Years ago, when I first started swapping out store-bought remedies for homemade ones, one of the first things I tried was a natural chest rub.

I was feeling under the weather, overwhelmed by all the chemicals in conventional products, and desperate for something that felt safe and soothing.

I remember mixing a few oils into coconut oil and beeswax, letting it cool on my counter, and feeling so proud that I had made something real, something that could support healing without synthetic ingredients.

This DIY Natural Vicks Rub is a version I’ve refined over the years. It’s powerful, effective, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand if you’ve started your natural living journey.

I’ve created both a kid-safe version and an adult version so you both can have powerful benefits to help with coughs, colds, and congestion.

Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this rub brings its own natural strength. Together, they make a balm that’s deeply comforting and easy to use during the cold and flu season.

Here are the ingredients and their benefits:

Eucalyptus (Leaves + Essential Oil): Eucalyptus leaves are gently infused into oil to capture their soothing, clearing properties in a milder form.

The essential oil version, especially eucalyptus globulus, is more potent and helps open the airways. For kids, I recommend using the infused oil only, without added essential oil, to stay within safe limits.

Lavender Essential Oil: Calming and anti-inflammatory, lavender soothes restlessness and supports relaxation. It’s one of the safest oils for children and a favorite in our home for sleep and colds.

Peppermint Essential Oil: Cooling and effective at clearing nasal passages, peppermint is best reserved for older children 10 and up, and adults due to its high menthol content.

Tea Tree Essential Oil: With antiviral and antimicrobial properties, tea tree helps the body fight germs naturally. Use sparingly with children and always well diluted.

Carrier Oils (like olive oil or avocado oil): These help extract the benefits of herbs during infusion and are gentle on the skin.

Beeswax: Adds thickness to the rub and helps it stay on the skin longer, forming a protective barrier.

These ingredients work beautifully together to support respiratory health while being gentle and nourishing to the skin.

Pin This Post For Later:

Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Make DIY Natural Vicks Rub

This recipe yields about 3 to 4 ounces. This is the adult version, for a kid-friendly version, see the notes section:

Ingredients:

Eucalyptus leaves
Carrier oil (I used avocado oil)
¼ cup eucalyptus infused oil
2 tablespoons beeswax
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

Make an eucalyptus infused oil first.

In a double boiler, melt the infused oil and beeswax together slowly, stirring occasionally.

Once fully melted, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

Add essential oils and stir well.

Pour into a small glass jar or metal tin.

Let cool completely before use.

To Use: Rub a small amount on the chest, upper back, or bottom of feet at the first sign of congestion or seasonal discomfort. Store in a cool, dry place and use within a year or so.

Notes:

I like to keep a small jar in my nightstand during the winter months for easy nighttime use.
For a milder scent or sensitive skin, you can reduce the number of drops by half and still get a comforting effect.
This recipe contains eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils, which are not recommended for children under 10. If you need a kid-safe version, try out this Sniffle Stopper essential oil blend!

Natural Vick's

Materials

Eucalyptus leaves
Carrier oil (I used avocado oil)
¼ cup eucalyptus infused oil
2 tablespoons beeswax
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

Make an eucalyptus infused oil first.
In a double boiler, melt the infused oil and beeswax together slowly, stirring occasionally.
Once fully melted, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Add essential oils and stir well.
Pour into a small glass jar or metal tin. Let cool completely before use.
To Use: Rub a small amount on the chest, upper back, or bottom of feet at the first sign of congestion or seasonal discomfort. Store in a cool, dry place and use within a year or so.

Notes

I like to keep a small jar in my nightstand during the winter months for easy nighttime use.
For a milder scent or sensitive skin, you can reduce the number of drops by half and still get a comforting effect.
This recipe contains eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils, which are not recommended for children under 10. If you need a kid-safe version, try out this Sniffle Stopper essential oil blend!

Final Thoughts

There’s something powerful about making your own remedies, especially ones that help bring relief when you’re not feeling your best.

This natural Vicks-style rub is a reminder that simple ingredients can go a long way when used intentionally. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, just about taking one small, supportive step at a time.