The use of Vicks Vaporub as an oral remedy for cold sores is relatively new. While there is no hard research to support this use of Vicks VapoRub, people have occasionally reported successful usage of it with positive results. Stretch marks, much like scar tissue, are red, purplish, or white lines that appear initially on the skin right after a bout of rapid growth. They tend to most often appear on pregnancy and puberty. Researchers have, however, found suggestive evidence that any over-the-counter topical lotion or creams is, indeed, effective in reducing stretch mark appearance.
Vicks Vaporub, marketed as an over-the-counter oral spray, has recently been introduced as a nasal spray. It contains menthol and capsaicin, two of the main ingredients found in spicy and hot pepper spray. It also contains eucalyptus oil, another common ingredient found in many popular anti-inflammatory medications. Both these ingredients are believed to have a diuretic effect on the body and can, perhaps, aid in healing the nasal lining once it has been ruptured.
To test the efficacy of Vicks vaporub as a treatment for cold sores, the manufacture mixed some camphor oil and eucalyptus oil into a medium consistency. Then, they added the mixture to a small amount of Vicks Vaporub, which is marketed as a throat lozenge. A few patients who attempted to use the solution as a gargle showed little to no change in their symptoms. The manufacturers hope that by combining menthol and camphor, the oil burning away the upper layers of the mucous membranes will reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction. If true, this would explain why no adverse effects were noted with the initial application.
Perhaps, more evidence of the effectiveness of the vapor as a cold sore treatment comes from a laboratory experiment supported by the National Institute of Health. A placebo containing a tiny amount of the product was administered to volunteers who were advised they were using a nasal spray that would help clear up a blocked nose. When these same people were subsequently tested two weeks later, they were significantly less prone to experiencing a cold sore episode than those who had not taken the placebo. This study provides additional support for the belief that vicks vaporub really does work as a cold sore treatment.
In fact, it is the combination of eucalyptus oil and menthol that are the key to saving 15 minutes when having to relieve a blocked nose. By creating a slight emulsification between the oil and the mucus membrane, the oil can penetrate deeply and act as a shield. The mucus, in turn, can become thick enough to protect the sensitive tissue around the nose from becoming irritated and therefore cause a runny nose and a stuffy nose. By creating a medium between the two, the sneezing and coughing can be minimized while the symptoms are relieved.
The vapor is also useful as an effective cough suppressant. Those suffering from chronic or recurring chest colds may find that by simply puffing on a small amount of vicks vaporub, the symptoms associated with a cold can be relieved. As a result of this, many cold sufferers swear by this product. Vicks helps alleviate coughing by relieving the chest of the congestion that is associated with the illness. By creating a medium between the dry skin of the chest and the excess mucus coating, the mucus does not become too thick and therefore does not inhibit the flow of air, thus allowing the sufferer’s body to sweat instead of feeling too wet and sticky.
An additional benefit associated with the use of the vapor is that it aids in the breakdown of dead cells, thus helping with the speed in which cells are eliminated from the body. Since most viruses, bacteria and fungi attack the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system, the dead cells that are exposed to the air to help remove the toxins that the body would otherwise attempt to eliminate. This is why so many people with colds and other respiratory ailments have found relief through the use of vicks vaporub.
To get the full benefits of the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the product, you need to keep the spray in your mouth for the entire time that you use it. The reason for this is that the anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients will not work if they are never inhaled. In order to maximize the benefits of the spray, you should always keep an open jar of the vapub next to you, as well as another inhalation device like the rescue air mask, or the nasal spray humidifier. These devices will allow you to continuously refresh your supply of the vaporub, as well as provide constant protection for your nasal passages against any irritants that could cause an adverse reaction.