The chest rub
Chest rub or balm made with eucalyptus oil
Already diluted, so it's safe on adult skin.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
What variations of eucalyptus exist?
A tree whose leaf oil has a strong, cooling scent. Breathed in or used in chest rubs, it helps a stuffy nose feel more open. Its main compound is 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The chest rub
Chest rub or balm made with eucalyptus oil
Already diluted, so it's safe on adult skin.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
The breathe-it-in one
Eucalyptus in nasal sprays and steam
You breathe it in for a stuffy nose. Use only products made for the nose.
Good for: Colds & sore throat
Usually skip
- Too strong (Undiluted eucalyptus essential oil)Too strong for your skin on its own, and poisonous if swallowed.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Chest rub or balm made with eucalyptus oil' on the label (the chest rub)
Watch out for
- Undiluted essential oil sold for use on skin
- A chest rub that doesn't say what ages it's for
Check with your provider first if…
- Don't swallow eucalyptus oil. Even a little can be poisonous.
- Children under 2: don't use eucalyptus rubs or oil on or near their face
- You have asthma: strong scents can set off symptoms in some people
- It can irritate your skin. Try a small patch first.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding: use only diluted products, and ask your provider first
In the Lesher Wellness store
2 products in the store have eucalyptus. Here's which form, where the label says.
Medical Disclaimer
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Badger
Aromatic Chest Rub
Beekeeper's Naturals
Nasal Spray Max
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.