The mentholated ointment Vicks VapoRub is produced by the American home and personal care company Procter & Gamble.
The salve has been used for more than 125 years and was first created by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to cure his son’s croup.
People continue to come up with new applications for it, some of which are supported by reliable science and others of which are (as of yet) unresearched.
Uses some scientific backing
Vicks VapoRub has been endorsed by medical professionals, academics, and the product’s creator for the following conditions.
Congestion reduction
Decongestants don’t include Vicks VapoRub. Strong menthol and camphor fumes, on the other hand, chill your nasal passages and cause your brain’s receptors to fire, giving the impression that your breathing is more open.
According to a 2017 research, taking VapoRub may enhance the subjective quality of sleep experienced by adult cold patients who self-reported their sleeping patterns.
coughing relief
As a cough suppressant, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil.
A word of warning, though: Vicks VapoRub isn’t advised if your cough is persistent, such as with asthma or emphysema, or if there is a lot of phlegm involved.
To maximum efficacy for cold symptoms, the manufacturer advises that you do the following actions:
- Vicks VapoRub should only be applied to your chest and neck.
Use it away from your mouth and away from your nostrils. - Sit up straight or stand up and cover your head with a warm, dry towel.
- To allow vapours to ascend to your nasal region, take off any clothing that is covering your chest and neck.
- Repeat up to three more times a day if necessary.
Easing aching muscles
Both menthol and camphor are classified by the NIH as topical analgesics, or painkillers you apply topically.
Products with camphor and menthol may provide a strong cooling sensation that could momentarily block out the discomfort of aching muscles and joints.
According to a 2014 study, similar medications like Biofreeze, which has 4 per cent active menthol, have assisted in easing carpal tunnel syndrome discomfort.
treating fungal toenails
Vicks VapoRub has three active components, all of which have antifungal characteristics. A tiny study conducted in 2015 evaluated Vicks VapoRub’s ability to cure toenail fungus in HIV-positive individuals after earlier research revealed that over-the-counter mentholated ointments may be useful in doing so.
The findings showed that Vicks VapoRub may be an affordable substitute for pricey antifungal drugs, particularly for those without insurance and those who might be socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Not sure whether Vicks VapoRub will work on toenail fungus? Here are a few more treatments to try.
Other applications that users claim to be effective
Although there is little to no data to support the following applications of Vicks VapoRub, some individuals have reported having success with them.
Stretched-mark fading
Stretch marks are lines on the skin that are purple, red, or white that develop during a period of rapid development. Around adolescence and pregnancy is when they most often emerge.
There is no proof, according to researchers, that a topical ointment or lotion may lessen stretch marks. Nevertheless, some individuals claim that Vicks VapoRub works well for fading stretch scars.
Try one of these three remedies if you’re looking for a guaranteed cure:
- microdermabrasion
- needling (injecting collagen beneath the skin) (injecting collagen under the skin)
- laser treatment
Training animals
Some individuals think that Vicks VapoRub’s strong aroma will prevent dogs from defecating on or damaging your home’s furnishings.
Your pet may stay away if you dab a little bit of the product on the place you wish to keep clean, but make sure they can’t lick or chew the ointment off the surface.
Vicks VapoRub should never be applied directly to a pet’s skin.
Animals are poisonous to camphor. In significant quantities, it may result in a skin response, convulsions, and even death.
Removing irritated skin from your heels
Petroleum jelly is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association as a moisturiser because it prevents moisture from escaping, particularly when applied to wet skin.
That may help to explain why some individuals have found Vicks VapoRub to be effective in soothing dry, cracked skin on their heels and feet.
Eliminating mosquitoes
A 2013 study indicated that Vicks VapoRub’s camphor oil may keep off certain mosquito species. Additionally, this oil has been used as a pesticide against certain beetle species. Additionally, reveals that menthol-containing treatments could potentially be beneficial in repelling insects.
But even while natural oils could provide some protection, the most effective repellents for mosquitoes are still DEET and picaridin.
Removing acne scars
Vicks VapoRub has been recommended by beauty bloggers as an effective overnight spot treatment for zits.
According to some research, some of the chemicals in Vicks VapoRub are useful for treating acne scars. However, other substances may make acne worse.
For instance, camphor essential oil has been advocated by dermatologists as a cure for acne. However, a different component of Vicks VapoRub petroleum jelly could result in outbreaks.
On skin that is prone to acne, the American Academy of Dermatology Association advises against using products that contain petroleum jelly.
Some beauty bloggers advise combining a few drops of camphor essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba and dabbing it on a blemish to benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of camphor.
Head pain relief
Menthol-containing gels and ointments may be useful for treating headaches when applied to the base of the skull, according to a tiny body of research.
However, the tested products included far more menthol than Vicks VapoRub did (6 and 10 percent, respectively) (2.6 percent).
No studies have been done yet to support the use of Vicks VapoRub for headache treatment.
Conclusion
For more than 125 years, Vicks VapoRub has been a mainstay in medical cabinets. Despite not being classified as a decongestant, the substance may effectively treat a stuffy nose and cough, according to reliable studies.
Vicks VapoRub is a well-liked option for those who want to get rid of outside pests, mend rough skin, alleviate migraines, and remove stretch marks.
There is proof that the ointment’s camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol make it a suitable option for easing joint and muscular discomfort.
Although it has been tested as an acne treatment, there may be better options available that don’t run the risk of causing irritation as some of its constituents may.
Be cautious while employing this training technique. Some people have used the highly scented ointment to prevent dogs from clawing or urinating on furnishings. Animals may be at risk from Vicks VapoRub’s components.
Vicks VapoRub is often safe for use on adults and older children. Use caution when administering it to children under the age of two since it might seriously harm their health.