Topical preparations aren’t just for skin support! This volatile-oil-rich chest rub can help to clear the congestion of respiratory viruses and allergies. Made with a blend of natural ingredients like beeswax, menthol crystals, and essential oils, this easy-to-make formula offers a simple and effective way to ease discomfort and promote easier breathing.

Table of Contents

• • About the Ingredients
• • Clearing Chest Rub Recipe

About the Ingredients

Both sesame seed oil and sweet almond oil are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, providing moisturizing benefits while being light enough to absorb quickly into the skin. Either oil works well in this recipe and serves as the carrier base, helping to dilute and deliver the essential oils to the skin. 

Menthol crystals have a strong, invigorating, minty scent and provide a cooling sensation when applied to the skin; their aroma helps to open the nasal passages and relax the airways, promoting deeper breathing. Please note, menthol crystals should not be applied directly without dilution, as they may irritate the skin or mucous membranes. 

Beeswax helps to thicken the oil and creates a balm-like consistency. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin, which may help lock in oils and allow the essential oils and menthol to penetrate more deeply.

When selecting essential oils for your Clearing Chest Rub, you have the option of choosing between balsam fir, camphor, or eucalyptus, each offering unique benefits for respiratory support.

Balsam fir

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) essential oil has a fresh, pine-like aroma and supports respiratory function by easing chest congestion, thus promoting deeper, clearer breathing. Its mild decongestant properties help open the airways, while its anti-inflammatory nature works to relax the muscles, which may also support easier breathing.

Camphor

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) essential oil is often used to improve circulation, relax muscles, and help clear the lungs. Its intense woodsy aroma is similar to that of eucalyptus. White camphor is the safest form of camphor; the brown and yellow varieties are considered more toxic due to their higher safrole content. 

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) essential oil is widely recognized for its decongestant properties, which support clear airways and ease respiratory discomfort. Its invigorating aroma helps open the sinuses and supports easier breathing. Additionally, eucalyptus essential oil contains eucalyptol, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a valuable addition to preparations for wellness support.

Clearing Chest Rub Recipe

You Will Need

• •   ½  cup (4 fl oz) sesame or sweet almond oil
• •   1 tbsp beeswax
• •   ½  tsp menthol crystals
• • 20-30 drops balsam fir (Abies balsamea), camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), or eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) essential oil (Note: for children 2-6, do not use eucalyptus essential oil; this recipe is not recommended for children under 2.)

To Make

Place oil in a saucepan over low heat.

Add wax to the warmed oil. Continue to heat the mixture (over low heat), stirring with a clean, dry spoon until the beeswax has melted.

Dip a clean, dry spoon into the formula and place it into a refrigerator so the salve will cool quickly and you can determine if its consistency is what you desire. If the sample is too soft, add a little more wax to the warm salve; if the sample is too hard, add a little more of the oil.

Remove from heat and add menthol crystals and essential oil. Stir until crystals are dissolved.

Pour individual portions into appropriate dry, sanitized containers and allow to cool at room temperature. Once cool, put the lids on and label. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

To Use

Use this chest rub much like you would an over-the-counter vapor rub. Scoop a small amount and gently massage it onto the chest, neck, and/or upper back as needed to help open airways and ease congestion. It’s especially helpful before bed or whenever respiratory support is needed. Be sure to test a small area of skin first and avoid contact with lips, eyes, or broken skin.

A natural and effective way to promote healthy breathing, this homemade Clearing Chest Rub is a beautiful respiratory system support you’ll want to keep on hand all year round. 

This recipe is an excerpt from Herbal Academy’s Botanical Skin Care Course. Learn how to make your own luscious creams, naturally scented soaps, floral bath salts, and other herbal-infused products; discover the best herbs for skin; and get access to more than 200 botanical recipes to get you started!

The Herbal Academy is your trusted global leader in herbalism with over 100,000 students worldwide. Whether you’re interested in studying herbalism for personal development or to prepare for a professional career in clinical herbalism, the Herbal Academy has an online herbal program to meet your educational goals.

Discover more recipes from The Herbal Academy in the Autumn 2024 issue of Willow and Sage.