DIY Homemade Herbal Decongestant Chest Rub (2025)

Looking for a homemade alternative to the classic “Vicks” rub that’s soothing, decongesting, and smells amazing? Well, guess what? You can totally whip up your own chest salve using herb-infused olive oil and beeswax! This decongestant chest rub combines the comforting, uplifting power of oregano, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint to help you breathe a little easier during cold or allergy season—and it’s actually super easy to make at home.

Why Make Your Own Chest Salve?

Store-bought chest rubs can be convenient, but homemade versions give you the freedom to:

• Control the ingredients (no mystery chemicals or petroleum bases!)
• Customize the scent and potency
• Make it as gentle or as strong as you need
• Save a little money in the long run

Besides, you get to brag, “I made this myself!”—and that always feels good, right? Please note that the final scent of this product is nowhere near as strong as the store-bought version (and I am okay with that!).

Ingredients & Supplies

To Make the Infused Oil

• 1 cup olive oil (or any other carrier oil you love—coconut, sweet almond, etc.)
• 1/8 cup dried oregano
• 1/8 cup dried eucalyptus leaves
• 1/8 cup dried rosemary
• 1/8 cup dried peppermint

Note: If you prefer, you can mix and match any respiratory-supporting herbs. Just keep the total at about 1/2 cup of dried herbs to 1 cup oil for your infusion.

To Make the Chest Salve

• 1 cup of your herb-infused olive oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets (or roughly 1 ounce if you have a beeswax bar)

Optional: 10 drops essential oils (like eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary) for extra scent power—just a few drops go a long way! I usually opt for whole herbs over essential oils, but I think this recipe needs the added boost to make it more like the store-bought version.

Supplies

• Glass jar (for infusing and storing)
• Double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a saucepan)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small tins or jar (for your finished product)

Infusing Your Olive Oil

Method 1: The “I Need It Today!” Quick Infusion

If you’re in a pinch and need that decongestant goodness right now:

1. In a double boiler (or heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water), gently heat the olive oil and dried herbs.
2. Keep the heat very low—you want to see tiny bubbles or just gentle warmth, not a rolling boil.
3. Let the herbs mingle with the oil for about 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally and enjoying that heavenly herbal aroma.
4. Strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
5. Pour into a clean, airtight jar.

Pro Tip: Watch the temperature closely to avoid scorching your herbs. “Slow and low” is the name of the game!

Method 2: The “Set It & Forget It” Slow Infusion

If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands and want to preserve maximum herbal properties:

1. Add the dried herbs and olive oil to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Give the jar a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dark place for about 6-8 weeks, giving it a shake every few days or so.
4. After the waiting period, strain out the herbs and transfer your infused oil to a fresh, clean jar.

Bonus: This slow method tends to produce a slightly stronger herbal infusion.

How to Make the Chest Salve

1. Prepare a double boiler by filling a pot with a few inches of water and bringing it to a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top (making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Do as I say here, not as I did!).
2. Add your infused olive oil and beeswax to the bowl.
3. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the beeswax is fully melted and well-combined with the oil (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a minute or so. (This is the perfect time to add a few drops of essential oils if you want a stronger scent—start slow, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!)
5. Pour into tins or jars. I find it easiest to pour from a measuring cup with a spout to avoid spills.
6. Let it set at room temperature until solid. Depending on the temperature of your house, this can take an hour or two.

Storage: Keep your salve in a cool, dry place. It should last at least 6 months, but you’ll probably use it up before then!

How to Use Your Chest Rub

• For congestion relief: Simply scoop a small amount with your fingers and rub it on your chest, neck, or even the bottoms of your feet.
• Breathe in deeply: This helps the aromatic oils do their thing, soothing stuffy noses and helping you feel more open and clear.
• Reapply as needed: Especially at bedtime or whenever you feel your sinuses acting up.

A Quick Reminder: Always do a quick patch test on your skin (like on your inner arm) if you have sensitive skin or are using herbs for the first time. Safety first! Some people are sensitive to peppermint.

Storage Notes

• Cool & Dry: Store your salve in a tightly sealed container, away from heat or direct sunlight.
• Shelf Life: Use within 6–12 months; if it smells or looks off, toss it.
• Clean Dips: Use a clean hand or even a spatula to avoid contamination.

Benefits of These Ingredients

• Olive Oil: A versatile carrier oil that gently moisturizes skin. It also helps the herbs glide smoothly on your chest when you apply the salve.
• Oregano: Studies suggest oregano has natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it a potent little leaf for supporting overall wellness.
• Eucalyptus: Known for its high content of 1,8-cineole (a.k.a. eucalyptol), eucalyptus can help open up your airways and provide that cooling, clearing sensation.
• Rosemary: Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties and it’s strong scent can help open airways.
• Peppermint: Peppermint’s menthol is famously soothing to congested sinuses and can bring an uplifting aroma to your salve.
• Beeswax: Provides a lovely, firm texture and helps lock in the herbal goodness on your skin.

FAQs About This Chest Salve

Absolutely! Thyme, mullein, or lavender can also be added for extra soothing power. Just keep your total herb quantity about the same.

If you want a vegan alternative, you could try candelilla or carnauba wax, but beeswax is classic (and often easier to find locally).

Be cautious with young children and strong essential oils—always double-check with a trusted pediatric resource or healthcare professional. You might want to try it without the added essential oils first. As a whole herb, peppermint is generally safe for kids.

And there you have it—your very own DIY “Vicks-style” chest rub! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a natural, comforting remedy ready to support your sinuses and help you breathe easy.

Decongestant Tea Recipe

This herbal tea recipe is another way to support the upper respiratory system during a cold.

Get the Recipe

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About the Author

Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.

Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.

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