Does Putting Vicks VapoRub on Feet Relieve Colds? - GoodRx (2024)

There will probably never be a cure for the common cold. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to stay comfortable while you fight off that virus. From over-the-counter medications to alternative therapies, people have tried just about everything to feel better faster.

There’s one cold remedy most people recognize instantly — Vicks VapoRub. It’s been around for more than 125 years and is “the third most recognizable smell in the world.” While Vicks VapoRub has a huge following, there are many opinions on how best to use it.

Some people swear Vicks VapoRub works best if you put it on the bottom of your feet. But does that really work? Here’s what the science says about Vicks VapoRub and how best to use it.

What is Vicks VapoRub?

Vicks VapoRub is an over-the-counter, petrolatum-based ointment that contains three active ingredients:

• Camphor oil

• Menthol oil

• Eucalyptus oil

When you open a jar of Vicks VapoRub, the oils diffuse into the air. All three oils are mild cough suppressants, so when you breathe in that signature scent, you may get some relief from a mild cough. There’s also some evidence that breathing in the vapors soothes congestion so you can get a better night’s sleep when you feel sick.

It’s not exactly clear how Vicks VapoRub works for congestion. There’s some evidence that the cooling effect of menthol makes it feel like it’s easier to breathe. It’s also possible that the strong smell distracts you from noticing your stuffiness.

Whatever the case, when used properly, Vicks VapoRub is safe and low cost. And it doesn’t come with the risk of rebound congestion. This makes it a popular symptom reliever for people throughout the world.

Does applying Vicks Vaporub on the feet work for colds?

There’s no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will help relieve cold symptoms.

The manufacturer only recommends rubbing the ointment on the chest or neck. That’s because you need to be able to smell the oils in order to feel the effects of Vicks VapoRub.

If you apply the ointment to your feet, the oils have farther to travel to get to your nose. Plus, if you’re wearing socks or have sheets and blankets over your feet, the odds of those vapors making it to your nostrils are pretty slim.

How do you apply Vicks VapoRub?

Using Vicks VapoRub is pretty easy. The manufacturer recommends using these steps to get the best results:

• Rub a layer of ointment on your chest or the front of your neck.

• Keep clothing over the area loose or unbuttoned (or remove your shirt completely) so the oils can diffuse easily.

That’s it! You can apply the ointment up to 3 times a day or as often as your healthcare provider recommends.

Does Vicks VapoRub have any side effects or risks?

In general, Vicks VapoRub is very safe. But, like anything, there are risks and potential side effects. Here are a few things you should know:

• Keep it off your nose. You may be tempted to put the ointment on your nostrils or inside your nose. But this puts you at risk for camphor poisoning. Camphor oil doesn’t pass through the skin, but it can pass through mucous membranes, which are found on the inside of the nostrils. Camphor poisoning is very dangerous, especially for young children.

• Keep it away from your lips and eyes. Your eyes and lips are mucous membranes too, so keep Vicks VapoRub away from these parts of your body to avoid camphor poisoning. If you get Vicks VapoRub in your eye, it will burn. Wash the area out with cold water right away. Take out contact lenses if you’re wearing them, and call poison control for help at 1-800-222-1222.

• Don’t heat it up. While heating up some types of aromatherapy can increase diffusion power, you shouldn’t heat up Vicks VaporRub. The manufacturer says adding hot water or trying to heat the ointment can make it splatter. This can lead to serious burns.

• Don’t use it as a cut ointment. Vicks VapoRub isn’t a wound or burn ointment. Don’t want to put it on cuts, burns, sores, or open wounds. It doesn’t have antibacterial properties. And putting it on open skin puts you at risk for camphor poisoning. Plus, putting menthol oil on open skin will hurt and increase your chance of developing chemical skin irritation.

• Don’t use it for children younger than 2 years old. Vicks VapoRub isn’t approved for children younger than 2 years old. This has to do with the risk of camphor poisoning. Some Vicks products are formulated for younger children and don’t contain camphor.

• Keep it in a secure location. Vicks VapoRub is poisonous if eaten, so keep it securely locked away. Small children may be tempted to taste something that smells so unique. Eating Vicks VapoRub will cause camphor poisoning. Small children don’t need to eat a lot to get exposed to a serious camphor dose. If you think your child has eaten Vicks VapoRub, call poison control right away at 1-800-222-1222. They will let you know how quickly you need to get medical attention and if you need to go to an emergency room.