Vicks Vaporub is a product manufactured primarily to counteract cold symptoms and is usually rubbed on the chest. However, There are those who suggest that you put it on your feet to relieve cough.. And although this remedy has up to 10 unexpected uses that are usually given in the home, this last one looks quite strange.
The effectiveness of this method was clarified by Dr. Benjamin F. Asher, an expert in chronic systemic diseases, natural and integrative healing and member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
In the first instance, he clarified that Vicks Vaporub cannot cure respiratory tract symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough, since there is no scientific evidence of this, but it can help reduce discomfort.
Regarding the “trick” of spreading it on your feet to calm a cough, the expert indicates: “This has no basis”. There are even those who rub the product on their socks, something even more far-fetched.
The key to Vicks Vaporub is its cold vapor and it does not come from your feet
When you rub the remedy on the chest, in a case of cold and cough, the idea is that the cold vapor rises to the nose, you can breathe it in and you get relief. But this is much more difficult if it is placed on the feet.
Dr. Asher also clarified: “If Vicks Vaporub has any potential effect, it is due to the vapors, and from the feet, with socks or not, it is difficult for them to reach the nose”. It would be different if it were muscle pain in the ankles or heel, since the cold of the cream can relieve it.
He also noted that the treatment is also applied to the feet to treat nail fungus. In his professional opinion, he noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not studied or approved these off-label uses.
“Camphor and other ingredients (in Vicks Vaporub) can cause problems when absorbed through vulnerable or broken tissues,” the expert warned.
Ultimately, the product is intended to be spread only on the chest, since Placing it directly in the nostrils could also be dangerous. “Inhalation of Vaseline-based products can cause a rare form of pneumonia”said Dr. Asher.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.