The kids are back in school and the weather is getting cooler -- which brings a bounty of beauty, as well as cold and flu season. We all know what it feels like trying to sleep with a stuffy nose and chest congestion.
If you take a look at your average store bought vapor/chest rubs you will see many unnecessary ingredients on the list. The shorter the list of ingredients in your products the better, especially if you can pronounce them.
What Oils Should I Use?
Well here is where some of the fun gets to take place -- at least I think so!
Choosing your oils really depends on the signs and symptoms one is experiencing. Below are the oils I have found most effective for certain ailments:
Peppermint: helps stop a cough and the menthol provided by the plant is known to relieve sore throats.
Frankincense: contains anti-inflammatory properties. It will also help clear the lungs and nasal passages of phlegm. You can use it in this rub or add it to a diffuser.
Lavender: is a great go-to for respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and congestion. It works well for the chest rub. It’s great for little ones.
Eucalyptus: is full of antiviral, antibacterial, decongestant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus is found in almost all over-the-counter cough and cold medicines that are used as a decongestant.
Thieves Oil Blend: is widely known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Created by thieves robbing the sick during the plagues to avoid illness. This can be used in the chest rub, diffusers, and in throat spray too.
I personally prefer to make the recipe involving the double boiler. It can be fun to play around with different oils because what works for one person may not work as well for another. Depending on the ingredients you use, it may be mandatory to use a double boiler. For example, the vapor released from melting bees wax is incredibly flammable, so a double boiler is a must (you can also use an electric wok). I find that the eucalyptus and frankincense combination works better for me when I am really congested and sore from coughing. For the little ones I like to make a combination of lavender, lemon, and chamomile. This combination is calming and soothing; it will help with a cough and cold, as well as relaxing them to sleep.
All of the oils that can be used to make this chest rub recipe can also be used for steam treatments. A few drops of essential oil in a hot steamy bath will work wonders when you’re sick. I do, however, recommend using the less potent essential oils when using them in a bath because some oils’ potency is too strong. Always do a small spot test on a little patch of skin before fully submerging into a bath containing essential oils.
A natural approach toward healing is very important to our body. The fresher the medicine the better. Medicine should be healing without so many side effects. I hope you have a chance to try these chest rub recipes for yourself!
This first recipe is very quick and simple to make. You can make either a liquid or solid form of the chest rub.
Quick & Easy Chest Rub
For the solid rub:
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
12-15 Drops Essential Oil
For the liquid form:
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12-15 Drops Essential Oils
For both recipes you simply add your oil base into a small glass jar.
Add the essential oils and blend together. You can add a few drops at a time in order to get the combination and potency right for you. Apply the rub when needed.
Double Boiler Recipe
This recipe will yield anywhere from 30-60 uses.
¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ Cup Coconut Oil
¼ Cup Bees Wax Grated
20 Drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
20 Drops Peppermint Oil
Place the olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax into a glass jar.
Put about 2 inches of water in a saucepan over medium to low heat.
Add the glass jar and allow the mixture to melt. As it begins melting, stir it, being sure to mix it all together evenly.
Once the mixture is complete set it aside to cool off before adding the essential oils.
Add your essential oils, pour into a jar, seal, and store.
Although this recipe calls for Eucalyptus and Peppermint essential oil you can substitute other oils.
Fun Fact
Frankincense was once as prized and valued as gold. There are many myths and legends stating that the trees that provide the resin, from which the frankincense comes, was protected by dragons.
