How Does Vicks Vapor Rub Work?

How To Use Vicks Vapor Rub

To use Vicks Vapor Rub on yourself, take off your top so your chest is exposed. Dip your hand into the Vapor Rub, and massage the rub onto your chest in circular motions. Breathe deeply, and you will feel your chest start to open and become less congested. Why does this happen? The vapors that come from the rub, such as the minty-smelling menthol and eucalyptus oil, both break down the mucus molecules that plug up your nasal and chest cavities. Moreover, eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties that kill the cold virus. Camphor, in addition, calms respiratory inflammation.

Warnings and Other Uses

Do not use Vicks Vapor Rub in any other way than directed. Be especially careful not to have it make contact with your eyes, your mouth, or the inside of your nose, because it will burn and can even damage the tissue. You can, however, dab the rub just below the nostrils to open up your nasal passages, and apply it to areas of your arms and legs to ease aches and pains.

Resources

• Read more on how the Vapor Rub works on the product website