Buy This, Not That! | Vapor Rub

Buy This! 

Badger Balm USDA Organic Aromatic Chest Rub – Natural + effective relief from coughs, colds + stuffy noses. Can be used as a soothing chest rub, or as a steam inhalant when added to a humidifier or pot of hot water. Promotes deep breathing + relaxation, + is safe for the whole family to use! Organic Essential Oils of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Ravensara + Tea Tree are traditional herbs used to soothe + ease minor coughs, colds, + stuffy noses. USDA Certified Organic, + petroleum-free. This is not a medicine or a drug: this is a traditional remedy that supports your body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), Essential Oils of *Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus), *Eucalyptus Staigeriana (Eucalyptus), *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), *Mentha Piperita (Peppermint), *Cinnamomum Camphora (Ravintsara), *Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine), *Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree), *Thymus Mastichina (Wild Marjoram), and CO₂ Extracts of *Zingiber Officinale (Ginger), and *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary).* = Certified Organic.

 Not That!

Vicks VapoRub Topical Ointment – Much like Badger Balm, this is used on the chest + throat for temporarily relief of coughs due to minor throat + bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. Also used on muscles + joints, to temporarily relieve minor aches + pains.The problem is that while this may work well, it isn’t good for you!

Vicks is mainly made up of petrolatum – a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum, which can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs – including skin contact over extended periods of time – is associated with cancer. On this basis, the European Union classifies petrolatum a carcinogen ⁺ restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation + allergies.

This product also has a warning: “Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away”, as compared to the Badger Balm, that says it’s “Safe for the whole family.” Bottom line; why use synthetic, harmful ingredients your body can’t recognize, when there are totally comparable, truly natural alternatives readily available?

Active Ingredients: Camphor (synthetic) 4.8% (Cough suppressant + topicalanalgesic), Eucalyptus oil 1.2% (Cough suppressant), Menthol 2.6% (Cough suppressant + topical analgesic). Inactive Ingredients: Cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, turpentine oil.

Have you tried Badger Balm’s Organic Aromatic Chest Rub yet? If not, what do you use?