For lung congestion a salve or a massage oil containing essential oils can be rubbed over the chest, back and throat. The oils will be absorbed through the skin and lungs as the vapor is inhaled. Place a flannel fabric on the chest after rubbing in the oil to increase warmth. Commercial “vapor balms” still use derivatives of essential oils (or their synthetic-oil counterparts), such as thymol from thyme and menthol from mint, in a petroleum ointment base. Natural alternatives are also sold in natural-food stores.

Vapor Balm

* 2 teaspoons peppermint oil
* 3 teaspoons eucalyptus oil
* 1 teaspoon thyme oil (chemotype linalol is best)
* 1 cup olive oil
* ¾ ounce beeswax

Melt beeswax into olive oil over very low heat. Cool a bit, add essential oils and stir. (Be sure to keep your face away from the oils as you stir them in.) Allow to harden.

Store at room temperature.

Excepted from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, (Crossing Press) – Kathi Keville and Mindy Green