I feel like there are other elements to a successful chest rub besides the ones listed below, so in order for my 10 to make sense I'm going to use this space to explain my rating. One of the disadvantages of using a chest rub is the grease factor. They are made with petroleum products, which can make your skin stick to your night clothes and your hands all slippery on door knobs. Mentholatum has a texture that is more gooey than greasy, and it sinks in relatively quickly and completely. It also has a minty scent (which it should, since its active ingredient menthol is derived from mint) that is more appealing to me than some other products that try to hide the menthol behind another smell. In addition to those factors, Mentholatum is not expensive. I love this stuff. Congestion Relief Mentholatum is a great help with nasal decongestion. The vapors rise as your body warms the gel, bringing sweet relief to your nasal passages. Chest Congestion Relief Mentholatum is fine at helping to break up chest congestion. The menthol has a gentle cooling sensation as it sinks in. Relief of Aches & Pains Menthol has been used as a local anesthetic. Subsequently, Mentholatum is quite an effective topical for relief of aches and pains, so much so that I have seen it recommended as a topical analgesic and not as a decongestant. Cough Suppression Menthol helps relieve inflammation and is a known counterirritant, making it very useful for treating coughs. Even topical use has some effect.

el71

Tampa, FL

I believe Mentholatum Ointment is a product that most people don't think about or remember.  I have used it ever since I was a kid and I'm 38 now.  I really can't live without this stuff.  Most people who do remember mentholatum know it for use on colds for your chest and chapped skin or cold sore relief.  I don't use it for cold sores.  It doesn't work well for that for me, but I do use it on my chapped lips.  Not only does it relieve the chapped skin, it looks like a nice clear lip gloss.  I know, you probably think the vapors would scare people away.  Well, after about 10 minutes, if even that, the odor is gone.  Also, I love to use it during my head colds because it can sure relieve a red, sore, irritated nose better than anything.  Just put a little on the outside of your nose after you have blown it for a 100 times and presto--it soothes instantly along with giving your sinuses a burst of head clearing vapors to help you breathe.  It is much more gentle than products like Vick's which are a little too strong on sore, delicate skin around the nose.

Tumbleweedita

Boise, ID

I would have to agree with the last reviewer - Mentholatum is a highly undervalued product.  My husband has used it all his life to fight congestion/stuffy noses from colds and allergies, and I was so glad he introduced me to it too.  It works similarily to Vicks VapoRub, but you can apply it under noses and on lips, which you can't with Vicks.  It works really great to open nasal passages, and of course it reduceds the needs for other medications, which I really like for myself and especially for our children.  I don't understand why pediatricians don't recommend it - it's really wonderful.  Just apply a small dab under each nostril, and if you give it a few minutes, it will clear out all but the worst stuffy nose.  You can use it anytime, and easily take the small container with you.  My husband also likes to use it when he works outside gardening, mowing, trimming, etc.  He coats the inside of his nostril openings and it keeps his from breathing the dust and allergens - traps them in the Mentholatum.  He has bad allergies, and this works well for him.

mila

Vero Beach, FL