There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or cough. But it might help moisturize your heels and relieve toenail fungus.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest. Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor — one of the main ingredients in VapoRub and other topical medications, such as Campho-Phenique and Bengay — can cause deadly poisoning in toddlers.
Studies have shown that Vicks VapoRub helps relieve cough, congestion, sore muscles, and toenail fungus. It hasn't been proven safe or effective for other purposes, such as to treat headaches or as a bug repellant.
There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or cough. But it might help moisturize your heels and relieve toenail fungus.
Safe Use. While Bhattacharyya says products like VapoRub are generally quite safe when used according to their label, he recommends against inhaling large amounts of VapoRub or any similar product because it can get deep into the sinus cavity and lungs, potentially causing inflammation and allergic reactions.
Vicks VapoRub®when applied before retiring to bed can reduce subjective sleep disturbances during a common cold.
If a stuffy nose is driving you mad then Vicks VapoRub can help to make you feel as though you can breathe more easily. It's best to layer the formula onto your throat or chest to help with a blocked nose.
Topical application of Vicks Vaporub on chest, neck, forehead and back can be done gently rubbing, two to three times a day.
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
Blood circulation is when the small blood vessels in our feet begin to narrow and become thicker, making it harder for the blood to flow. This then causes the nail cells to build up causing the nail to thicken from the nail root. This process is called onychoctes.
Vicks Vapor Rub and Erectile Dysfunction
In limited studies, menthol has been seen to be what is called a “vasodilator”: essentially something that promoted vascular dilation. The most recent study was a 2017 experiment performed on a small group of men, and the results were positive.
Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one's feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one's feet and legs. It is also excellent for softening your toe nails and diminishing common toe nail problems. Warm/Cool Baths and Showers - Excellent de-stressors and can help with reducing pain.
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor and menthol, which work together to create a cooling sensation that can help you relax.
While addiction isn't a concern of Vicks VapoInhaler abuse and VapoRub misuse, allergic reactions, irritation to the nose and airways, and possible intoxication in children can occur. Although Vicks VapoRub doesn't make you high, there's no telling what harm sniffing these chemicals can do in the long run.
The powerful vapors start working in minutes to quickly soothe coughs. VapoRub may also be applied to muscles and joints to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains.
If applying Vicks in the morning, wash it off before going to bed. If applying Vicks in the evening, wash it off in the morning. Clean thoroughly between toes and dry well.
Vicks is your friend:
Not only is it antiviral (most chest coughs are viral infections), but it relieves your cough and loosens up mucus.
Vicks Vaporub is also used for general pain relief with headaches, joint pains and muscle sprains.