As the winter chill sets in, it brings along the usual seasonal troubles — blocked nose, cold, cough, throat irritation, and difficulty in breathing. While medications and over-the-counter balms are commonly used, natural home remedies are safer, especially for children and elderly family members.
One such miracle home remedy is a homemade vapor rub candle made using cloves, old candle wax, and Vicks VapoRub. Yes, this simple DIY remedy can instantly provide relief from congestion and helps your child or loved one breathe comfortably without steam or inhalers.
Why Try This Homemade Vapor Rub Candle?
Unlike chemical-laden commercial products, this DIY remedy is:
- ✅ Safe for kids and elderly
- ✅ Cost-effective and easy to make
- ✅ Chemical-free and soothing
- ✅ Helps reduce nasal blockage
- ✅ Spreads natural vapor in the air without direct application
This method has become increasingly popular among parents and caregivers because of its gentle yet effective results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leftover candle wax | From used festive candles |
| Vicks VapoRub | 1 to 1.5 tablespoons |
| Cloves | 10–12 whole cloves |
| A clean glass jar with lid | 1 jar |
| Cotton wick or thread | 1 piece (for the center wick) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making DIY Vapor Rub Candle
Step 1: Prepare Candle Wax
- Collect leftover candle wax from small used Diwali candles or any paraffin-based candles.
- If the wax is inside a container, use a double boiler method to melt it.
- For freestanding candles, place them directly in a pan on low flame and melt gently.
- Remove any leftover threads or wicks.
⚠️ Important: Do not melt wax on high heat. Always use low flame to avoid burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Jar
- Take a clean, dry glass jar with a lid (the lid helps preserve fragrance when not in use).
- Place a cotton wick or thread in the center. You can clip it using a cloth clip or tie it to a stick placed across the jar to keep it centered.
Step 3: Add Melted Wax and Vicks
- Pour the melted candle wax into the jar carefully.
- While the wax is still hot and in liquid form, immediately add 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of Vicks VapoRub.
- Stir lightly to let it melt and blend into the wax.
💡 Tip: Vicks contains menthol and camphor — both help in clearing sinuses and soothing throat irritation.
Step 4: Add Cloves
- Drop 10–12 whole cloves into the wax. They will settle at the bottom.
- Cloves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the vapor’s effectiveness.
Step 5: Let It Set
- Let the mixture cool and solidify completely.
- Once solid, trim the wick if necessary.
- Close the jar with a lid to preserve the scent and medicinal properties when not in use.
Your DIY vapor rub candle is now ready to use!
How to Use This Homemade Vapor Candle
Whenever your child or a family member is struggling with a blocked nose or cough:
- Light the vapor candle and place it at a safe distance from the sleeping child or patient.
- As the candle burns, the aroma of menthol, camphor, and cloves spreads in the room.
- Within minutes, it helps open nasal passages and provides relief from congestion.
- This method is especially helpful for babies who can’t take steam or kids who rub Vicks into their eyes by mistake.
🚫 No direct application needed
🚫 No steam required
✅ No harsh chemicals involved
Storage Tips
- Always keep the candle in a jar with a lid to maintain fragrance.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Lasts for multiple uses if burned for short durations.
Bonus Tips and Benefits
- Elderly people who find steam inhalation difficult can also benefit.
- Helps people who are sensitive to direct application of Vicks on skin.
- A great natural air purifier during winters.
- Saves money and prevents exposure to synthetic vapor products.
Real-Life Use Cases
- Your baby can finally sleep without waking up due to blocked nose.
- Your child avoids the irritation of accidentally rubbing Vicks into their eyes.
- Adults who dislike applying Vicks on the chest can benefit from aromatic relief instead.
Final Thoughts
Who would have thought a few leftover candles, some cloves, and a spoonful of Vicks could work together to create such a powerful natural vapor remedy?
This homemade Vicks and clove vapor candle is truly a life-saver in winters, especially for parents dealing with sick kids or individuals suffering from congestion.
Next time someone in your family struggles with cold and nasal blockage — light this simple candle, and let nature do the healing.