Triple Herbal Chest Rub (3oz tin)

Have you ever looked at the ingredients list on a store-bought chest rub? When you’re congested, bleary-eyed, and feeling like death warmed over, reading ingredients is not high on the priority list, but it’s also not comforting to find out that you just rubbed a thick soup of petroleum products onto your skin in order to give your respiratory passages some relief.

The classic over-the-counter chest rubs are often less than 10% herbal ingredients, and approximately 90% petrolatum in the form of petroleum jelly, which is generally combined with turpentine. When petrolatum is not refined properly or entirely, as is sometimes the case in the U.S., it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens particularly when used over a period of time. 

And there are great petrolatum-free chest rubs on the market with all the herbal benefits and no carcinogenic ingredients. But why purchase something that you can easily make at home in 15 minutes?

Eucalyptus, menthol, and rosemary come together in this homemade mentholated rub to offer the perfect cooling, soothing trifecta.

Eucalyptus is great for soothing a variety of chest and sinus issues, and menthol, similarly provide similar relief with a double packed sinus-clearing punch.

Menthol crystals are a 100% natural product that is steam distilled from corn mint (Mentha arvensis). They are the solid constituent, obtained by freezing the distilled oil to reach a temperature of -7.6° F, at which point the menthol crystallizes into satiny, beautifully formed crystals. And these crystals are so concentrated, it only takes a small amount to be effective. 

And the chemical composition of rosemary explains why it is such a good herbal ally for soothing the respiratory system. Rosemary's main constituents include α -Pinene, Camphor, 8-Cineol, Camphene, Limonene, and Linalool: a blend of expectorant and immune system supporting goodness.

Pro Tips

• Always work in a well-ventilated area when using menthol crystals or wear a mask if you find inhaling the aroma irritating.
• Do not heat or microwave balm before use.
• Menthol eucalyptus rub is for external use only—do not put in eyes, mouth, nostrils, under bandages, or on damaged skin.
• We always recommend applying a small patch test on your skin before using any product you have not used before.
• Consult with your child’s doctor before using a menthol or chest rub on children.
• Store essential oils and menthol crystals safely away from children and animals.

How to use Menthol Eucalyptus Rub

1. Rub a layer of balm on chest and throat.
2. Cover with a warm, dry cloth if you’d like. As well as being comforting, it protects clothing and sheets.
3. Wear something loose, to allow the vapors to reach your nose.
4. Relax and breathe.