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Vapor Rub Cures

Vapor rub cures are a popular non-prescription remedy. The treatment involves rubbing cold preparation gels or ointments, usually made of menthol, on parts of the body with the intention of easing a cold. Vapor rub is usually rubbed on the nose, chest and throat . You can also inhale vapor rub steam in some cases by putting the liniment into a container and placing it on the floor. Use a blanket to cover the body and vapor rub and inhale. Vapor rub may be an effective cure for cold symptoms, but may also be dangerous.

  1. Vapor Rub Cures

    • Vapor rub is most commonly used to break up mucus that has accumulated in the chest or nose. When the liniment is applied directly on the mucus, the mucus and phlegm may be able to melt. However, a Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center study reported that this can create serious respiratory problems in some children. The production of excess mucus caused by the vapor rub product--specifically Vicks Vapor Rub in the study--caused breathing problems in some young children. Thus, the remedy should be used on adults only, or on children only under the advice and guidance of a doctor.

    Other Uses of Vapor Rub

    • Some people believe that Vicks vapor rub can be ingested into the system by being absorbed through the soles of the feet in order to ease the cold in the chest region. However, Snopes.com denied the effectiveness of this remedy and reported that the use of vapor rub on the feet to cure colds was either exaggerated and/or unsupported by scientific evidence.

      Cure Nail Fungus.com also reports that Vapor Rub, specifically Vicks Vapor Rub, may be a useful cure for toenail fungus. This cure involves rubbing Vicks directly into the fungus-infested toenail area, then wearing socks to make sure the rub stays in place during the night. However, this is also another apocryphal method of treatment and there is no scientific proof to support these claims.

    Application

    • Vapor rubs are available at most medical stores, online stores, grocery stores and convenience stores, since they are an over-the-counter drug. There are no known severe side effects in adults, but you must take care not to ingest too much of it when using the steam inhalation method or rubbing it on the chest or nose. In some patients, the menthol in this preparation has also caused blisters on tender skin.

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