Grandma Suggests Vicks VapoRub for Child's Cough - Make Any Sense?

We've always done vaporub on chests under pj's...but for little babies who keep their feet in their face all the time...putting vaporub on their feet (and then socks on those feet, so they aren't smearing the vaporub on their face) would also work. I wonder about an older child, though. I mean, I could concieveably see that there might be a nerve thing, or the increased circulation might do something. Huh. Now I'm going to have to try it. Huzzah for empirical testing! No reason not to. You can safely apply vaporub to more than one place at a time.

Although...now that I think about it...I know a lot of people who used to have mustard plasters put on their chests, and menthol on their feet. I'd be willing to put money that there's a chemical reaction that happens (that you don't want) if you mix the two. It's hard to find a mustard plaster these days, and making medicines at home is more discouraged than just about anything, but mentholatum is easy to buy (vics, etc). I wonder if that's the easy reason for vics on the feet...just left over good-advice that's not necessary anymore.

Hmmm...another experiment. But I think I'll confine THAT one to the lab.

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it's worth a try! just be sure to get the Baby Vicks, the adult kind can "burn" young kids.

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You are not supposed to ever use Vicks VapoRub on kids under 2 (per doctors). I'm not sure on kids that are just 2. It's undetermined if putting it on kids' feet actually works. You can read more about it at snopes: http://www.snopes.com/medical/homecure/vaporub.asp

I think the idea about putting it on their feet has partly to do with the fact that they can't easily wipe it off yet they can still get the smell. I guess it's up to you if you want to try it. We always use a humidifier and have even tried the Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier (which is really strong in my opinion). I hope he's feeling better soon. :-)

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The cough sounds like he is allergic to something. I doesn't take much. Kids get a dry continuous cough from pets, cleaning supplies, Fabrics, Pollen and many other things. Be cautious though a cough is also a symtom of pneumonia.

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Hi P.,
I have a good friend who has suggested the same thing to me and said it worked GREAT on her kids when they were small (they are in high school now). I haven't tried it yet this school year, but I'm sure our first cold isn't far away. I figure it is worth a try. I figure Vicks is better than pumping something into them. Something else you might try is the Vapor Plug In which you put in their room and it fills the room with vapor like a Glade plug in. That worked really well for us last year, BUT don't forget to unplug it in the morning or it makes a BIG mess.

Good luck with your son's cough,
Beth

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I have heard that it does work. Also, what I do instead of cough syrups for my kids is give them a tsp of honey before bed, it coats their throats and works great without any side effects.

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It does work because of all the nerves in your feet and the circulation of your entire body goes through there. There's an entire science behind it the Chinese have known about for centuries.

But, back to your child's cough. First, I would not use Vick's. It is a petroleum based product and that will all soak into his system. You can easily take some olive oil, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it and rub it on his feet. For our daughter, we also slice a clove of garlic in half and put the cut half against her skin and cover her feet with a sock. Work like a charm. You get the clearing of the breathing passages from the eucalyptus and the garlis is great for curing colds. All natural, gentle, yet very effective and safe.

A.

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When I was a child my parents rubbed Vicks on my chest and I did the same for my daughter and she for her children. The vapor opens up breathing passages. There is now thought that the Vicks is too irritating to children's skin. It hasn't irritated anyone's skin that I've known about. However, I think that perhaps that is the reason to put the Vicks on the feet. It's the vapor that does the job. Vicks does help to reduce cold symptoms. I don't remember if it works when it's just a cough.

Next time you have a stuffy nose sniff some Vicks and you'll feel it working. The vapor does the same to a scratchy throat.

If you use a vaporizer and it has an external cup you can put the vicks in the cup. The steam passing over the Vicks picks up the vapor and puts it into the air. I've found this helpful also.

Just steam helps soothe a cough because it moisturizes the breathing passages.

You might be able to reduce the number of times he gets a cough from day care by being sure that he gets the RDA of vit. C and takes probiotics to build up his immune system.

Another suggestion: When it's just a cough he may be reacting to an allergen. Could there be an activity or exposure to chemicals, dust, mold, pollen, animal dander, etc. that only occurs periodically? I nearly always have a cough for several hours after dusting or vacuuming.

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I suggest using a cool mist vaporizer in your son's room at night. My son has had the same thing and it really helps with the cough. We also take Nature's Way brand of Sambucus (also called Sambucol). It's made out of elderberries and helps fight colds/viruses. We get ours from Whole Foods, and it's working great for us. There is a version made specifically for kids - make sure you get that one if you want to try it. (And as usual, check with the pediatrician first).

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I have heard the vicks on the feet thing from a lot of people. I did read recently in a baby center article written by a doctor not to do this. I can not remember what age they said it was ok to start with Vicks so I would call your doctor.

P.,
I would not do the Vick VapoRub. I just read in a Parenting Magazine the other night that they do not recommend parents to use that on small children. I can't remember the specifics but you should google it. If I find the article tonight I will post again.
S.

Hi P.,
I haven't heard about Vicks on the soles of your feet. I do use it on my son's chest and back and that can help. What seems to work best for my son is actually a teaspoon or so of straight honey. I give it to him at bedtime if I think his cough may interrupt his sleep and it seems to work.
Good luck,
D.

I'm glad you took the time to do a little simple research on this, P.. Other, older studies have showed menthol products to be irritating for the lungs and bronchial tubes, too.

My mom used to put Vicks on me when I was congested for any reason, colds, allergy, or asthma. I hated it. It not only didn't seem to help, it felt awful on my skin and I got headaches that I associated with the smell. Always seemed to make it harder to sleep.

I think people believe it helps because we can actually smell/feel it "penetrate" through congestion. This is not the same thing as reducing congestion, though.

We did this, too...with none of the expected results. I was then informed by a friend that it only works if you use it for a congested-sniffly-with-cold-cough. In other words, it helps the cold part of the illness, not really the cough part.

You could try it anyways to see how it works, just to prove it to yourself one way or the other! I know the Vicks goes into the bloodstream through the skin this way, but honestly...that stuff isn't made for a cough and doesn't work for a cough alone. It's made for congestion.

We use the dissolvable medicine strips for kids, for cough. They aren't perfect, either - but they help! The kids have a much easier time with these than with regular cough syrup.

Hi P.,
I heard about this advice, also. Here's how (or why) it works. If you put the Vicks on their feet, and then socks or pj's, it won't rub off all over the place. The feet aren't magical, and DON'T absorb things into the body.

Anyway, yes, it will probably help, along with a steamy bathroom. Vicks (or eucalyptus oil in a little bowl) and a steamed up bathroom are what we use for coughs or congestion. In fact, I bet i will be using it around 2 am tonight!

Hi P.
My ex-mother-in-law said the same thing and it seemed to work,it's not gonna hurt the child so try it!!!

I read this too and have tried it with my daughter..it seemed to help and I don't feel bad putting it on her feet vs her chest. I wouldn't say it's 100% but I would say it improved her coughing and sleep quality. Good luck.

I had heard the same advice and thought that it seemed like a crazy idea! But after a sleepless night of coughs, i tried it. It really does work, or at least it did for us. I have used it on both of my kids during night coughing fits and the coughs seem to calm down after putting the vicks on their feet. i say give it a try, it just might work for you too!

I did not read all response but this cought my eye. Kinda funny really. A friend and I were talking about vapor rub and colds he mentioned "in the old days" lol that it was though we cought cold through our soles on our feet. So like wearing socks they put the rub on the feat. Just food for thought incase you have not heard that.

Yes, that sounded strange to me when I first heard it, too. But I tried it and believe it or not, it really worked! My child was about 10-12 years old, so she was also able to tell me how soothing it felt. She slept well, too.

Works like a charm! We use the baby rub as it has less extra stuff and is more natural. We also use a humidifier. Helps a lot! Good luck! ;)

There is a Vick VapoRub for babies, that you can put on his chest, don't use the adult version of it. Perhaps for his feet, because that gets the blood moving and jolts his immune system. I would also get a humidifier to help with the cough. Otherwise, keep up the fluids! Good luck!

Camphor, the active ingredient in Vicks, can be toxic to small children in large amounts. Many health experts advise against this treatment.

I thought it sounded goofy too, but it has worked for my daughter several times. She is almost 3 now, but I would try it again with my baby now. it's worth a try. Put him PJ's with feet so he can't get to the medicine on his feet.

Actually there was a piece on the news about this around one year ago and it stated it worked. So I decided to try it on myself and it worked!

In theory it does. The feet are very permeable and lotions can have good absorption through the soles. The problem with Vick's is it is a petroleum-based product and the molecule is too large to be absorbed through the skin so it just sits on the serface of the skin and prevents the skin from breathing. A lotion with essential oils will have better absorption. My family uses a herbal vapor rub from Arbonne. You can go to my webpage at www.nursekerry.myarbonne.com for more information.

P., I have 5 children and have done it in all of them since they were babies. It works reall well, you don't need to lather then in it, just a small amount on the bottom of his feet and put on clean cotton socks and he will not cough and will get a better night sleep. I have found that the medical community doesn't believe in alot of home remedies if not proven by science but that doesn't mean that they don't work. I would give it a try.

Hi,
There are nerve endings in the feet, so by applying medication to their feet, it goes to the area they need help with. It sounds hooky, and weird - but it totally works. We put clove oil on our little guys toes when he was teething - and WaLa! Happy guy!!! :)

I have no personal experience, but there is a column in the Seattle Times that evaluates medical myths, and apparently studies have shown this to be effective (surprisingly!). I also have friends who swear by it.

-- on the one hand - being a grandma mysself - I have seen some odd remedies work fine. -- This doesn't make a lot of logical sense, no -- but it shouldn't do any harm -
( as long as there's no scratches or broken skin on the soles of his feet-- that stuff stings on raw skin - ) ---

--many years ago some genius advertised either Vics or Mentholatum ( same stuff-- I'm just sure - ) as ''' the love rub'' - and MY mother decided it would be just the thing for my then-6 year olds painful sun-burn -- BAD idea - stung like the blazes -- I went right out and bought my mother some nice soothing anti-pain sort of cream -- sigh.

Blessings -- J. aka- Old Mom

I just went through this same thing. I wasn't all that comfortable using Vicks on my 22 month old son. My sis-in-law gave me Vicks for Babys which she bought at Target. It is approved for kids 3 months and up. The ingredients are more natural and mild than the original. I put it on my son's chest and feet. It worked great. He isn't up coughing all night anymore and is finally getting some rest.

works for us most of the time. I just rub it on their feet and put socks over top. now that there are not any good cough medicines for kids it is safe and most of the time effective for my kids.

good luck

I tried this last year when my daughter was about the same age, and it worked!

I would go for Eucalyptus Oil and tea tree oil mixed in a humidifier perhaps. My daughter gets that cough during the rainy season when mold is more prevalent. Since she has seasonal allergies we use an OTC allergy/ multi-symptom cold med and then when she needs it, the oils in the humidifier. (It helps us all really as it moistens and sort of sanitizes the air all over the house.) Tea Tree oil on its own is kind of stinky, but if you mix a few drops with the Eucalyptus oil it smells very earthy and quite good (IMO). We use about 10 drops of the Eucalyptus oil and three drops of the Tea Tree oil. Tea Tree oil is also a natural anti-fungal. Vicks also has things like "plugins" etc. If you need something for school, there are just plain old "cough and cold" suppressents out there. I don't have much faith in them preventing anything but will offer some relief when sleeping as well. As far as him not catching it in the first place, the only way to know for sure if its contagious is to ask the doctor for a diagnosis...(They can do a sputum analysis where your child "blows his nose" on some sort of wax paper and they look at it under a microscope. If it keeps on I would find out if there are any allergies with him as well. Fall allergies are my worst ones I know that, and for my daughter too. Good Luck

I have done this with my two sons(at all ages) and it works. it doesn't take the cough away completely but it really helps lessen it some. i do it for me too when i have a cough, put some on my feet then socks and go to bed. of course on the chest helps open things up too and make breathing easier. so your mom's not crazy! ;o)

I'm sure you've already had enough advice and responses on this...but I'll throw in my 2 cents worth as well. :)

We've used a variety of cough expectorants (suppressants only make them worse) as well as Vicks for infants as well as honey/lemon and vinegar. What we've found with our 4 children and even ourselves has been that sleeping in a reclining but mostly upright position right after a "hot as you can stand" shower with a hot cup of chamomile tea with honey and lemon added is better together than any of the other remedies out there. Do this for naptime and then for bed and you'll see a lot more relief. Also avoid dairy products and anything cream based because that adds to the mucous as well. You can add mint leaves or real mustard to the floor of your shower to give a refreshing inhalation during the shower too. God bless your efforts! :)

Hi P.,
Yes this does work. When my kids get colds I apply Vicks to their chest (gets into their nose & sinus faster), back and the bottom of their feet. Their cough seems to fade and let's them rest. I've been doing this for several years.

YES YES YES!!!!! Use it on your son, on anyone that has a bad cough!!! It sounds crazy but it really does work!!!! I've been using it now for 2 or 3 years when anyone in my family or the little ones I babysit have a cough. It's a GREAT remedy!! After you put the Vick's on his soles, put his socks on. It can be used day and night. I pray this helps you. I know how distressing it is when our little ones are sick.

We use Vick's baby rub (but not the adult formulation) on our daughter and have since she was little. We rub it on her chest and her back and with the lavender and eculyptus - I think it does help. A cool mist or warm one - it seems to depend on the child steamer might help as well.

Good luck,

D.

P.,

I've grown up with Vicks on the chest when I have a cough. It's a great warming feeling and does make it easier to sleep. I've never hear of on the feet though.

I had a friend that did a study in reflexology for her senior project in high school. From that I've learned that there are specific points on the feet that correspond to the body.

I'd suggest Vicks on the chest for the cough, and maybe a gentle foot massage to see if that helps. Or a call to your child's doc for more info if you'd like. :)

Hope this helps,
M.

We do it at our house for our 3 boys, it seems to help.

I have always experienced when I use something natural, it works better and builds the immune system. I would NEVER use Vicks on my children. There are wonderful natural products at your health food store. Most of the time the people working in there can tell you what would be best to use. Also, you may want to check on how to build your child's immune system naturally with supplements (good ones not the ones at grocery stores and check out the company first) and also with what you are feeding your child. Children eating organic foods tend to have stronger immune systems and less problems. Also, I would check on the chemicals that are used around your child for cleaning. Get informed about what is in them and their dangers. "Green Goes With Everything" by Sloan Barnett is a great book written by a mother who has researched this and found some very disturbing information. You can probably get it from the library. Hope this helps and remember when you do things naturally you are working with your child's natural healing system, and when you use chemicals, you are actually working against it. Remember that just because everyone is doing something and they have for years that it may not always be correct--they thought the world was flat for a long time too.

It sounds like an old wives' tale. I would, however, rub Vick's on his chest before bed, as well as administer the appropriate amount of cough medicine. My son also has a hard time with his health sometimes.

Good luck!

My kids love Vicks VapoRub on their chest with a warm washcloth. They beg for it every time they have a cough or are congested.

My Grandma did it to my mom, my mom to me, me to my kids and grandkids. Yes it works, also under the arm pits, BUT NEVER on the chest. Putting on the chest and if they get out in the cold ect.. it can cause them to get phnumonia.
Good Luck, and Grandma's do know best some of the time
R.

My mom is a nurse and she said the same thing when my girls were small. Once he is a couple of years older, rubbing it on his back when he has colds will keep them from settling in his chest. I say on his back so that the vapors won't bother his eyes. It really is extremely helpful! It is still the first thing my sixteen year old asks for when she feels something 'coming on.'

Yeah, I remember my mom putting Vicks on my chest when I had a cold. It's menthol so it helps clear the sinuses a bit. You could try it once and see if he likes it or not. Maybe even try it for nap, or during the day so it's not a distraction when you're trying to get him to sleep

Yes it makes sense. After you rub in the Vicks or like then put on a pair of socks.
The reason to put it on the feet is so the child doesn't rub it with their hands and then put their hands in their mouth.
I have used it on myself.

Vicks is wonderful! It works great! My husband and I use it on ourselves when we pick up a nasty cough.
My mother always put it on our chests and the vapors come up the neck into the nose and mouth. Works wonders!

I grew up on Vicks for colds...it doesn't cure the cough, but clears your nasal passages while you sleep, so you can breathe normally...it also breaks up congestion in your chest. It is great stuff! I love it still!

My dad swears by it. They were watching the kids for us a few weeks ago and did it to our son who had a cough. Now he wants to do it every night. My dad does it to himself (vicks on the feet and then cover with socks) when he has a cough and says it sounds strange but swears it works. I'd say, it's worth a shot! If not, there are dissolvable cough strips I just used with my 25 mo old daughter a few weeks ago and once it set in she'd sleep through the night.

yes it makes sense i do it for my baby, it opens up the airway and lets them be able to breath better. also rub some on his feet. it does reflexology and opens up everything. just like your mom said.. :) but i use tiger balm and mentholatum

I've heard this before and tried it. I can't say it made that much of a difference but it can't hurt anything either.

You could also try a humidifier in his room. Just be very careful about the cleaning instructions before and after use.

I don't know why or how but it does work. I used it for my children and continue to use it myself and it does help for cough.