Back to school is the season for sniffles, coughs and congestion. We take all precautions and measures to stay healthy but you never know when another child might sneeze in your child’s face or share a snotty toy. Germs just kind of spread whether you want them to or not! This all natural chest rub for children will help clear your child’s cough and congestion, even just a little stuffiness right on up. I would recommend making this natural chest decongestant this year before heading to the store and grabbing an over the counter jar. By making your own, you know exactly what you are rubbing on your child.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Essential oils may provide comfort for mild congestion but are not a cure for underlying illnesses. If you have persistent chest congestion, a cough lasting more than a week, shortness of breath, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare provider promptly. Always check with your doctor before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have chronic health conditions, or are using medications.
DIY Natural Chest Decongestant Recipe Gentle Enough For Children
Enjoy this natural remedy that may help alleviate chest congestion. The essential oils in this recipe are chosen because they are thought to help with respiratory issues and make breathing easier (particularly the eucalyptus oil). They are mixed with carrier oils (coconut oil and shea butter) to make them suitable for using in a chest massage. This can help loosen chest congestion and relieve nasal congestion.
Chest Decongestant Ingredients & Supplies Needed:
- 1 cup Organic Coconut Oil
- 2 Tbsps Shea Butter
- 4 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 6 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 2 drops Pine Essential Oil
- an 8 oz-10 oz Jar
- 1 C Measuring Cup and 1 TBSP Spoon
Eucalyptus Oil – Contains cineole, which may help ease breathing and loosen mucus.
Lavender Oil – May not directly clear mucus but can encourage relaxation and better sleep when congestion makes rest difficult.
Pine Oil – Contains compounds like α-pinene and limonene, which are thought to help open the airways and make breathing feel easier. It may help loosen mucus, making it less difficult to expel.
How To Make Homemade Chest Decongestant With Essential Oils:
Start by gathering your supplies and head to the kitchen counter.
Take a 1 cup scoop of your coconut oil and place in a bowl or right into your jar. You will be whipping the ingredients together so if you need a bowl to do this, go ahead and grab one. I whip this by hand since it’s a small amount but feel free to use a an electric mixer.
Add in 2 TBSP of Shea butter and start whipping. If it is hard, you may need to melt or soften it for 30 seconds in the microwave. Then, grab a fork and whip until well mixed and soft, smooth texture is achieved. If you are whipping by hand, you will need to whip it about 6-8 minutes. You want the consistency to be fluffy like that of frosting.
Once you have got a good consistency of the coconut oil and shea butter, add the essential oils.
- This recipe is for children over 6 years of age. Start with 6 drops of lavender essential oil. Follow that with 4 drops of eucalyptus, and 2 drops of pine.
- For children over 2 but under 6 years of age- substitute gentler oils. Still use 6 drops of lavender but switch to 4 drops Cedarwood essential oil, and 2 drops of Fir essential oil.
- Essential oils are not recommended for infants under 2 years old.
Gently fold in your essential oils. Once everything is mixed together, transfer to your jar if you were using a separate bowl. It’s now ready to use! A little goes a long way so you will get many uses out of your jar of natural decongestant.
Safety Tips For Using All Natural Chest Decongestant Rub On Children
First let me say real quick that I am not a medically qualified professional and this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Let me also say that essential oils are powerful and should be diluted as in this recipe and not applied directly to the skin of a child.
I only recommend using high quality essential oils. We use Young Living Essential Oils- here is my affiliate distributor link– because they are the highest quality essential oils available. Lots of essential oils aren’t pure and therefore might cause reactions to skin or just simply might not work! So please use a trusted brand with only the highest quality essential oils. Also, if you have never used essential oils before, please do a patch test to ensure you don’t have any sensitivities before your first use.
How to Use Chest Decongestant Salve:
- To use, rub a small amount of the ointment onto your chest and upper back, then cover with an old t-shirt. Do not use on the face or sensitive areas. You can also rub it onto the bottoms of your feet and cover with socks for added relief. Wash hands thoroughly.
- Reapply the chest rub as needed, especially before bedtime or when experiencing severe congestion.
This chest rub is for external use only. Always perform a patch test before wider application. Do not use on the face or near the eyes. This recipe is not recommended for children under 6 years old. If your child has asthma, respiratory conditions, chronic health issues, or if symptoms include fever, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. This rub is a comfort measure and not a substitute for medical care.
Conclusion
Chest congestion can be uncomfortable and draining, making it difficult to breathe and disrupting sleep. While over-the-counter medications and doctor-prescribed treatments are often the first line of care, many people turn to natural remedies for additional support. Essential oils, when used properly, may help ease breathing, loosen mucus, and promote relaxation.
This homemade chest decongestant can provide soothing relief. Besides rubbing on the chest, this rub can be used on neck, shoulders and bottoms of feet. I just love making my own natural remedies and this one works really well for our kiddos! Have you ever tried an all natural chest decongestant rub before?
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Anastasia says
This is such a helpful post! I always appreciate learning about home remedies that can make a big difference when dealing with a sore throat, runny nose, or excess mucus. It’s amazing how simple, natural approaches can support the body’s immune system while helping to thin mucus and keep the nasal passages clearer. I’ll definitely be saving these ideas for the next time congestion sneaks up on us.
Altrincham says
The Family Focus Blog’s guide on creating a natural chest decongestant rub offers a safe and effective remedy for alleviating chest and nasal congestion, particularly beneficial during cold and flu seasons.
KETRIN JOSAN says
This is such a helpful and well-explained guide! I love how you’ve broken down not just the recipe but also the safety tips, especially regarding age-appropriate essential oils. Many parents look for natural alternatives, and this chest rub sounds like a gentle, effective option for easing congestion without relying on store-bought products. The detailed instructions make it really easy to follow. Definitely trying this out for my family this season—thank you for sharing such a thoughtful remedy!
Gamer says
I love how the recipe provides clear instructions and safety tips for making a natural chest decongestant rub. Great resource for those seeking alternative remedies!