Vicks VapoRub: what it is, what it is for and price

Vicks VapoRub is a remedy that has different uses. Perhaps the most popular use of Vicks Vaporub is to relieve a stuffy nose and cough. They have a Vicks Vaporub on hand and using it for mild symptoms of a cold is very useful.

Applying it to the chest before going to sleep is enough to avoid having a bad night, as it avoids the nasal congestion typical of when you have a cold. However, this popular product has other uses. This article explains exactly what Vicks VapoRub is, what it is for, and how much it costs.

What is Vicks VapoRub and what is it for?

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment with more than 100 years in the market. During this time it has time and again shown its effectiveness in alleviating cold and flu symptoms. It is also a safe product, although it is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age and people with adverse reactions to the components of the formula.

This product is composed of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus and other ingredients that have vasodilatory properties, facilitating breathing. Below is everything there is to know about Vicks Vaporub: what it is, what it is for, and its price.

1. Relieve muscle pain

Vicks VapoRub is efficient in relieving muscle pain after intense exercise. After a few hours of an intense exercise routine, muscle pain may appear, being Vicks Vaporub a product indicated to treat it.

By simply applying a small amount of the ointment to painful areas and gently massaging, you can immediately feel a very comforting warm sensation.

The ingredients of the ointment have an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect on the muscles, it is for this reason to use it when there is intense muscle pain.

If a little heat is also applied with a mat, the result is more relaxing and effective. It gives very good results and produces a feeling of relaxation. It can be repeated throughout the day each time you feel pain again.

2. Disinfect superficial wounds

To disinfect superficial wounds a little Vicks VapoRub is a great idea. Sometimes you can suffer slight cuts when we are cooking or even with the edge of the sheets of a notebook or book.

These small cuts are not deep or require great care, but it will always be important to avoid an infection that complicates what is initially somewhat insignificant. For this reason, care must be taken to keep the wound disinfected.

When a small cut or scrape occurs, the first thing to do is wash thoroughly with soap and water. When it is dry, then we can apply a light layer of Vicks Vaporub to protect it from any possible infection.

It can cause a lot of burning in some people. If this is the case then it must be rinsed with plenty of water. If no adverse reaction occurs, you have to let it act and it even helps speed up the healing time.

3. Relieve cold symptoms

In addition to traditional use, Vicks VapoRub can be applied to the feet for cold relief. The most common use of this ointment is to relieve coughs, decongest the nose, and soothe the symptoms of the common cold such as headaches.

To use it in this way it is recommended to spread a small layer on the chest. In this way, the components that allow the vessels to dilate are breathed in order to breathe better and allow it to act as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Another very effective way to fight a cold is by applying the Vicks VapoRub to your feet. It is enough to apply it and give a light massage and then cover it with some socks. The effect is potentiated and relieves flu and cold symptoms such as coughs.

In addition to this it can be applied normally on the chest as usual. However, once the efficiency and speed of applying it to the feet is verified, it becomes much more common to do it this way.

4. Moisturize dry skin

Vicks VapoRub also works to moisturize dry areas. Although it should not be used on the entire body and does not work as a moisturizer as such, this ointment can help in areas that tend to dry out.

On the lips, elbows, knees, and soles of the feet where the skin can crack or become rough, applying Vicks VapoRub is an excellent option. Either due to extreme weather or lack of humidity, these areas are often dry.

To apply it to the feet, you can add Vicks VapoRub to a bucket of hot water and add a few drops of lemon. You have to submerge your feet and let them soak for around 20 minutes and then dry as normal.

In the case of lips, elbows and knees, it only requires a light coating to be applied several times throughout the day. There is no restriction until improvement in dryness is noticed. It must be remembered that for other parts of the body it is not advisable to use the Vicks VapoRub as a moisturizer.

5. As a repellent

A little known but effective use of the Vicks VapoRub is as a repellent. Due to its pungent aroma, Vicks VapoRub can be used to scare away some insects and even pets.

It's also an efficient way to prevent cats from scratching furniture, as covering it with Vicks VapoRub is helpful. The simple smell that it gives off makes them give up trying, and if they do, they will not like the contact with the ointment.

It also works to prevent dogs from urinating where they shouldn't. To use it in this way, you have to leave the bottle open at the exact point where we do not want it to urinate and the dog will not approach the penetrating smell.

To repel mosquitoes, you can apply a little ointment to your arms and clothing. However, you have to be careful because it can stain clothes.

Presentations and price

Vicks VapoRub ointment is on the market in three different presentations. They vary only in terms of the amount of product each contains, and they retain the same components and effectiveness.

The presentation of 50 grams can be found with an approximate cost of 6 euros in Spain, $ 80 pesos in Mexico, $ 150 in Argentina. The 100 gram presentation costs 10 euros, $ 130 pesos in Mexico, $ 200 in Argentina.

Bibliographic references

• Allan, G.M. and Arroll, B. (2014). Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence ". Canadian Medical Association Journal, 186 (3), 190–199.

• Paul, I.M. (2009). Vicks VapoRub Study. Chest. 136 (2), 650.

• Schwarcz, J. (2003). Dr. Joe and what You Didn't Know. Toronto: ECW Press.