How to Make a Decongestant Chest Rub

A decongestant chest rub can help if you have a cold. You can make one yourself with a few ingredients instead of buying one at the store. You can use beeswax, essential oils, or olive oil to make a decongestant chest rub. However, be sure to test any rub you use on a small patch of skin before applying it all to your chest. You should also talk to a doctor if you have a cold that does not go away on its own.

Method 1 - Making a Rub with Beeswax and Essential Oils

1

→ Select your essential oil. For your rub, you will need to select essential oils for congestion. You can use one essential oil, or a combination of several, to create a rub that will help with decongestion.

→ Essential oils that help with decongestion include things like peppermint, basil, tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, lavender, cloves, and thyme.

→ There are many popular combinations of essential oils that work for chest rubs. Some people use 20 drops each of rosemary, lemon, and eucalyptus, for example. Try adding two to three different types of essential oils, especially if your skin has responded well to certain types in the past.

2

→ Blend your cocoa butter and beeswax. Add your cocoa butter and beeswax to a mixing bowl. Use a mixing spoon to blend everything together until you have a smooth, even consistency. Your rub should be easy to handle and apply to your chest.

→ Once your beeswax and cocoa butter are blended, add a few drops of your chosen essential oils.

3

→ Test for a reaction first. When working with essential oils, there's always a potential adverse reaction. You want to make sure that your skin does not become itchy, red, or painful in response to the oils. Before applying the full rub to your chest, apply it to a small patch of skin.

→ If you don't notice any adverse reactions in 48 hours, you can use your rub safely.

→ If you notice a bad reaction, you should try a different combination of essential oils.

4

→ Apply your rub to your chest. To use, apply a layer of the rub to your chest. Let it sit on until you feel your breathing passageways opening up.

→ You can apply this rub to other areas of the body, such as your toes, but never apply this rub directly to your nose. This can be dangerous.

Method 2 - Using Essential Oils and Coconut Oil

1

→ Whip the coconut oil with the shea butter. Place the coconut oil and the shea butter in a small mixing bowl. Use an electronic mixer to whip the two together. You should be left with a smooth, even mixture. Scrape any of the mixture off the sides of the bowl and push it to the middle.

2

→ Add the essential oils. Place the essential oils into the mixture. Use your electronic mix to whip everything together again. Whip the mixture for about another minute.

3

→ Use your rub. To use your rub, apply a small amount to your chest. If you're very congested, apply a small amount to your back as well. Reapply the rub every few hours as symptoms persist.

→ Remember to test your rub on a small patch of skin and watch for a reaction for 48 hours before applying a full layer to your chest and back.

4

→ Store your rub properly. Your rub should be stored in a mason jar with a securely attached lid. Keep it in a cool, dark place in your home. This will prevent the rub from going bad.

Method 3 - Creating a Rub with Olive Oil and Essential Oils

1

→ Heat the olive oil and beeswax. Add your olive oil and beeswax to a glass jar, such as a mason jar. Place the jar in a saucepan filled with two inches of water.

→ Heat the pan over medium low heat.

→ Allow the jar to sit in the pan until the oils melt.

2

→ Cool and stir the olive oil and beeswax. Once the oils are melted, turn off the heat on the stove and remove your jar. Allow it to cool so the oils melt a bit more. Then, stir the oils together.

→ Set the jar aside and allow the oils to cool off.

3

→ Add your essential oils. Once the beeswax and olive oil cools, you can add your essential oil. Use a mixing spoon to mix the oils into the beeswax/olive oil mixture. Keep stirring until everything is mixed evenly.

4

→ Store your rub properly. This rub should be stored in a sealable metal or tin container. Allow it to set so it forms a more solid, spreadable texture. After it sets, it will be ready for use.