Homemade GOOT Rub For Cough, Cold, And More!

We're entering into an epidemic of coughing at The Hoffmaster house.  As a mom who seeks to go the natural route first whenever possible, I have been working on several home remedies, which I plan to share with you shortly.  Today, I wanted to show you how to make homemade GOOT (stands for garlic oil ointment).  This easy rub combines the the wonderful healing properties of garlic, coconut and olive oils, and eucalyptus essential oil.  This is an ideal mix, however you can simply use garlic and olive oil if you don't have the additional ingredients.  Why not just use Vicks?  In one word: Turpentine!  Not my idea of a healing balm to slather the kids with.  Plus, this stuff is just so much better, and cost effective as well.  GOOT can be used liberally and as often as desired to quell congestion, infection, coughing, stuffiness, rashes, ear aches, and more.  This mixture quickly penetrates to the bloodstream, soothing inflamed airways, while preventing and/or fighting infection.  The addition of eucalyptus oil significantly enhances its decongestant action, and provides a pleasant, soothing aroma.  Here's the recipe:

3 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (Virgin, unrefined is best)

3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Tbsp. fresh garlic (about 1 average side head of garlic)

15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil* 

*This is a 1% dilution, and considered safe for children and pregnant women.  More could be added for an older child or adult, up to 30 drops. 

Step 1: Over very low heat, melt the coconut oil to a liquid form.  While it is melting, start peeling those garlic cloves!

Step 2: Liquify the garlic and olive oil together in a blender.  A hand mixer may work for this if you have chopped the garlic slightly.  You know your blender better than me.  Do what you gotta do!

Step 3: Add the melted coconut oil and blend again, then pour into a wide mouth container that holds 3 oz.  *Optional step: strain the mixture through some cheesecloth to remove any remaining garlic "pulp".  This may depend on your blender whether it's necessary.  The pulp won't hurt, but I found my GOOT to be a bit grittier than I'd like, so I strained it after the fact.  

Step 4: Add the essential oil if desired, and you're done!

This recipe can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.  You may also leave it at room temperature for several days.  It will thicken to paste after an hour or so, and become solid in the fridge.  Just scoop some out and warm in your hands before use.  A few great places to rub GOOT: on the chest and back, the lymph nodes around the neck, and the soles of the feet.  

I first found my information for this remedy through Walking Therein.  She also mentions a few additional uses here.  This post is part of the Home Remedies Carnival at Keeper Of The Home.