Vicks Vaporub Makes Your Brain Think That You’re Less Congested
While this news may come as a shock, you can still keep your Vicks VapoRub salve in your medicine cabinet for various ailments. Aside from tricking your brain into believing that it’s easier to breathe, Vicks also works as a pain reliever by cooling muscles and other spots of inflammation, Healthline suggests. But if you’re looking for a decongestant, it’s best to head to the pharmacy to find a product that can “narrow” the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which can lead to actual relief, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Furthermore, it’s best to avoid using the salve on children since too much camphor can be toxic for them. Everyday Health reports that using the substance actually makes it more difficult for them to breathe when they’re under the age of two. With little scientific evidence to back up claims that the salve works as a decongestant, it’s best to be careful with its application.
Instead of using Vicks, you may opt for a more natural decongestant, as well. Find a clean essential oil supplier and grab some eucalyptus oil to combine with a natural carrier, such as coconut oil. Other holistic remedies include a shower steam, a hot compress on your sinuses, and mint tea. If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of the chemicals present in Vicks, you can always find other ointments that use different ingredients.
What Does Putting Vicks On Your Feet Do
Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. However, there isnt any scientific evidence to support this theory. The manufacturers guidelines say to apply the product to your chest.
Menthol and camphor, two of the active ingredients in VapoRub, may help soothe your muscles by acting as a topic anesthetic, according to the NIH. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles.
Rub It On Your Feet And Put Your Socks On
If you’ve had a long day on your feet, you may be surprised to learn that a tub of Vicks VapoRub may be the answer to your aches and pains. I have found that if I rub a good amount of Vicks VapoRub on and around my feet and then put a big fluffy pair of socks on, keeping the Vicks contained in my socks allows it to continue to work its magic.
A lot of mums we’ve spoken to swear by this method and always use it when their kids are sick with a cold or cough. Do keep those socks on till the morning to avoid slipping when you wake up at night. But remember as per packet instructions, Vicks VapoRub is meant for application to the chest, neck and the back.
So whether you use one, all, or your own unique combination of these methods, one thing is for sure. It’s guaranteed your nose, cough or achy joints and muscles will be given a well-deserved rest.
And if you you’re still not convinced I only have one tip left for you. Ask my mum.
What is your favourite way to apply Vicks VapoRub?
This content was created with thanks to our brand partner Vicks.
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Is Steam Inhalation Therapy Effective
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America , steam inhalation is one of the common treatments for sinusitis. The AAFA also notes that people use this therapy option three to four times per day.
However, a found that steam inhalation is ineffective. The researchers behind the study observed that steam inhalation had no significant effect on symptoms of sinus congestion apart from relieving headaches.
Is Vicks Vaporub Safe
Serious side effects with this product are rare. Themain reported side effects are burning sensations and skin rash and redness.
Although, Health Canada has approved the use of camphor and eucalyptus oil for over-the-counter products, they can cause poisoning and toxic effects such as vomiting and seizures if they are accidentally swallowed by children. So, if you are applying it on young children over the age of two, make sure they are applied carefully and kept out of reach so it is not accidentally ingested.
It is important that you do not apply Vick VapoRub under the nose. This newer recommendation is from a small study that found it may actually increase nasal mucus and congestion, making it harder to breathe and possibly block the airways of young children.
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Control Your Pets With Vicks Vaporub:
Do you hate that your pet keeps scratching and spoiling your furniture and also pees everywhere in the home? Using Vicks can help, and seriously it can. Just apply Vicks on the areas where your cat scratches or pees. You wonât see them repeat that again as the smell prevents them from ruining your home
Can Vicks Help A Runny Nose
Hereof, why should you not put Vicks in your nose?
Why You Should Keep Vicks Out Of Your Nose. As a pulmonary physician, I can explain the real reason there is a warning against putting Vicks VapoRub in the nostrils. It is not the camphor, but the petrolatum. Petroleum jelly or mineral oil can cause a chronic form of pneumonia when aspirated into the lungs.
Where do you put Vicks when you have a stuffy nose?
As Lasha Shaerma has said, inhaling steam with Vicks in the water is a great way to help nasal congestion. When that isnt possible, you can put a small amount of Vicks in your nostrils or directly below them. If your chest in also congested, the steam is a good idea, and rubbing Vicks on your Chest can help, too.
Can you put Vicks Vapor Rub under your nose?
When I had a cold as a child, my mother put a little Vicks VapoRub under my nose to help me breathe more easily. Vicks VapoRub doesnt relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub tricks your brain, so you feel like youre breathing through an unclogged nose.
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Is It Ok To Use Vicks Vaporub With Covid
Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though youre breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment.
If youre experiencing trouble breathing due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, its best to talk with a doctor about treatment options. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus.
Can Vicks Vaporub Be Used If Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Camphor can cross the placenta when taken by mouth and associated with fetal toxicity at very high doses. There have been no reported incidences with camphor, menthol or eucalyptus oil, but there are also no studies. Because Vick VapoRub is applied directly onto the skin there is a very low risk of absorption during pregnancy. So far there are no fetal incidences with any ingredients found, but it is important to discuss this with a health care professional before use .
Although, there are no reports on toxicity in breast-feeding, again,there is also not much information out there. It is not recommended for it to be applied to the chest, in case it is inhaled by the baby. Due to the uncertainty about potential adverse effects, it is again suggested to speak to a health care professional .
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What Are Vicks Steam Inhalers
Vicks steam inhalers are devices that deliver steam into a persons nose and throat. This may ease irritation and congestion.
The company states that its steam inhalers can provide symptomatic relief in up to 15 minutes. Additionally, people can use Vicks VapoPads, which release a menthol scent when the devices are in use.
Before purchasing Vicks steam inhalers, individuals may wish to consider some potential pros and cons of these devices:
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How Does Vicks Vaporub Relieve Congestion
Although Vicks VaporRub claims to help people breathe better, the ingredients dont truly act as a decongestant. A stuffy nose is basically from swollen blood vessels in your nose, making it hard to breathe. 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.
Fast Fact: camphor, eucalyptus and menthol are found to cause a cooling sensation, which makes breathing feel easier
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.
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How Do I Use Vicks Vaporub
For conventional use in children over 12 years old and adults, rub the formula on your chest, throat and back under super loose clothing or PJs. Doing this, the vapour is easily inhaled and can work its magic.
At work? Then melt a couple of teaspoons into hot water, stir, and then sit over and inhale deeply.
Now you’re all clued up, find out what unconventional uses away from soothing your blocked nose and easing your cold Vicks VapoRub can bestow upon your body below.
It contains camphor, eucalyptus and menthol in a turpentine oil base, which is extremely emollient, so will trap in any moisture.
Before bed, apply a generous layer to your heels , then put your socks on over the top. It might even knock your best moisturiser off its pedal stool.
Benefits Of Vicks Vaporub:
Vicks vaporub is a smooth topical analgesic which includes eucalyptus, menthol, camphor and more ingredients in a petroleum base. Traditionally it has been used for relieving cough and cold, easing a stuffy nose and also helping in belly reduction too. There are some more wonderful benefits of Vicks vaporub which include:
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Key Info To Know About Using Vicks Vaporub
Vicks vaporub should not be used for babies under two years old.
Do not apply Vicks vaporub to the nostrils or directly under the nose, particularly in young children.
Do not apply Vicks vaporub to broken or irritated skin or open wounds.
Avoid getting Vicks vaporub in contact with the eyes, mouth, face or genitals. Wash your hands after applying the rub to avoid transferring it to these areas.
Do not use Vicks vaporub with a heat wrap or any other kind of heat, such as a hot water bottle.
When using Vicks vaporub as a steam inhalation, do not heat or re-heat the mixture in a microwave.
People with a history of airway disease or hypersensitive airways, for example people with asthma should seek medical advice before using Vicks Vaporub.
Taking Decongestants With Other Medicines
Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you’re taking other medicines.
For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
It’s also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you’re using an “all-in-1” decongestant remedy.
“All-in-1” decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.
Page last reviewed: 28 February 2019 Next review due: 28 February 2022
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Vicks Vaporub Review: Does Vicks Vaporub Really Work
Bottom Line:
Vicks VapoRub has some evidence in helping reduce symptoms of cough, congestion and with difficulty sleeping. It does not directly act as a decongestant, but provides a cooling sensation that makes you feel that you are breathing better. Avoid applying it right under the nose and do not use it in children under the age of two. Make sure it is applied carefully on children so it is not ingested!
Youve likely encountered Vicks VapoRub by now. Its been a go-to as the chest rub-on since the early 1900s. As popular as it is, we really wanted to dive into whether it really works so read on!
What Can I Drink To Stop Snoring
Drinking ginger and honey tea twice a day is perfect to get rid of the problem of snoring. Having strong aromatic foods like garlic, onion and horseradish prevent drying of the nose and reduce congestion. A study also claims that these food products also decrease swelling in the tonsils and prevent sleep apnea.
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What Is Nasal Congestion
If youâre suffering from a stuffy head and pain in your sinuses while you have a cold or flu, chances are youâre dealing with nasal congestion. When youâre all stuffed up, the simple act of breathing can be difficult. On top of that, you might feel tired and just plain dreary.
But what is nasal congestion, exactly? Nasal congestion is often called ârhinitisâ by healthcare providers. âRhinoâ is a Greek prefix meaning the nose, and ââitisâ refers to inflammation. Therefore, rhinitis is the inflammation of the linings of the nasal cavity.
Inhale Diffused Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. Research has found that cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps people recover from sinus infections more quickly than those who dont use eucalyptus oil. You can inhale eucalyptus oil through a diffuser, or rub some on your temples and chest to open your breathing passages. You can even use food-grade eucalyptus oil and place a drop on the roof of your mouth.
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What Is Vicks Vaporub
Vapor rubs are not new. These popular ointments have been around for hundreds of years and typically contain menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oils.
Vicks VapoRub is the brand name for a vapor rub made by the U.S. company Procter & Gamble. Its marketed to relieve cold and cough symptoms. The manufacturer also claims that Vicks VapoRub helps to ease minor muscle aches and joint pain.
Like the traditional formula of vapor rubs, the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include:
The main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub may explain why it might have or seem to have some effect on cold symptoms.
But Firsthow Does Vicks Vaporub Work
But what is Vicks VapoRub and what actually makes it so damn versatile? Well, each tub of salve contains a powerful blend of ingredients: camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil.
These work together to loosen mucus which means you get to clear out your airways to be cleared more effectively. They also have a cooling effect, which can bring relief to a sore nose.
Plus, it’s safe for children two and up, so you can use it without having to worry about irritating your skin.
If you want to get right to the 15 ways to use Vicks VapoRub, keep scrolling down
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Can Vicks Vapor Rub Help Tinnitus
- Post category:Tinnitus Relief/Tinnitus Treatments
Vicks Vaporub is NOT intended to be a Tinnitus treatment product. If you are looking for treatment options, heres an OTC Tinnitus supplement that will help cure Tinnitus. There are many rumors about Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus being an effective treatment option But, is it true? Can Vicks Vapor Rub help Tinnitus? How do you apply Vicks for Tinnitus? How should you NOT apply Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus? We clear this all up below.
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Treatment #: Nasal Irrigation
Flushing your nose with a neti pot is a process called nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage. Despite how painful it may seem, nasal irrigation is a safe, well-tolerated method to reduce sinus inflammation. A saline solution, typically 0.9% non-iodized sodium chloride and purified or filtered water, is often used to flush out mucus from congested sinuses and to keep the mucous membranes moist.
Evidence suggests that nasal irrigation provides relief to people suffering from hay-fever and the common cold. It could also be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. If you are a longtime sufferer from sinus infections, you may want to read Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections?
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Its Strong Smell May Trick Your Brain Into Thinking Youre Breathing Better
All three of these ingredients have a very strong, minty smell. According to the Mayo Clinic, Vicks VapoRub doesnt relieve a stuffed up nose or sinus congestion. Instead, the menthol smell is so overpowering that it tricks your brain into thinking that youre breathing better.
However, if you apply Vicks VapoRub to your feet, its unlikely the smell will be strong enough to reach your stuffy nose and make your brain believe its breathing better.
Theres limited research on the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub. And none of these studies look at its effectiveness when applied to the feet.
Does Vicks Help With Congestion
Vicks VapoRub is a popular home remedy and over-the-counter topical ointment made with camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil . It has long been used to help treat and relieve symptoms of the flu and the common cold, including cough, congestion, and runny nose. However, Vicks is not an effective nasal decongestant. While the ointment acts as a cough suppressant and can help create the sensation of breathing more freely, it can’t actually help alleviate congestion.
“The scent of menthol in Vicks VapoRub triggers cold receptors in your nose and upper airway, where you sense temperature and smell,” Dr. Satya D. Narisety, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases at Rutgers University, told Parents. “It doesn’t actually open up airways or break up mucous, but the menthol does trick your brain into thinking your airways are opening up, and you’re not so congested.”
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