Vicks VapoRub on children on the first onset of coughing or sniffing; parents through generations have become accustomed to rubbing Vicks on kids' feet, nose, and chest.
Parents, no matter what generation, have been used to this ointment as a go-to due to it's soothing effect. The ingredients in Vicks are menthol vapors, camphor, and eucalyptus.
A lot of guardians and parents are accustomed to rubbing the Vicks vapoRub on the feet of their children with the belief that this stops cold. However, nowadays, a lot of people are asking, is Vicks VapoRub on feet the remedy to the common cold?
The Traditional Use: Vicks VapoRub for the Common Cold
Before delving into the less-known benefits, let's revisit why Vicks VapoRub is a staple in managing cold symptoms.
When a child catches a cold, the congestion and cough can be distressing. Vicks VapoRub, with its active ingredients, helps ease these symptoms. The menthol and eucalyptus oils in the ointment help open up nasal passages, while camphor reduces coughing.
This rub is usually applied to the chest and throat; it provides relief that is both felt and inhaled, making it a comforting remedy for the common cold. With that, it is safe to say that it can ease the discomfort of the common cold, but it is not a medicine that treats the cold.
Do Vicks VapoRub on Your Feet Stops Cold?
Vicks VapoRub on feet is traditionally believed to stop the common cold and is known to help soothe it. This belief, which has lasted generations and is practiced in numerous countries, has roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and reflexology.
It's commonly thought that activating specific areas on the foot can improve general health. This idea stems from the practice of using Vicks VapoRub on the feet. The theory is that this application stimulates nerves that connect to a specific brain region responsible for controlling coughs.
Yet, as of now, there's no concrete scientific proof to support the idea that stimulating the feet influences the cough reflex, either directly or indirectly.
Nevertheless, despite this absence of scientific validation, numerous individuals maintain that rubbing Vicks on their feet and then wearing socks reduces the intensity and duration of symptoms associated with colds.
Benefits of Vicks VapoRub
The practice of applying Vicks VapoRub to children's feet is a trend that has gained traction, with many parents swearing by its effectiveness. But what benefits does this practice offer beyond common cold relief?
Relieves Topical Pain
The ingredients camphor and menthol in Vicks VapoRub, known for their skin-numbing properties, might provide relief for peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
This condition, characterized by sensations like tingling, burning, or a feeling of 'pins and needles' in the hands and feet, can arise from various sources, such as certain drugs, diabetes, or damage to the nerve's protective coating.
Research indicates that camphor and menthol may have pain-relieving effects similar to those of capsaicin. Their effectiveness is attributed to the inhibition of the TRPA1 cellular receptor, which typically transforms sensations like temperature and pressure into neuropathic pain.
Healing Cracked and Dry Heels
Vicks can also be used to heal dry, patchy areas; this is also a great remedy for cracked heels since it has petroleum as its jelly base.
Petroleum jelly heals a dry area by acting as one of the most effective moisturizers there are on the market. It works by healing a dry area by forming a barrier and trapping the water in your skin from leaving.
Treating Toenail Fungus
Vicks VapoRub can be used on the feet as an effective treatment for toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis. The oitment contains ingredients such as eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor, which have antifungal properties.
There was also a study that revealed that it improved the symptoms of onychomycosis. Around 83% of participants reported relief from symptoms, and over one-quarter of them experienced complete recovery after applying Vicks VapoRub consistently for a period of 48 weeks.
You can use Vicks VapoRub in however way you want, given that it will be applied externally. There is no scientific study indicating that this is a medication that stops coughing and the common cold; however, it does provide soothing relief to people who continually use it.
Vicks VapoRub on feet may not be the most effective way to treat common respiratory infection, but there are also a lot of uses for this rub. Remember, if symptoms continue to persist in your little one, it is best to consult a medical professional to help with their immediate healing.
