DIY chest rub bars are a healthy homemade cold remedy for coughing and congestion. Made with all-natural and non-toxic ingredients including shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils, these chest rub bars will help you breathe easier and help prevent your cold from coming back!
Cold and flu season has been hitting hard this year, and many people have been stricken with a bad cough and chest congestion. When your family comes down with a cold, cough, or the sniffles, these chest rub bars are a healthy and all-natural homemade cold remedy – reminiscent of the classic VapoRub of yesteryear, but without all of the yucky chemicals (and much better smelling!).
Chest Rub Bars for Coughs & Colds
- 4 oz. Coconut Oil
- 4 oz. Raw Shea Butter
- 4 oz. Beeswax Pellets
- Essential Oils (see notes below)
- Silicone Mold
- Double Boiler
NOTE: Many different brands make essential oils that will work for these bars. If you prefer to use Young Living oils, I would recommend RC, Thieves, and Eucalyptus Radiata. If Edens Garden is your preferred brand of oils, Fighting Five, Breathe Easier, and Eucalyptus will work great and cost less than the other major brands.
In a double boiler over low heat (or, if you’re like me and can’t find your double boiler, a Pyrex measuring cup can also work in a pinch!), melt together the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, stirring frequently. Mix in 10-15 drops of each essential oil.
Carefully pour the liquid into the silicone mold and allow to sit undisturbed until completely cool and firm (approximately 60-90 minutes depending on temperature and humidity).
Once the chest rub bars are cool, it’s easy to pop them out of the mold.
The bars are solid at room temperature, but once you begin to rub the bar onto your skin, the body heat will melt it enough to leave behind a thin layer of moisturizing lotion and essential oils that will help battle your cough and cold symptoms.
One batch of these chest rub bars can last all cold and flu season long, and not only do the essential oils in the bars help fight the symptoms of a cold, they will also help prevent your cold from coming back again!
To help prevent a cold from returning, rub the bar on your chest (and/or the bottoms of your feet) at bedtime every night. Stay healthy!
If you like this idea, don’t forget to pin it!
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Valerie says
I didn’t see amounts for the Shea butter, oil or wax. Can you clarify?
Heidi says
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I omitted that info – thanks so much for letting me know! I’ve amended the post to show that you need 4 oz of each. 🙂
LESLi says
How do you store these and for how long?
Heidi says
I store mine in a plastic zipper bag in a cool cabinet, and they keep nearly indefinitely, though the aroma from the essential oils does start to lessen a bit after about a year or so.
Lala says
Hi, I love this but I’m allergic to shea butter. Do you know if it’ll work the same with cocoa butter?
Heidi says
I haven’t tried it with cocoa butter, but I do believe that it would work. If you try it out, let me know how it works out!
Melissa says
Hi!
I’d like to try this but I don’t have any blends. If I were to use single oils, what would you recommend?
Heidi says
Hi Melissa! I would recommend using a combination of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon. 🙂