Can vicks vapor rub help sore throat?

As winter sets in, the common cold and flu are back with a vengeance. One of the most annoying symptoms is a sore throat; those burning sensations are enough to put anyone in a foul mood. As much as people might try to avoid it, almost everyone will suffer from it at some point during their lives.

People have all sorts of home remedies and over-the-counter medications that they swear by for curing this affliction. But what about good old Vicks Vapor Rub? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look into how effective Vicks Vapor Rub is for easing a sore throat.

What Is Vicks Vapor Rub?

In case you’ve been living under a rock or just haven’t had your own battle with winter ailments yet, let me introduce you to Vicks Vapor Rub — it’s like Tiger Balm’s cousin-in-law or something intimately close like that.

Essentially, it’s an ointment typically used for nasal congestion relief and cough suppression packed inside small jars found on pharmacy shelves across America since 1894 when Lunsford Richardson started selling its creation under $1 per tub (yes! ONE DOLLAR).

The star ingredients here include camphor (which gives off the typical scent), eucalyptus, menthol (for numbing effect too) mixed within petroleum jelly which lets these strong smelling agents released via vapor straight up into our nose hole opening up clogged sinus pathways hence making we breathe more comfortably.

How Does It Work On A Sore Throat?

Now then: The secret behind using Vick’s rubs lies in its penetrating aroma effects along with cooling relief provided by various components present such as essential oils etc.

Due to ingredients like Menthol and Eucalyptus Oil present which have local anesthetic properties providing immediate relief from pain & inflammation making soreness more bearable especially while trying to sleep.

But majorly because when inhaled, the active agents tend to travel along the respiratory tract (via tiny capillary-like tubes) and reach that aggravating inflamed tissue within our throat causing an almost immediate soothing effect easing off many nasal congestion symptoms caused from cough-up secretions.

How To Use It Effectively?

One of the best ways to use Vicks Vapor Rubs’ maximum efficiency on a sore throat by doing what’s known as “steaming”.

To do this:

  1. Boil up a mugful or two of water until steam starts rising.
  2. Once the temperature comes down slightly pour it into non-plastic bowl such as glass / ceramic type
  3. Apply copious amounts of vapor rub (~a half spoonful per cup) directly onto surface so it is starting to melt and just sit tight for 5 mins gathering your essentials (tissues/pen/playing cards etc)
  4. Hang your head over & about 6 inches above bowl, no closer – recommended covering with towel too – other option putting into humidifier machine but you don’t want it directed towards eyes under any circumstances; stick away till next facial time. Inhale through nose finally exhaling gradually

Is It Safe For Sore Throat Treatment?

We would certainly say yes! but not without potential side effects one has keep their eyes out for should they arise

keep these steps in mind before using Vicks Vapor Rub for treating sore throat

  • Always follow instructions on bottle
  • Test small area first: some people can have allergic reactions which manifest themselves through minor edema appearing after rubbing vapoRub straight onto skin
  • Keep away from mouth/nose partaking since physical contact may cause lung problems if aspirated damaging cilia lining inside

Also, never apply Vicks vapor rub below nostril region due drastically reducing amount oxygen making it difficult to breathe .

Conclusion

If you’re looking for ways to soothe your sore throat, Vicks Vapor Rub is definitely worth a try. With its time tested plant & essential oil benefits that puts us back in touch with our nature without putting another dent on wallet even after over hundred years – this product stands as a true testament to the value of self care hustle.

Keep in mind though while generally safe one has keep watch out for any adverse reactions plus not forgetting most common recommendation such using steam treatment technique mentioned above which safely enables utilization all medicinal property present in vapoRub.

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