How To Make a Homemade Chest Rub with Congestion-Relieving Essential Oils
When it comes to finding relief from chest congestion and stuffy noses, nothing beats the soothing power of a homemade chest rub. With eucalyptus as your star ingredient, you can create an effective, all-natural solution that rivals any store-bought version.
Ever wondered why your grandma’s home remedies seemed to work like magic? The secret might just lie in the power of essential oils, nature’s own medicine cabinet. Turns out, those aromatic compounds aren’t just pleasant smells—they’re packed with properties that can help you breathe easier and feel better naturally.
I grew up having Vicks rubbed on my chest, and this salve feels just as good. The essential oil can help relieve coughing and congestion, and you’ll get the same warming feeling on your skin.
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Best Essential Oils for a Natural Chest Rub
When it comes to fighting congestion, you can craft a personalized remedy by choosing the right combination of oils to create your own natural chest rub.
The Power of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Cool, clearing eucalyptus has a long history of use with the respiratory system [source]. It contains a constituent called 1.8 cineole [source], which produces the same scent you’ll find in over-the-counter Vicks VapoRub.
This amazing component is what gives eucalyptus its strong, distinctive aroma and impressive decongestant properties. When you’re feeling stuffed up, eucalyptus steam inhalation works wonders by breaking down mucus and clearing those airways, making it easier to breathe.
When applied in a chest rub, eucalyptus oil creates a soothing vapor that helps you breathe more freely while providing comfort to your entire respiratory system.
But that’s not all! The oil’s natural anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated respiratory tissues, and the natural expectorant qualities help loosen up chest congestion. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties give you that extra boost when fighting off respiratory issues.
Peppermint Essential Oil
There’s nothing quite like the cooling sensation of peppermint essential oil when you’re feeling under the weather. Its natural menthol content provides immediate relief, while its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties work behind the scenes.
It pairs beautifully with eucalyptus oil for a double dose of congestion relief. The cooling effect isn’t just refreshing – it actually helps ease breathing and congestion while supporting healthy lung function.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Looking for mental clarity while fighting off that cold? Rosemary essential oil has got you covered. This powerful oil packs a punch with its natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Not only does it help with respiratory issues, but it’ll also keep your mind sharp when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s like getting two benefits in one!
Cypress Essential Oil
Don’t overlook cypress essential oil when battling respiratory congestion. It contains camphene that’s excellent for clearing up stuffiness.
A few drops in your chest rub or steam inhalation can work wonders. It’s particularly effective when you’re dealing with persistent congestion that just won’t quit.
Chest Rub Ingredients
Ready to make your own homemade vapor rub? Here’s what you’ll need:
Breathe Easy Respiratory Essential Oil Blend (adult only)
This salve has a 3% dilution because it’s meant to be used on a short-term basis. That’s roughly 36 drops of essential oil for 2 ounces of oil and wax.
Kid-Safe Respiratory Essential Oil Blend (ages 3 and above)
It is diluted at 1% (12 drops for 2 ounces of carrier oil) that’s safe for use with children age 3 and older.
Instructions
1. Melt beeswax and oil
Creating your own DIY chest rub is easier than you might think! Start by setting up a double boiler (or simply place a heat-safe jar in a pan of water). Add your olive oil, and beeswax to the jar. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until everything’s melted and well combined.
Here’s the crucial part: let your mixture cool slightly before adding those precious essential oils. If you add them while the mixture is too hot, you’ll lose all those beneficial properties you’re after.
2. Add the essential oils
Once your base has cooled a bit (but isn’t solid), it’s time to add your oils. Start with eucalyptus essential oil, this is your main player.
This salve has a 3% dilution, but you can add more go up to 5% if you’d like.
3. Store it properly
Your homemade chest rub needs proper storage to maintain its effectiveness. Store it in small, airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat.
When stored properly, your rub should stay effective for about six months. Keep those lids tight, and you’ll preserve all those amazing aromatics!
How To Use Your Chest Rub
For the best results, apply a small amount to your chest, back, and throat using gentle, circular motions. Take some deep breaths to really get those vapors working their magic.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to maximize the decongestant effects.
Using Eucalyptus + Peppermint with Children
There are many different opinions about whether it’s safe to use eucalyptus and peppermint with children. It has been noted that the 1,8-cineole in eucalyptus and the menthol in peppermint can be toxic for children, so they should either be well-diluted or avoided altogether [source].
- There are grave dangers if this oil is ingested, so you don’t want to put any on the skin of a little one that might want to taste it [source], and of course, keep all out of the reach of children.
- Make sure you buy a high-quality oil [source].
- And always follow the guidelines for diluting essential oils for each intended use [source].
Robert Tisserand, author and founder of the Tisserand Institute for research and education on essential oils, often considered the authority on essential oil safety, gives these guidelines for using eucalyptus and peppermint with children.
For children 3 months to 2 years, eucalyptus radiata (not globulus) can be diffused (1–2 drops) and applied topically at a concentration of 0.25% to 0.5% (1.5–3 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil) [source]. Peppermint is not recommended for diffusing or topical application for children under age 3 years.
For children aged 3–6 years, both oils can be diffused (1–2 drops) and used topically at up to 0.5% (peppermint) and up to 1.0% (eucalyptus – both globulus and radiata can be used) dilutions. A dilution of 1% is 6 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil.
For children and teenagers aged 6–15 years: oils can be diffused and used topically at 1.5%–3% dilutions.
For the definitive dos and don’ts of using essential oils with children, we recommend you read this recent article from the Johns Hopkins newsroom with information from interviews with Harpreet Gujral, DNP, FNP-BC, director of Integrative Medicine and Rachel Dawkins, MD, Medical Director of their pediatric and adolescent clinic.
Remember, the best remedies often come from our own kitchen, and this homemade chest rub is no exception. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to breathe easier with your very own eucalyptus-powered creation.
Breathe Easy Respiratory Salve + Kid-Safe Version
Relieve congestion with this DIY Breathe Easy Balm made with essential oils. The second recipe includes a Kid-Safe Respiratory Balm made with essential oils that can be used in these dilutions with children ages 3 and above.
Yield: 2 ounces
Cost: $10
Materials
Breathe Easy Respiratory Essential Oil Blend (adult only)
Kid-Safe Respiratory Essential Oil Blend (ages 3 and above)
Instructions
Instructions are the same for both essential oil blends.
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Put a couple of inches of water in a saucepan or the bottom of a double boiler. Combine the carrier oil and beeswax in a glass bowl (placed over the saucepan) or in the top portion of a double boiler.
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Heat over medium until the beeswax is melted. Stir to combine the oil and wax. Remove from the heat and place to the side.
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Add the essential oils to a clean, sterilized 2-ounce glass jar.
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Very carefully pour in the melted oil and wax mixture. Do not touch the hot oil.
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Place the lid loosely over the mouth of the jar, and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. When the oil has cooled somewhat and is just starting to solidify, tighten and seal the lid. Then shake gently to mix everything together.
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Let the salve sit (with the cap on) until completely cooled and hardened before using.
Notes
This salve can be stored in airtight container for up to 12 months.
