Introduction
Vicks Vaporub® products are often used to treat colds. According to some authors, it is the best-selling preparation compared to other preparations of its kind. The best known Vicks Vaporub® product is the cold ointment.
But there are also other products for inhalation and a Vicks Vapospray®, an isotonic spray with sea salt for nasal rinsing. Used correctly, these preparations can provide relief for certain complaints. Nevertheless, some knowledge about their use is useful to avoid side effects and complications.
Indications for Wick Vaporup®
According to the manufacturer, Vicks Vaporub® is recommended for bronchitis, hoarseness, colds with cough, pharyngitis and rhinitis. The use and indications of Vicks Vaporub® are controversial among experts. Some authors even advise against it.
Other authors may well find supportive effects in the healing process of colds. The indication recommended by the manufacturer can be useful under certain circumstances. The cold must be acute and mild to moderate.
There is an indication for Vicks Vaporub® if the symptoms are reduced within a few days. The indicated cold diseases refer to children over 2 years of age or children and adults without chronic respiratory diseases. There may be an indication for Vicks Vaporub® for hoarseness, if it is mild and is the result of a mild to moderate cold.
Active ingredient and effect of Vicks Vaporub®
Vicks Vaporub® preparations contain an active ingredient combination of so-called essential oils. This means that the oils evaporate completely. Vicks Vaporub® contains eucalyptus oil, menthol and turpentine oil.
It also contains synthetically produced camphor. These ingredients are usually found in cold ointments at 1- 5 %. In addition, Vaseline is contained to 85%.
The main active ingredients of the essential oils are used in the treatment of colds. It is believed that these can counteract hoarseness, coughing, rhinitis and pain and mucus in the respiratory tract. According to the manufacturer, the active ingredients in Vicks Vaporub® can support healing processes of inflammations in the throat and bronchial area.
It is believed that eucalyptus oil acts on certain cellular docking sites, so-called receptors, of the mucous membrane surface of the bronchi. It is assumed that this would result in an improved mucus solution. According to the manufacturer, camphor also influences certain docking sites of the respiratory muscles.
It is predicted that it has a slightly stimulating effect on the respiratory muscles and thus promotes deeper breathing. In contrast, menthol oil may have an effect on the nasal mucosa. Here it activates certain docking sites, the so-called TRPM8 receptors.
These react to cold. Menthol can mimic this stimulus. In some cases, this can be perceived as pleasant. It is also assumed that terpetine oil serves to defend against germs.