Vicks VapoRub Review

It seems I have been using Vicks Vaporub all my life and, in fact, I have! My mother used to slather this ointment on my chest and throat when I was sick and I would always feel better after it was applied.

For colds, coughs, and decongesting, rub a layer of the ointment over the chest and throat and cover with a dry cloth. Keep clothing loose so the vapors can surround you.

For sore or achy muscles, rub directly on them.

Although the directions say never to apply the product in the nostrils, I always did until I was old enough to know I wasn't supposed to. Now I dab a tiny but under my nose to open up my head and relieve stuffiness.

The ointment is greasy and will make your hair or clothing greasy if they are exposed to it. It is best to rub it in then cover with a warm, dry cloth.

When I apply it, it feels immediately cool and tingly. I can feel the vapors going to work and my head almost always clears up quickly. When I have chest congestion, that takes a bit longer to break up but still, Vicks does a good job in that area.

I never really noted that Vicks VapoRub helped my coughs but I really don't get colds with heavy coughs and, on the rare occasion that I do, I always take something to help with coughing because I hate it!

Vicks VapoRub has eucalyptus in it which is a scent that I love and that helps to clear my sinuses. However, dipping my fingers into the tall jar is no fun. I wish they would come out with a tin or flatter wide mouthed jar. 

The scent is super strong of menthol, eucalyptus, and, I suppose, camphor (I am not sure what camphor smells like alone). That scent is what opens me up and allows my sinuses to drain and my chest to ease.

I don't use this product as a muscle reliever because I prefer BioFreeze for that but I do apply sparingly to my sore shoulders and arms (I don't know why they get sore when I am sick) and it helps a bit to ease the stiffness.

In all, I simply prefer Vicks Vaporub to any other similar topical analgesic because it works well and is a blast from the past that comforts me and makes me feel better mentally as well as physically.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Camphor (4.8%), Eucalyptus Oil (1.2%), Menthol (2.6%)

Inactive Ingredients: Cedar Leaf Oil, Nutmeg Oil, Special Petrolatum, Thymol, Turpentine Oil

Ironically, my husband's grandmother, who died at age 96, used turpentine and camphor when she was a kid to knock out even the worst colds. I am not so sure I like the idea of turpentine in a product but, in this case, it works!

Conclusion

Vicks VapoRub has worked for me since I was a child and continues to help ease my colds, sore throats, and congestion. It's safe to use with other medications and has no side effects. I love it!