As the ‘snot-season’ has started here in NZ again, I’m using my home made chest rub again. Fantastic, natural, easy to make and so effective! Helps with the coughs and the swollen glands in the neck, and also helps keep the nose unblocked.

So, I’m sharing it with you, so you can make your own and have a restful night sleep and get through the winter a tad easier.

Now remember that you don’t have to put the chest rub on your chest! Applying it to your feet before going to bed will be just as effective!

This method of rubbing it onto the feet is very safe and effective for the smaller children, then put their little socks on, or ensure they wear a onesie, and they won’t be able to touch and then rub the chest rub in their eyes or mouth.

First, the few things you need to know:

  • Of course, if symptoms persist or worsen, go see your doctor.
  • Keep the oils out of reach of children and pets.
  • Avoid rubbing oils into the eyes.
  • Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Do not add Thyme, Peppermint and Pine.
  • Babies and children: Do not add Eucalyptus or Peppermint for children under 2 years
  • High blood pressure or epilepsy: leave out the Eucalyptus, the Tea Tree will cover it.
  • Do a skin patch test: rub a small amount on the fore arm and check if the skin can tolerate the blend you have made.
  • Buy a good quality natural essential oil. If you want to go natural by making your own chest rub, then avoid synthetic oils. Simple ?

Now, for the oils to include in the chest rub:

  • Eucalyptus (see cautions above): antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, expectorant, etc
  • Pine (see cautions above): antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, expectorant, etc
  • Thyme (see cautions above): antiseptic, bactericidal, expectorant, etc.
  • Lavender: antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant, etc.
  • Tea tree: antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericidal, expectorant, immunostimulant, etc.
  • Peppermint (see cautions above): antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant, etc.

To make the chest rub:

  1. Melt 50 mls of virgin coconut oil
  2. Pour this into a well closing glass jar
  3. Add 10 drops of the essential oils of your choice.
  4. Stir the oils in carefully.
  5. Screw on the lid and leave for 12 hours.

And that’s it!

This article was written by Annemarie Wissema – Tutor, Level 7 

References:

Battaglia, S.: The Complete Guide to aromatherapy (2003) 2nd ed. The international centre of holistic aromatherapy, Australia.