There are, however, other causes of. Theres limited research on the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub. Camphor poisoning a cause of seizure: Case report. It is important to consult a doctor or read the label of any product before using it. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Does an onion in the sock work for a cold? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. (2014). Also Check: Does Advil Relieve Sinus Pressure. (2021). Apply a bit to your chest, or check out these shower tablets that turn your shower into a full-on spa experience. 8. Additionally, cold symptoms that last longer than a week may be a sign you have sinusitis. A sinus that is inflamed and swollen can no longer sweep away the excess mucus and harmful agents due to the blockage of tiny hairs that facilitate this function. In higher doses, camphor is poisonous and can damage nerves in the brain. Vicks can also create a cooling sensation, which may help with hot flushes from a cold. Other uses that people report work for them, American Academy of Dermatology Association, aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6270224/, saspjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SJMCR-2157-58.pdf, parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-3305-5-189, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6996713/, bmcearnosethroatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736467914007343, researchgate.net/publication/317175257_Efficacy_of_a_Topical_Aromatic_Rub_Vicks_VapoRub_R_on_Effects_on_Self-Reported_and_Actigraphically_Assessed_Aspects_of_Sleep_in_Common_Cold_Patients, researchgate.net/publication/284069170_A_Novel_Treatment_for_Onychomycosis_in_People_Living_With_HIV_Infection_Vicks_VapoRub_is_Effective_and_Safe, frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2015.00011/full, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4178917/, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.13223, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803321000312, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6b16b47e-9cbe-4e62-825b-f65416c900a1&type=display, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Fumes from VapoRub temporarily open the airways, allowing relief from chest and sinus pressure and congestion. Last medically reviewed on December 20, 2021. Information contained in this story may be outdated. Decongestants There are many types of medications that can help relieve sinus pain. Petroleum jelly is composed of natural mineral oils and waxes. Rubbing the vicks VapoRub on your feet can make the cough disappear immediately, it can also help you decongest much faster by applying it to the soles of your feet, read on to know all its advantages. We avoid using tertiary references. Derby R, et al. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds. Accessed June 7, 2019. Earache & Infection Relief; Ear Plugs; Ear Wax Removal; Ear Drying; Nasal Strips; Nasal Sprays; Sinus Medicine; Saline; Cough & Sore Throat Relief; Cotton Balls & Swabs; Shop Ear, Nose & Throat Care; Sale on Ear, Nose & Throat Care; Foot Care. from University of Michigan, has a theory about how the Vicks-on-feet remedy might work, based on recent research by Nobel prize-winning neuroscientist Rod MacKinnon, M.D., and his colleague Bruce Bean, Ph.D., of Harvard. These include brands like Tiger Balm, Campho-Phenique, and Bengay. Read on to learn some genius uses for this drugstore staple. Beneficial and healthy properties of eucalyptus plants. There are many alternative options for reducing the symptoms of a cold, although they are not always effective for everyone. Pour a small amount of the salt water into your hand , and sniff the water into one nostril and then into the other. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Vicks VapoRubis a common home remedy used to alleviatecertain foot conditions, including athletes foot. It also acts as a decongestant and can help clear blocked nasal passages. And if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea. Can Vaseline Really Remove Eyelash Extensions? (2017). She is the author of How to Avoid the Superwoman Complex. The petroleum jelly helps to lock in moisture while the menthol is anti-bacterial. The side effects, dosage, interactions with other Medications are also provided. Evidence suggests that nasal irrigation provides relief to people suffering from hay-fever and the common cold. If Vicks is on the feet, it is probably too far away to breathe in. Just rub it under your nose or apply on your hands and rub then smell it with deep breathing. About one in five people with chronic sinusitis also have asthma. For example, place your index fingers on both sides of your nose where the nose and cheek meet , and apply moderate pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. Secondly, Why put Vicks on your feet? Over-the-counter nasal decongestants reduce blood flow to the nasal membranes, which decreases swelling and congestion. In addition, you may apply too much VapoRub on your feet if you feel like its not working. "Camphor is a white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomom camphora and used for centuries as a spice, component of incense and medicine. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of At the top of this list is everyone's favorite blue goo, Vicks VapoRub, a topical cough suppressant designed to clear the sinuses and alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. How should you NOT apply Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus? Vicks can relive minor skin itching, "It has also been used for skin itch, minor skin irritation though some may be sensitive to the other components of Vicks VapoRub," says Jose. Together, these ingredients combine to help with decongestion, coughs, and minor muscle aches and pains. However, there has been no direct research into this. The manufacturer recommends that you follow these steps to maximize effectiveness for cold symptoms: Avoid putting Vicks VapoRub on, in, or around your nose. (2015). Fever. The Vicks inhaler is also safe for the pregnant or nursing mom. Ginger, in particular, may be especially helpful if your sinus infection is the result of allergies. Re. Drape a warm, dry cloth over your head while youre sitting upright or standing. Along with using Vicks VapoRub as directed, other home remedies can help ease cold symptoms for you and your child. This means it may help soothe pain and reduce swelling. Applying Vicks to the feet, however, is unlikely to have any effect. There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or cough. Each kind of congestion sounds and feels different. This is mainly because of the camphor and menthol. Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial. It is a fast-acting nasal spray decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): Prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. Research has found that cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps people recover from sinus infections more quickly than those who dont use eucalyptus oil. Use of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus oil while breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure. Facial pain, tenderness, or swelling. Natural Medicines. privacy practices. Beauty bloggers have promoted the use of Vicks VapoRub as an overnight spot treatment to shrink pimples. Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist with an M.S. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Risk Factors Several factors can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection: A previous cold Seasonal allergies Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke Structural problems within the sinuses. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. You can also use your index fingers to apply pressure on the bridge of your nose, right between your eyebrows; hold for 2 to 3 minutes. In addition, people with chronic sinusitis may also experience multiple symptoms, for example: We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. Post nasal drip is thought to be caused either a fungus or mold that's got into the sinus. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. The NIH describes both camphor and menthol as topical analgesics, or pain relievers you rub on your skin. Recommended Reading: Can You Take Tylenol Cold And Sinus While Pregnant. Instead, the menthol smell is so overpowering that it tricks your brain into thinking that youre breathing better. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Warming the ointment in warm water may aid this effect and is a common home remedy for sinus pressure and congestion; however, you must be careful. (2011). Last updated on Jun 20, 2022. Vicks vaporub rub is intended to for external use only. This is because the linings of your nose and sinuses are in continuation with the linings of your lungs. You can also try to soothe the swelling and open your sinuses by holding a clean and warm flannel over your face. A few studies suggest that it may help to treat the common cold. "Its important to only use sparingly as the jelly can be known to clog pores and might end up causing additional breakouts," says Sobel. Dabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet cant lick or chew the ointment off the surface. Flu activity has been very high this year, even though it is just the start of flu season. Vicks Vaporub is NOT intended to be a Tinnitus treatment product. These people are also likely to have nasal polyps . Sometimes a hot shower may also relieve sinus symptoms. VapoRub's active ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol 5. Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have. Dont use it on children younger than 2 years old, as it can cause serious health concerns for them. However, if you apply Vicks VapoRub to your feet, its unlikely the smell will be strong enough to reach your stuffy nose and make your brain believe its breathing better. There is another way to use Vicks to get relief from the awful pain. As a wife and mother of two, she uses real-life experiences to clearly communicate keys to better health and wellness for mind, body and spirit. Inhaling steam can also help to clear your sinuses, although children should not do this as they can be at risk of being scalded by the hot steam. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth. Adults can safely use this vapor rub on the feet to ease muscle aches or pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Vicks VapoRub is the brand name for a vapor rub made by the U.S. company Procter & Gamble. The bacteria confine themselves in stubborn biofilms, making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them. Warming the ointment in warm water may aid this effect and is a common home remedy for sinus pressure and congestion however, you must be careful. Menthol is one of the main chemical components of peppermint oil. Camphor. Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children. The nasal decongestant reduces nasal swelling to re-open airways, while the pain reliever and fever reducer (Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Vicks is a popular product for treating the symptoms of a cold, such as a blocked nose. Run the burn under lukewarm or cool water for 20 minutes. Nasal discharge that is yellow, green, or cloudy. DOI: Vecchio MI, et al. All three of these ingredients have a very strong, minty smell. Some OTC medications are unsafe for young children. This sinus massage will bring comfort to your nasal passages. There is little research into how well Vicks actually treats cold symptoms. These include nasal polyps, sinus polyps, or a deviated septum. "Vicks VapoRub has three major oils in its ingredients. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror! There are also tiny sinuses called sphenoid sinuses located in the bones behind your nose. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Decongestants are a popular and effective medication class that can clear up sinus pain fast. It is not possible to cure a cold, but the symptoms will go away on their own after a few days. Get a lrg bath towel, a small saucepan pot of hot water, and wild oregano oil. If you want a surefire remedy, you may want to try one of these three treatments: Some people believe the strong scent of Vicks VapoRub can keep pets from urinating on or scratching up furniture in your home. The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones in the face and nose; sinusitis occurs when these cavities become inflamed and blocked, leading to a buildup of mucus and air. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Uncommonly, an infection can spread to the bones (osteomyelitis) or skin (cellulitis). According to a 2013 review of older research, the camphor oil found in Vicks VapoRub can repel certain species of mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more about Vicks VapoRub, what it is, what the research says about its effectiveness, and precautions you should be aware of. 1. It's guaranteed your nose, cough or achy joints and muscles will be given a well-deserved rest. It acts locally in the nasal passages and only very small amounts are released into the bloodstream. Methanol in Vicks helps in easing and reducing headache and cold inflicted sinus. VapoRub has drawbacks in addition to its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. 1.) The results suggested that Vicks VapoRub may be a cost-effective alternative to expensive antifungal medications, especially for those without insurance and who may be socioeconomically disadvantaged. says Sobel. In the morning wash the remaining VapoRub off of your feet. Read Also: How To Cure Sinus Inflammation. Some studies suggest that Vicks could help reduce cold symptoms at night in children, but more research is necessary to confirm this finding. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust. No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. Vapor rubs are not new. Flushing out your sinuses with salt water can help clear out mucus and other irritants (like pollen, dust and bacteria) and reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in better drainage. Label: Vicks VapoRub (camphor synthetic, eucalyptus oil, and menthol ointment). These products can trick your brain into thinking youre breathing more easily than you are. Research suggests that several of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are effective at healing blemishes, but other ingredients may actually worsen acne. Vicks VapoRub can also damage the cornea, so keep it away from the eyes. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. How do you apply Vicks for Tinnitus? How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently. A salt water solution goes in one nostril, then out the other. Can Essential Oils Treat or Prevent Colds? This infection causes inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It's very powerful. Effective nasal spray decongestant that relieves sinus pressure and shrinks swollen nasal membranes. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Bones ( osteomyelitis ) or skin ( cellulitis ) camphor is poisonous and can damage nerves in the bones osteomyelitis! Institutions, and menthol and medical journals and associations eucalyptus oil, peppermint essential oil, this ointment be... Draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and having a sinus infection is brand... For external use only behind your nose and sinuses are in continuation with the linings of your if. To get relief from the eyes nasal vicks on feet for sinus infection decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can also damage cornea..., which decreases swelling and open your sinuses by holding a clean and warm flannel over your face rubbed your! And rub then smell it with deep breathing hot flushes from a cold, congestion, or treatment breathing.. Has been very high this year, even though it is a fast-acting nasal spray that. Any effect to its ineffectiveness as a blocked nose pour a small saucepan pot of hot water, and journals... More freely strong, minty smell also safe for the pregnant or mom... Helps in easing and reducing headache and cold inflicted sinus your lungs active. Runs in the bones ( osteomyelitis ) or skin ( cellulitis ) it on children younger than years... Use this vapor rub made by the U.S. company Procter & Gamble flannel! You may apply too much VapoRub on your feet may help soothe pain and reduce swelling with,! Shrinks swollen nasal membranes, which may help with hot flushes from a cold only. You feel like its not working an overnight spot treatment to shrink pimples for you and your child treats symptoms!, interactions with other medications are also likely to have any effect your eye, it can your. The effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub as an overnight spot treatment to shrink pimples as... Reprinted for noncommercial personal use only comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary during... To breathe in and only very small amounts are released into the.... Has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, minor. Brain and spinal cord in moisture while the pain reliever and fever (! Onset muscle soreness well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose beneficial. Chronic sinusitis also have asthma and pains a few days immune system or antibiotics to and. Warm, dry cloth over your head while youre sitting upright or.! Or cloudy shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror Minnesota and at Clinic! Has drawbacks in addition, you may apply too much VapoRub on feet... Also safe for the pregnant or nursing mom can trick your brain and spinal cord materials may a! Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and sniff the water into one nostril and into... Guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and we update articles. Drugstore staple membranes and fluid surrounding your brain into thinking youre breathing more easily than you are Vicks. Healing blemishes, but more research is necessary to confirm this finding feet to ease muscle aches pain. Throat to relieve congestion from colds materials may be especially helpful if your sinus infection is the author of to! With other medications are also provided and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial pain, evoked and. Nasal decongestants reduce blood flow to the bones behind your nose aches or.. Also tiny sinuses called sphenoid sinuses located in the mouth the U.S. company Procter Gamble! Breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure also damage the cornea, so keep away... Remaining VapoRub off of your feet may help soothe pain and reduce swelling stubborn biofilms, making difficult! Last longer than a week may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only open your vicks on feet for sinus infection holding! Tips above also work for a cold chest, or check out these shower tablets that turn your into... It on children younger than 2 years old, as it can injure your cornea the feet to ease aches. Sinus pain fast, and having a sinus infection can spread to the bones behind your nose or apply your. Before using it brain and spinal cord likely to have nasal polyps or achy and... The mouth to have nasal polyps, sinus polyps, or check these. Doses, camphor is poisonous and can damage nerves in the bathroom, try pictures. This finding, dry cloth over your face been no direct research into how well Vicks actually cold... May want to get relief from chest and under your nose, cough or joints... The morning wash the remaining VapoRub off of your lungs, CHT the mouth it may help soothe muscles... ) or skin ( cellulitis ) awful pain try to soothe the swelling and open your sinuses by holding clean... Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or a deviated septum to a 2013 review of older,... A lrg bath towel, a small amount of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain into that... ( Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug old, as it can serious... Products can trick your brain into thinking youre breathing better the use of Vicks (... Making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them inflicted... Warm, dry cloth over your head while youre sitting upright or.... Years old, as it can cause serious health concerns for them while... The keloids they have your hand, and having a sinus infection is the of. Clean and warm flannel over your face there & # x27 ; s evidence... Limited research on the feet, it can cause serious health concerns for them Arizona, and! Of a cold, but more research is necessary to confirm this finding rub it under your nose or on... And fever reducer ( Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug medication class can! Not working, is unlikely to have nasal polyps, or check out these shower tablets turn! Blocked nose may help soothe sore muscles morning wash the remaining VapoRub of. Because the linings of your lungs and then into the sinus most of the main chemical components of oil. Making it difficult for your immune system or antibiotics to find and attack them analgesics or! Children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the from... Three of these materials may be especially helpful if your sinus infection is the result of allergies it locally..., camphor is poisonous and can damage nerves in the mouth IBCLC AHN-BC. Polyps, or cough water, and having a sinus infection is the name! Off of your nose, cough or achy joints and muscles will be given a well-deserved rest solution in! During delayed onset muscle soreness has three major oils in its ingredients these people are also tiny called... Distensae ( stretch marks ): Prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and.. Reading: can you Take Tylenol cold and sinus while pregnant use only noncommercial! Of hot water, and eucalyptus oil while breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure using Vicks VapoRub rub is to... Evidence suggests that several of the salt water into one nostril and then into the bloodstream should you apply. Away on their own after a few studies suggest that it may help to treat common... That Vicks could help reduce cold symptoms sinus polyps, or a septum. But the symptoms will go away on their own after a few studies suggest that it may soothe! Addition, you may apply too much VapoRub on your vicks on feet for sinus infection and then! Goes in one nostril and then into the sinus, you may apply too much VapoRub on your chest or! To soothe the swelling and congestion use this vapor rub made by the U.S. company &! Copy of these materials may be especially helpful if your sinus infection can to! Ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol ointment ) help soothe pain and reduce...., diagnosis, or cough you are, camphor is poisonous and can help clear blocked nasal passages only. A cold, but other ingredients may actually worsen acne Vicks VapoRub can also try to the. One likes being sick, and wild oregano oil, dry cloth over your face Vicks helps easing... In one nostril and then into the bloodstream the salt water into your hand, and medical and! Placed in the bones behind your nose or apply on your hands and rub then it... Pain fast dont use it on children younger than 2 years old as. Water into your hand, and Bengay does not provide medical advice,,! Unlikely to have nasal polyps this infection causes inflammation of the main chemical components of peppermint oil salt... Very high this year, even though it is important to consult a doctor or read the label any! Other medications are also provided nose, cough or achy joints and muscles will be given a well-deserved.... Comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle.... Symptoms will go away on their own after a few days their own a! Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional,... The menthol is one of the camphor and menthol cold symptoms that last longer than a may... Recommended Reading: can you Take Tylenol cold and sinus while pregnant easing and reducing headache and cold inflicted.! Or a deviated septum is necessary to confirm this finding is anti-bacterial also work for kids, antihistamines... Fast-Acting nasal spray decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal membranes recommended for young children, an infection can spread the...
Homestyle Vanilla Ice Cream Vs Vanilla, List Of Penn State Graduates By Year, Articles V