Vicks VapoRub - Soothing Relief for Cough and Congestion

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment containing menthol and eucalyptus oil, commonly used for relieving cough and nasal congestion.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available over the counter in most pharmacies and supermarkets.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Vicks VapoRub FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

What is Vicks VapoRub ointment?

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that's rubbed on the throat and chest to relieve a cough. It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest to ease coughing during a cold. Vicks VapoRub is made of ingredients such as camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol.

What is Vicks VapoRub used for?

Petroleum jelly is composed of natural mineral oils and waxes. It helps seal in moisture, soothe cuts, and accelerate the skin healing process. If you have eczema or acne, one of the top uses for Vicks VapoRub is helping to soothe skin, reduce inflammation, and clear up your complexion.

Does Vicks VapoRub help a cough?

The 2010 study mentioned above also found that Vicks VapoRub reduced coughing in study participants. To treat a cough, the manufacturer says to rub a thick layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and throat. Then, if desired, cover with a warm, dry cloth. Don't use more than directed on the label. Does Putting Vicks VapoRub On Your Feet Help a Cough?

Is Vicks VapoRub toxic?

The ingredients are toxic when ingested. There have been cases when Vicks VapoRub caused the skin under the nose to lighten. when long-term or excessive use of Vicks VapoRub caused a rare form of pneumonia. If your cough or muscle soreness lasts longer than a week, talk with a doctor.

What is Vicks VapoRub?

He blended menthol into petroleum jelly, at first calling it Richardson's Croup and Pneumonia Cure Salve, later changing the name to Vicks VapoRub. It was named after Richardson's brother-in-law, Joshua Vick, a physician who had arranged for Richardson to have access to a laboratory to create the product.

Can Vicks VapoRub be used outside?

Vicks VapoRub is for external use only, stresses Mollie Wheeler, a spokesperson for Procter & Gamble. As a cough suppressant for minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold, rub a thick layer on your chest and throat and cover them with a warm, dry cloth, she says.

Does Vicks VapoRub have menthol?

Some small studies have shown that gels and ointments containing menthol may be effective at relieving headaches when applied to the base of the skull. However, the amount of menthol in the tested products was much higher (6 percent and 10 percent) than the amount of menthol in Vicks VapoRub (2.6 percent).

Vicks VapoRub References

If you want to know more about Vicks VapoRub, consider exploring links below:

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