A eucalyptus-based chest rub is great for relieving congestion, and you can easily make your own.

Eucalyptus is acclaimed for its ability to clear the sinuses, relieve congestion and help us to breathe more easily. It is antibacterial and antiseptic, and helps to relax and relieve respiratory upset. It's a common ingredient in many cough and cold syrups, as well as chest rubs. I love chest rubs when I am really congested and having trouble breathing through my nose, especially right before bed. We like to make our own with eucalyptus leaf-infused olive oil, and sometimes include other health-promoting and antiseptic herbs such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, sage and wormwood.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil infused with eucalyptus leaves and/or herbs
2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
1/4 teaspoon non GMO vitamin E oil
30-45 drops eucalyptus essential oil

To make an infused oil:

Fill a mason jar 1/3 full with cut-up fresh eucalyptus leaves, or substitute dried lavender, peppermint, wormwood and rosemary. Fill to 1 inch from top with organic olive oil. Put on the lid and give a good shake. Set in a sunny window and shake one time every day for 2-4 weeks. Strain out the solids, saving the oil.

To make your chest rub:

In a double boiler, combine 1/2 c of your infused oil with 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles. Heat on low until everything is melted together. Turn off the heat, add the vitamin e oil and the essential oil, stir to mix and pour into small jars. To use, rub a little on your chest whenever your sinuses are clogged to ease congestion. (This makes a great all-purpose salve if you limit the essential oil to 2 or 3 drops).