint
20 drops Eucalyptus

Since I don’t have a double boiler I put a heatproof glass bowl inside a simmering pot 
of water and place ingredients inside the bowl. (I use my Pyrex measuring cups)
Melt together the olive oil and beeswax. 
Carefully stir the contents until mixture is nice and smooth.
Once everything is melted, remove from the heat.
Wait 5-6 minutes or so and then add in your essential oils. (If you put them in too soon,
the heat may evaporate them).
Stir well and pour immediately into glass jars since the mixture will begin to solidify.
I used an empty tube I had from doTERRA’s Breathe stick.
This should keep for a year or so if stored in a cool, dark place.

How to use:

Use like you would any vapor rub by applying it to chest, lung and neck area. I like to
place a bit under the nose and take in a deep breath. You can also use this for allergy
attacks. It really does work.

I've made a recipe card with instructions and you can download it HERE  or just click on the recipe card below. 

As always thanks for checking out my blog and God Bless.

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