There are countless recommendations on the internet and social networks about the use of Vicks Vaporub, but very few of them are true or do not have medical support. There are those who apply it as a home remedy to eliminate foot fungus and in other cases even to scare away rats and mice.
Well, it has also been published as an ointment capable of helping you lose weight, through a simple method where you apply it to the abdomen, mixed with baking soda, alcohol to disinfect and crushed camphor. But how true is it that it helps burn fat?
According to the authors of this “trick”, the menthol and natural cold in Vicks Vaporub would help the skin on your abdomen contract, leaving it much firmer. In addition, as the cream is absorbed, your appetite will decrease and sweating will increase. Unfortunately, none of this has scientific support to show why or how it would cause this effect on your body..
“Vicks Vaporub is not useful for burning fat,” clarifies a doctor
Dr. Sebastián Valenzuela, of Colombian origin and an expert in general medicine, refuted the idea of smearing Vicks Vaporub on your abdomen to lose weight, making it clear that it is a remedy with non-existent results.
“Applying Vicks Vaporub on the abdomen does not serve to burn fat, nor is it useful, so it is not necessary to apply it to the abdomen”he pointed out.
Likewise, Dr. Jay L. Hoecker, who is part of the Mayo Clinic team, indicated the only recommended uses for Vicks Vaporub. He indicated that The product is mainly designed to relieve nasal congestion and cough caused by colds, thanks to its medicinal vapors. And in some cases it can be applied to a muscle or joint that has minor pain.
Putting the remedy to other unproven uses, such as rubbing it on your feet to relieve cough, will only give you fictitious results. In other scenarios it could even be dangerous, since it has been considered part of a “sexual trick” to increase male potency, which will only end up affecting the health of the genitals.
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.