It works by triggering pleasure receptors in the brain. Many people—like Mendoza and Baker—say just the scent of regular VapoRub also evokes a feeling of being cared for. That attention, combined with the memories the smell brings, may help people while they are recovering from illness, says Fagundes at Rice University. Mendoza, who uses VapoRub on her kids when they have a cold, says she still has strong memories of the product when she was a kid.
While Bhattacharyya says products like VapoRub are generally quite safe when used according to their label, he recommends against inhaling large amounts of VapoRub or any similar product because it can get deep into the sinus cavity and lungs, potentially causing inflammation and allergic reactions.
So cue the chicken soup, neti pot, and plenty of rest. In addition to the topical treatment, let any respiratory illness run its course, and talk to a doctor if your symptoms are severe. I've covered transportation, product safety, healthcare, technology, personal finance, and many other consumer issues in my decades as a journalist. At CR, I use my experience to shape stories that help consumers make informed decisions and build safer, healthier lives.
I live in Brooklyn with my husband, son, and three-legged cat. Still, some people use the product in ways that are unproven and come with serious risks.
If you are concerned about cough and congestion, talk to your doctor about the best ways to ease symptoms. Never skip other treatments in favor of this product alone. One of the main ingredients in Vicks, menthol, has been shown to stimulate hair growth in animal studies, but the mix of ingredients in Vicks may not have the same benefits. Ingesting a small taste will probably not be harmful to children or adults, but the camphor in Vicks is toxic and can cause vomiting, seizures, respiratory distress, coma, or even death, depending on how much is consumed.
Vicks rubbed on the chests of children with cold symptoms can improve their quality of sleep. Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season.
Sign up and get yours today. Muscle cramping during exercise: causes, solutions, and questions remaining. Sports Med. Camphor--a fumigant during the Black Death and a coveted fragrant wood in ancient Egypt and Babylon--a review. Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. 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. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.
You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. I Accept Show Purposes.
Skin Body. By Mandy Zee Mandy Zee. Mandy Zee is a former contributor for Byrdie. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Medically reviewed by Nicole Swiner, MD. She loves taking care of the family as a whole—from the cradle to the grave. As a wife and mother of two, she uses real-life experiences to clearly communicate keys to better health and wellness for mind, body and spirit.
She is the author of How to Avoid the Superwoman Complex. Reviewed by Nicole Swiner, MD. Pauline Jose , MD, is a specialist in family medicine. She is also a clinical instructor at UCLA. Treat Acne 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. Deter Insects. Reduce The Appearance of Stretch Marks. Treat Scrapes and Burns The petroleum in Vicks VapoRub may help to heal minor cuts and scrapes when applied once or twice daily as the thick formula creates a barrier between your cuts.
Alleviate Headaches Do you notice how quickly your congestion loosens when you use VapoRub on your chest? Moisturize Dry Skin While Vick's is great at soothing cracked heels, it also is soothing for other patches of extremely dry skin. Ease Muscle Soreness. Combine Vicks with a hot compress to help soothe sore muscles.
Relieve Joint Pain According to Jose, the camaphor also works to relieve joint pain.
0コメント