When coughs strike, they can disrupt your day and make you feel uncomfortable. Whether it’s due to a cold, allergies, or dry air, a soothing chest rub can provide relief and comfort. Creating your own chest rubs using essential oils not only offers a natural alternative to commercial products but also allows you to customize your remedy to suit your needs. In this blog, we’ll explore how to make effective DIY chest rubs using essential oils that can help calm your cough and ease respiratory discomfort.
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What Causes Cough
Coughs can be caused by various factors, including allergies, respiratory infections, environmental irritants, or even stress. The body uses coughing as a reflex to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. Understanding the cause of your cough can help you select the best remedy for relief.
Common Symptoms of Coughs
Coughs can manifest in different forms, from dry to productive (wet). Common symptoms often include a persistent urge to cough, a tickling sensation in the throat, soreness, and sometimes, chest tightness. In more severe cases, you might also experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or mucus production.
DIY Chest Rubs Using Essential Oils
Eucalyptus Chest Rub
Eucalyptus essential oil is renowned for its invigorating and soothing properties. When applied to the chest, it can help open up the airways, making it easier to breathe while calming a persistent cough.
To create an eucalyptus chest rub, combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a small glass jar. Mix well and apply a small amount to your chest and back before bed. This rub can be used as needed to relieve coughing, especially at night.
Peppermint Chest Rub
Peppermint essential oil provides a cooling effect that can soothe a sore throat and clear the airways. It’s an excellent choice for a chest rub to help relieve coughs associated with congestion.
For a peppermint chest rub, mix 2 tablespoons of almond oil with 8 drops of peppermint essential oil and 5 drops of lavender oil in a small bowl. Blend the ingredients together and massage the mixture onto your chest and throat. Using this rub before sleeping can enhance breathing and relaxation.
Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Blend
Lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming properties, while tea tree oil has antiseptic qualities that can be beneficial for cough relief. Together, they create a soothing blend that can alleviate discomfort.
To make this chest rub, combine 2 tablespoons of shea butter with 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil. Melt the shea butter in a double boiler, then mix in the oils. Allow it to cool and solidify before applying a small amount to your chest. This rub can help ease coughing and promote a restful night’s sleep.
Frankincense Chest Rub
Frankincense is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making it a great addition to a DIY chest rub for coughs. It can help support respiratory health and soothe throat irritation.
To create a frankincense chest rub, blend 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil with 8 drops of frankincense essential oil and 5 drops of rosemary oil. Stir well and store in a small jar. Apply this mixture to your chest and back whenever you feel a cough coming on for instant relief.
Oregano and Lemon Chest Rub
Oregano essential oil is known for its strong antimicrobial properties, while lemon oil offers a refreshing scent that can uplift your mood. Together, they make a powerful chest rub for combating coughs.
Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 5 drops of oregano essential oil and 5 drops of lemon essential oil. Once combined, gently massage the mixture onto your chest and neck area. This rub can provide relief from coughs while boosting your immune system.
Ginger and Clove Chest Rub
Ginger essential oil has warming properties that can help alleviate throat irritation, while clove oil has soothing effects on respiratory discomfort. This blend can create a comforting chest rub for cough relief.
To make this rub, combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 5 drops of ginger essential oil and 5 drops of clove essential oil. Mix thoroughly and apply to your chest and throat area. Use it before bed to help calm coughing fits and promote relaxation.
Cardamom and Bergamot Chest Rub
Cardamom essential oil is known for its ability to ease coughs and improve respiratory function. When combined with the uplifting scent of bergamot, it can create a soothing blend that calms both the body and mind.
For this chest rub, blend 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil with 6 drops of cardamom essential oil and 6 drops of bergamot essential oil. Apply this soothing mixture to your chest and back when needed to alleviate coughing and create a serene atmosphere.
Thyme and Orange Chest Rub
Thyme essential oil is an effective remedy for respiratory issues, while orange essential oil adds a pleasant, uplifting aroma. This combination can help reduce coughing and support overall wellness.
To create this chest rub, combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 5 drops of thyme essential oil and 5 drops of orange essential oil. Mix well and massage onto your chest. This blend can provide comfort and ease coughing throughout the day.
Cinnamon and Chamomile Chest Rub
Cinnamon essential oil has warming and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for soothing coughs. Chamomile essential oil is calming and can help with sleep disturbances caused by coughing.
To make this chest rub, mix 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil with 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil and 5 drops of chamomile essential oil. Stir the ingredients together and apply a small amount to your chest before bedtime. This rub can promote relaxation while soothing your cough.
Basil and Rosemary Chest Rub
Basil essential oil is known for its ability to clear respiratory passages, while rosemary oil can help relieve discomfort and promote relaxation. Together, they make a refreshing chest rub.
To create a basil and rosemary chest rub, combine 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil with 6 drops of basil essential oil and 6 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply to your chest and neck as needed for cough relief.
Precautions for Using Natural Remedies
While DIY chest rubs are generally safe, it’s essential to be cautious when using essential oils. Always conduct a patch test before applying a new oil to your skin to check for potential allergic reactions. Additionally, avoid using certain essential oils on children under two years old, and consult with a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any existing medical conditions.
Keep in mind that some essential oils can cause skin irritation or sensitization if used in high concentrations. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil is crucial for safe application. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult with a healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
DIY chest rubs using essential oils can offer effective relief from coughs and respiratory discomfort while promoting overall well-being. By customizing your blend with your favorite oils, you can create soothing remedies that cater to your needs. There are so many natural remedies in this world and finding the ones that meet your specific needs are just a few natural ingredients away. Welcome to your new journey of being a Naturel. Hope to see you a lot more in the near future!
XO Zaya
Have you ever tried making your own chest rub with essential oils? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments!
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About the Author
Leaza is a licensed cosmetologist and a natural enthusiast. The love of writing combined with the love of nature and wanting to help others has influenced her to write blogs and create natural home, bath and body products.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Zaya Naturel nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.