Where do I put Vicks to unblock my nose?

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds.

What does putting VapoRub in your nose do?

Vicks VapoRub (VVR) is not a decongestant. In other words, it doesn’t actually relieve nasal or chest congestion. However, it might make you feel less congested. When applied to your skin, VVR releases a strong minty odor due to the menthol that’s included in the ointment.

How long does Vicks VapoRub take to work?

A: Vicks VapoRub — the #1-selling branded children’s cold/flu treatment product* appropriate for adults and children ages two years and over—is a topical cough medicine with medicated vapors. The powerful vapors start working in minutes to quickly soothe coughs.

Is it safe to inhale Vicks in hot water?

For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, Vicks vaporub should be rubbed liberally on the chest, throat and back underneath loose clothing to allow the vapour to be inhaled. Alternatively, two teaspoonfuls can be melted in hot (not boiling) water to use as a steam inhalation.

Can I put VapoRub in my nose?

Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That’s why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils — especially a small child’s nostrils. And if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea.

Can Vicks hurt your lungs?

The salve is widely used to relieve symptoms of colds and congestion, but there are few data supporting an actual clinical benefit, according to Rubin. Vicks has been reported to cause inflammation in the eyes, mental status changes, lung inflammation, liver damage, constriction of airways and allergic reactions.

Where do I put VapoRub?

A: For cough suppression, rub a thick layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and throat. Cover with a warm, dry cloth, if desired. Keep clothing loose about your throat and chest to help the vapors to reach the nose and mouth.

Can you put Vicks VapoRub on your nose?

Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest — doesn’t relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you’re breathing through an unclogged nose.

Why does VapoRub make you breathe through your nose?

But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub tricks your brain, so you feel like you’re breathing through an unclogged nose. By contrast, decongestant tablets and nasal sprays sold over-the-counter may narrow blood vessels in the lining of your nose, leading to reduced swelling in your nasal passages.

Can you use VapoRub as a nasal decongestant?

By contrast, decongestant tablets and nasal sprays sold over-the-counter may narrow blood vessels in the lining of your nose, leading to reduced swelling in your nasal passages. VapoRub has drawbacks other than its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. It’s unsafe for any use in children under 2 years of age.

What happens if you swallow VapoRub?

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 fatal poisoning in toddlers.