With the weather changing and more time spent indoors, this season often brings a rise in colds and low energy. A cough here, a sneeze there, and everyone seems a little run down. That’s why we take extra care to eat well, sleep enough, and manage stress to keep our family healthy.
Along with healthy habits, we use essential oils to support our immune systems. Below are simple, practical ways we use oils and a step-by-step recipe for an immune-support foot rub that we make at home.
- Improve sleep: Diffuse calming essential oils at night, use sleep sprays, or add a magnesium-rich body product to promote restful sleep.
- Keep the home clean: Make gentle, effective disinfecting sprays and reusable kitchen and bathroom cleaning wipes with essential oils.
- Reduce stress: Use relaxing diffuser blends, calming roller bottles, inhalers, topical relaxation rubs, or a soothing essential-oil bath to help manage stress.
- Support immunity: Use immune-support blends in diffusers, roller bottles, and this foot rub to add an extra layer of protection during cold season.
- Clear breathing: Make homemade shower steamers, clear-breathing diffuser blends, or an all-natural vapor rub to help keep airways comfortable.
What you need to make the immune-support foot rub
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Ingredients and supplies:
- Beeswax pellets — 2 tablespoons
- Coconut oil — 1/4 cup
- Olive oil — 1/4 cup
- Essential oils: lemon (Citrus limon), frankincense (Boswellia carterii), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Small containers for the finished rub (4 oz tins or 2 oz glass jars work well)
- Heat-safe glass measuring cup or bowl and wooden sticks for stirring
Optional: small decorations for lids such as scrapbook paper and a craft glue/sealer.
How to make the immune-support foot rub
Overview
This recipe yields a balm with a roughly 5% essential oil dilution when combined in 1/2 cup of carrier oils, intended for occasional use by healthy adults. Adjust use as needed and consult a healthcare professional if you have sensitivities, are pregnant, or have medical concerns.
Step 1 — Melt the beeswax
Place 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets in a heat-safe glass bowl or measuring cup. Set the bowl inside a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Melt the beeswax over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10–15 minutes. Ensure the beeswax is fully melted to avoid a grainy texture.
Step 2 — Add the carrier oils
Once the beeswax is melted, add 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir until everything is fully combined and melted.
Step 3 — Cool slightly and add essential oils
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes so it is warm but not hot. Then add the essential oils and stir thoroughly to incorporate:
- 30 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
- 25 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
- 25 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- 15 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
- 10 drops cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
- 10 drops rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Note: The total of 115 drops in 1/2 cup carrier oil results in approximately a 5% dilution. If you prefer a lower dilution, reduce the number of drops proportionally.
Step 4 — Pour and set
Pour the warm mixture into your chosen containers. Allow the balm to cool and solidify completely before sealing with a lid. To speed setting, place containers in the refrigerator for a short time. Use containers rated safe for diluted essential oils such as glass, tin, or certain plastics (PET or HDPE).
Step 5 — Clean up
Wipe excess beeswax from bowls and utensils with paper towels while still warm. Once most residue is removed, wash items with hot soapy water.
Optional: decorate lids
If using tins, decorate lids with a cut piece of scrapbook paper and a craft sealer. Use a light coat of sealer as glue, smooth the paper carefully, then add a top coat to seal. Let dry completely.
Quick recipe summary
1. Melt 2 Tbsp beeswax using a double boiler.
2. Add 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup olive oil; melt and combine.
3. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then add essential oils: 30 drops lemon, 25 drops frankincense, 25 drops tea tree, 15 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops cinnamon, 10 drops rosemary.
4. Pour into containers and allow to solidify. Store in a cool place.
How to use
Apply a pea-sized amount to the soles of each foot and rub in. Covering with socks is optional. We typically apply at bedtime. When people around us are sick, we use it morning and night. We also apply an extra dose before and during stressful events such as travel, holidays, or long workdays.
Supplies
You can find beeswax, carrier oils, containers, and stirring tools at craft stores, health food stores, or online retailers. Choose high-quality essential oils from a reputable supplier and always follow safe usage guidelines.
Disclaimer: Products mentioned on the original site have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medication, seek professional guidance before using essential oils.
Please note: the images above are included with the recipe and demonstrate the steps for making the balm.