Homemade Chest Rub for Colds, Allergies, and Flu – An All-Natural Remedy

Just recently, my husband started to get bad seasonal allergies that turned into a bit of a sinus infection. Along with that came all of the lovely symptoms: runny nose, post-nasal drip, cough, and sinus pressure. This rub in particular is what got him through the night every day, and he was even able to overcome it all without antibiotics. Learn how to make your own homemade chest rub for colds, allergies, and flu below!

Why Use This Instead of the Name Brand

The simple answer? The ingredients are so much better. Have you ever read the ingredients list on the name-brand vapor rub? It includes synthetic camphor, petrolatum (derived from petroleum), and turpentine oil. These ingredients aren’t something I prefer to rub onto my skin.

Not only this, but when you go to the website of the name-brand product, they make it difficult to find a full ingredient list. You have to go to another link to a different website to get some of the ingredient information. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a company try to hide their ingredients unless they have something to hide, you know?

It makes you think twice before trusting the brands and their labels, especially when it comes to items that affect our health.

This is why I prefer to make my own products, where I know exactly what’s in them and can feel good about the things that we put on and in our bodies!

Supplies Needed

• A 4 oz. jar: I like this jar from Amazon with this lid.
• A pot and a bowl: I used my smallest pot from my stainless steel cookware set, and one of the medium bowls from my Duralex bowl set. These can be any size as long as they fit together (for creating a double broiler).
• A spatula: I love the size of the small one in this set.
• Measuring spoons: I use these measuring spoons because they have flat bottoms and can sit stable on the counter without tipping over!

Ingredients

• Jojoba oil: I currently have the Eden’s Garden jojoba oil, but I have also commonly used this brand, and I have not noticed a difference in quality. Whatever you get, you want to make sure that it is pure and undiluted.
• Shea butter: I use this shea butter, and it’s been fantastic. A jar lasts a long time! You’ll also want to make sure that it is pure and undiluted.
• Respiratory essential oil blend: I like Eden’s Garden Breathe Easier or doTERRA’s Breathe. I have used both. When I compared these side-by-side, I found that I have to use a bit more of the Eden’s Garden blend to achieve the same result as doTERRA’s blend. However, when the right amount of oil is used, I have great results from both!

Directions

1. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, and heat on the stovetop until simmering.
2. While the pot of water is warming up, place shea butter into the bowl for the double boiler.
3. Put the bowl with the shea butter on top of the pot to melt the shea butter.
4. Stir it with a spatula until completely melted, about 2 minutes. Once melted, remove the bowl, and add jojoba oil to the shea butter. Stir thoroughly until combined.
5. Add the respiratory blend and stir thoroughly.
6. Pour into your storage jar, leaving the lid off while it cools.
7. Allow the mixture to cool to the touch, and then place in the refrigerator until solid. This should take about 1 hour. As it cools, you’ll see it go from a liquid to a semi-solid.
8. Place the lid on the jar, and enjoy! This moisturizer can be stored at room temperature for 3-6 months.

How To Use Homemade Chest Rub For Colds, Allergies, Flu, and More

There are several ways to use this chest rub when sick. It’s not just for the chest either!

To Ease Coughs

• Rub a dime-sized amount onto the upper chest area
• Rub a small amount onto the bottoms of the feet, and put socks on to keep it there so it won’t rub off

To Soothe Sinus Discomfort

• Rub a pea-sized amount under and around the nose, avoiding the eye area
• Rub a pea-sized amount on the temples, forehead, and upper cheeks, avoiding the eye area

To Minimize Nausea

• Rub a dime-sized amount onto the stomach and lower back
• Place a dab under the nose to smell it when you can feel nausea coming on

How To Make Your Own Respiratory Essential Oil Blend

If you prefer to make your own essential oil blends instead of buying the pre-made ones, try this recipe for a respiratory blend!

This recipe yields enough oil for one batch of chest rub:

• 13 drops laurel leaf
• 9 drops eucalyptus
• 9 drops peppermint
• 7 drops tea tree
• 4 drops lemon
• 2 drops cardamom
• 2 drops ravintsara

In a pinch, you can substitute all of these for peppermint or eucalyptus (or both) until you can get your hands on some of the other oils.

What age children can use this?

The two base ingredients of the rub, jojoba oil and shea butter, can be used all the way from newborn to adulthood! However, the respiratory essential oil blend that you choose will indicate what age can use this rub.

Please refer to your respiratory blend’s instructions for whether or not young children can use this product. You may need to adjust the dilution rate to use for children.

What is the shelf life?

The shelf life of this product is about 3 months! If you don’t have sickness run through your family very often, you could cut the recipe in half or even in a quarter to use the homemade chest rub for colds on a case-by-case basis.

Half-Batch

• 1 tbsp. jojoba oil
• 2 tbsp. shea butter
• 22 drops respiratory essential oil blend

Quarter-Batch

• 1/2 tbsp. jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp. shea butter
• 11 drops respiratory essential oil blend

Be sure to pin the recipe for later!