Homemade Eucalyptus Salve Recipe (Natural Chest Rub)

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Soothe congestion, ease sore muscles, and support natural wellness with this homemade eucalyptus salve recipe.

Made with simple, nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and eucalyptus essential oil, this DIY salve is a natural remedy that can be used for colds, coughs, or as a chest rub. Learn how to make your own all-natural eucalyptus balm at home.

It is a perfect for a non-toxic, budget-friendly alternative to many common store-bought products.

small glass jar of Homemade Eucalyptus Salve on a table.

Disclaimer: Please note, this post is for educational purposes only and I am not a healthcare provider. This recipe is in no way able to treat or cure any disease, but is a recommendation to be used as dietary supplements and part of a healthy lifestyle. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting new herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, giving herbs to children, or taking prescription medications.

If you’re new to herbalism or working with essential oils, I would recommend checking out The Herbal Academy for education.

Homemade Eucalyptus Salve Recipe

During the cold + flu season, this is a family favorite natural alternative to aid in clearing up stuffy noses.

Honestly, it really boggles my mind at some things are marketed as safe, but other folk remedies are often considered taboo. In this post, I’m sharing a simple DIY chest rub recipe that is made from natural ingredients.

holding a small glass jar of the Homemade Eucalyptus Salve in hand.

Ingredients

Olive + Coconut Oil – deeply moisturizing, nourishing for the skin, and act as carriers for essential oils.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil – helps open airways, ease congestion, and support easier breathing.
Beeswax Pastilles – naturally thickens the salve, locks in moisture, and creates a protective barrier on the skin.
Peppermint Oil (optional for adults) – provides a cooling sensation that refreshes and further clears nasal passages.
Lavender Essential Oil (optional for children’s version) – provides a calming effect.

🌿 Ingredients Spotlight: What Makes This Salve Work

Olive + Coconut Oil – These nourishing oils create the base of the salve, gently moisturizing the skin while carrying the benefits of the essential oils deep into the chest and back. Coconut oil also gives a bit of natural firmness to the salve. Make sure to melt the coconut oil when measuring out and making this salve.

Beeswax Pastilles – Acting as the “binder,” beeswax thickens the salve into a spreadable balm while also forming a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and soothe the skin.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil – The star of the blend, eucalyptus opens up airways, eases congestion, and supports clearer breathing during colds and flu. There are a couple of different varieties of eucalyptus oil. In this recipe, I use the Eucalyptus radiata essential oil because it is milder and safer for children. But this still should not be used for children under 10.

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Peppermint Essential Oil (optional) – Known for its cooling sensation, peppermint refreshes and adds extra relief for stuffy sinuses. Not recommended for young children (under 6) due to risk of respiratory irritation. Use with caution around those with asthma.

Safety Notes

General Herbal Safety – Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting new herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, giving herbs to children, or taking prescription medications.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Avoid use on infants under 2 years old. For children 10+, use Eucalyptus radiata at very low dilutions (about 0.5%). Adults may use Eucalyptus globulus. Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin. Some sources state that eucalyptus oil, including Eucalyptus radiata, should not be used on children under the age of 10, especially on the face. Always do your due diligence and research when using essential oils.

Instructions

Set up a double boiler on the stove top. This can be easily done by filling a saucepan with a bit of water (approximately 1 inch) and setting a glass bowl over top. The bowl should be a little larger than the pan to not fall inside.

In the double boiler bowl, melt the beeswax into the oil. Stir until combined and then remove from heat. I like to pour the combination into the glass measuring cup I used for measuring out the oil for ease of pouring into tins.

Stir in the essential oils. You’ll want to work fairly quickly because the mixture will start to harden.

setting up double boiler to make the homemade natural deodorant.

melted beeswax combined with the oils for the Homemade Eucalyptus Salve in a glass measuring cup.

Pour the oil combination into small tins or glass jars. Let the mixture cool and solidify before capping.

To use: Rub on chest, back, or under nose for congestion relief.

Our Favorite

Natural Remedies

How to store eucalyptus salve

Store in small tins or glass jars. I like these screw top tins and these small glass jars for storage. Stored in a clean, airtight jar in a cool, dark place, eucalyptus salve can last 6–12 months. Adding vitamin E oil can help extend shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eucalyptus salve can be used as a natural chest rub to ease coughs, congestion, and cold symptoms. It may also help soothe sore muscles and support overall respiratory wellness.

Eucalyptus essential oil is not recommended for babies or young children under 10 due to its potency. For little ones, use a kid-safe essential oil like lavender or chamomile instead. Always consult a pediatrician before use.

Eucalyptus oil should be used with caution during pregnancy and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Consider gentler alternatives like lavender or frankincense.

Stored in a clean, airtight jar in a cool, dark place, eucalyptus salve can last 6–12 months. Adding vitamin E oil can help extend shelf life.

Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus radiata are the most common. Eucalyptus radiata is often preferred for children over age 10 because it’s gentler, while Eucalyptus globulus is more potent.

Yes! Beeswax helps solidify the salve, but you can use candelilla wax or carnauba wax for a vegan option.

Rub a small amount on the chest, back, or soles of the feet. For muscle relief, massage into sore areas as needed.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know your thoughts on this homemade eucalyptus salve by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Pinterest!

Thank you! ~ Mary

DIY Eucalyptus Salve: Easy Natural Remedy for Coughs & Congestion

Make a soothing homemade eucalyptus salve with simple ingredients. Perfect for colds, coughs, congestion, and natural chest rub relief.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Equipment

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup coconut oil melted
2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
10-15 drops eucalyptus radiata oil see notes
3 drops peppermint essential oil optional + see note for safety

Instructions

Set up a double boiler on the stove top. This can be easily done by filling a saucepan with a bit of water (approximately 1 inch) and setting a glass bowl over top. The bowl should be a little larger than the pan to not fall inside.
In the double boiler bowl, melt the beeswax into the oil. Stir until combined and then remove from heat. I like to pour the combination into the glass measuring cup I used for measuring out the oil for ease of pouring into tins.
Stir in the essential oils. You’ll want to work fairly quickly because the mixture will start to harden.
Pour the oil combination into small tins or glass jars. Let the mixture cool and solidify before capping.
To use: Rub on chest, back, or under nose for congestion relief.