Vicks VapoRub ointment is a mentholated topical cream manufactured by Vicks, intended to assist with minor medical conditions that temporarily impair breathing, including the common cold. It is applied to the chest, often immediately before sleeping. VapoRub is currently manufactured and packaged in India and Mexico. In Germany it is sold under the name WICK VapoRub.
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VapoRub can be applied to the chest or throat (for congestion relief) or to sore muscles (to increase circulation). However, because it contains camphor—a substance that can be toxic if swallowed or absorbed into the body—VapoRub should not be applied in or near the nostrils (see manufacturer's warnings).
Research published by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in the January 2009 issue of Chest, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, suggests that Vicks VapoRub compound used to relieve symptoms of cough and congestion, may instead create respiratory distress in infants and small children. The study reports that the product may stimulate mucus production and airway inflammation, which can have severe effects on the breathing of infants and young children because of the small size of their airways. (see [1]).
Lunsford Richardson developed the formula in 1905[1] when he created a salve for his children, after traveling to France. He named the product for his brother-in-law Dr. Joshua Vick.
A Penn State study showed Vicks VapoRub to be effective for helping cough and congestion, and helping children and even adults sleep.[2] Vicks VapoRub is effective for helping cough because it contains menthol which has potent antitussive properties.[3] Recent studies also proved that menthol has antifungal properties, so it can be used as onychomycosis treatment.[4]
Active Ingredients: Label reads: Special Vick medications (camphor, menthol, spirits of turpentine, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, myristica oil, thymol)...compounded by the original Vick process. VICK CHEMICAL COMPANY Div of Richardson-Merrell Inc, New York, NY 10017
Inactive Ingredients