How does vicks on bottom of feet work

One study in the journal Pediatrics examined the effects of Vicks in children between the ages of 2 and 11 years. The researchers found that in comparison with petroleum jelly or no treatment at all, Vicks helped relieve symptoms at night and, thus, improved sleep quality. Vicks contains three active ingredients that are responsible for its effects:.

Camphor comes from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora trees, and it is an ingredient in many oils and ointments. One of its main properties is to relieve congestion and coughing. It is also antispasmodic, which means that it helps relax muscles and ease muscle aches. Many products include eucalyptus oil due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

It can help clear the airways and relieve cold symptoms. Menthol is one of the main chemical components of peppermint oil. As with eucalyptus, it can work as a decongestant. Together, these ingredients combine to help with decongestion, coughs, and minor muscle aches and pains. Vicks recommend not using their rub products on children under 2 years of age. Some of the ingredients in Vicks could be harmful. For example, menthol can cause skin irritation. It is best to keep this product out of reach of any younger children.

If a child swallows Vicks, it can have toxic effects. Read more about using Vicks for babies and children here. Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are many options for treating its symptoms. Similarly to DIY hacks like popping toothpaste on a spot, some people believe Vicks VapoRub helps to dry up pimples overnight. Whilst some of the ingredients in Vaporub might help to nix spots, other ingredients might actually block pores more.

We'd recommend using one of the best spot treatments , rather than Vicks. Another reason to always keep chest rub in your medical kit, Vicks VapoRub can help to heal minor scratch and scrapes. The thick, waxy and not to mention, antiseptic formula helps to create a barrier over your cut - warding off infection. Apply a thick layer to clean skin once or twice daily until the affected area is healed. A word of warning though: don't use Vicks on an open wound or gash, and if you notice any type of sting or burning sensation, take the product off immediately and rinse with water.

This hack works in the same way Vicks helps to ward pets off scratching your sofa, the smell of Vicks can help to potty train your pets. If your cat or dog has decided it likes to 'go' in a certain area of your house, leave some Vicks in those areas to avoid incidents. Vicks helps to moisturise dry and cracked feet - so it makes sense then that it's also excellent at soothing dry skin on other areas of the body. Think dry elbows, knees and ankles. Know that Vick's VapoRub is solely for external use only and that it should go no where near your eyes.

You should never eat it, put it into your nostrils or apply it to cut skin. If your cough doesn't go away after a couple of weeks, head to see your GP.

Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Not even those over the counter cough medications work as well. The ointment's active ingredient is menthol, which Rutgers University pediatrician Satya D. Narisety, M. Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist with an M. MacKinnon and Bean's studies show how overstimulated nerves trigger muscle cramps. They found that drinking a spicy beverage of cinnamon, ginger, and pepper extract stimulated nerves in the mouth, throat, and stomach, which, as Graedon writes, "affected the spinal column and overwhelmed the nerves that were causing muscle cramps.

Given that feet contains lots of nerves, Graedon speculates that sensory nerves in the soles of the feet may respond to stimulation with Vicks VapoRub:. Parikh says. By Bonnie Gibbs Vengrow September 17, Save Pin FB More. Young boy coughing. Credit: Shutterstock. By Bonnie Gibbs Vengrow. Comments 1. Sort by: Newest. Newest Oldest. Read More. Load More Comments.