As popular as it is, we really wanted to dive into whether it really works so read on! Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment used to help nasal congestion and coughs caused by throat and airway irritation from the common cold.
The manufacturer also states it can be used to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint aches and pains [1]. Oddly enough, many people have found alternative and very surprising! Vicks VapoRub is also commonly used as a mosquito repellent, and even as a tool to house-train pets. Although all of these more unconventional uses are interesting, this article will focus on its decongestant relief. The product is now owned by Proctor and Gamble. The Vicks VapoRub ingredients are listed here [1] :.
Regular decongestant products make it easier to breathe by contracting the blood vessels and reversing this effect. The feeling of better breathing after using this rub is due to the action of eucalyptus, camphor and menthol which act on cold receptors in the nose, resulting in a cooling sensation. This sensation leads to a perceived ease in breathing [3]. The eucalyptus oil in this product is the only compound that may show decongestant properties as it has been found to stop excess secretion of mucus in the airways [4].
There are only a handful of studies examining vapor rub products and their ingredients. Unfortunately, some studies have conflicting results and do not have the best study design. There was some improvement with cough and congestion and sleep difficulties [5]. Another study found that participants using Vicks VapoRub experienced nasal decongestion just 62 seconds after application, which for our purposes is seemingly a great finding [6].
However, this study has the potential for bias because it was funded by the company that makes Vicks products. Serious side effects with this product are rare. The main reported side effects are burning sensations mostly felt on the skin, nose and eyes and skin rash and redness [5].
Toxicological Research. Missouri Poison Center. Updated May 25, Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. Camphor overdose. Updated January 1, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Recap There have been no scientific studies into VapoRub's effectiveness when used on the feet. Vicks VapoRub for Muscle Aches. Frequently Asked Questions Can Vicks make your hair grow? What happens if you swallow Vicks VapoRub? Learn More: Common Household Poisons.
Can putting Vicks on your feet help you sleep better? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.
Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Vicks can also create a cooling sensation, which may help with hot flushes from a cold. However, Vicks does not actually lower body temperature. Therefore, it is unclear whether applying Vicks to the feet would have much of an effect on the body, other than providing a cooling sensation for the feet. Some people use Vicks to relieve minor muscle pain and aches.
It is possible that applying Vicks to the feet could help with these symptoms in this area. It is important to note that Vicks does not treat the causes of a cold. Although many people believe that this product provides temporary symptom relief, there is little research into how effective it is in reducing any symptoms.
One study in the journal Pediatrics examined the effects of Vicks in children between the ages of 2 and 11 years. The researchers found that in comparison with petroleum jelly or no treatment at all, Vicks helped relieve symptoms at night and, thus, improved sleep quality. Vicks contains three active ingredients that are responsible for its effects:.
Camphor comes from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora trees, and it is an ingredient in many oils and ointments. One of its main properties is to relieve congestion and coughing. It is also antispasmodic, which means that it helps relax muscles and ease muscle aches. Many products include eucalyptus oil due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It can help clear the airways and relieve cold symptoms.
Menthol is one of the main chemical components of peppermint oil. As with eucalyptus, it can work as a decongestant. Together, these ingredients combine to help with decongestion, coughs, and minor muscle aches and pains. Camphor concerns aside, researchers say there is no science to back up the claim that Vicks VapoRub makes it easier to breathe.
In fact, putting Vicks VapoRub directly under the nose, as opposed to rubbing it on the chest, may actually make it harder to breathe, according to results from a study published in the journal Chest.
In children under age 2, this could result in an increase in mucus and congestion. Rubin and his colleagues tested the effects of Vicks VapoRub after treating a young girl who was brought to the emergency room with breathing problems after having Vicks VapoRub placed under her nose. Rubin said he has heard of similar accounts. Rubin notes that the labeling on Vicks VapoRub clearly states that it should not be used on young children and should not be placed under the nose.
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