Prior to modern medicine, people lived and survived using a range of home remedies. While some were dubious at best, others managed to provide beneficial results time and time again. In fact, some of these home remedies would later be the basis for modern medicine equivalents.
Having been a mainstay of American & UK health for more than a century, Vicks VapoRub is known by pretty much everyone. So, would it come as a surprise to learn that many people find that it cures their cold when applied to their feet? Foolish? Decide for yourself as we dive into the legend and search to find the truth behind this unusual cure.
When Legend Was Fact
Getting to the bottom of whether or not Vicks VapoRub can cure colds by being put on your feet requires going back to when the product first came out in 1912. With a patented formula developed decades earlier, Lunsford Richardson is credited with it’s discovery and marketing. A pharmacist, Vicks VapoRub came about to treat a myriad of conditions, including colds. Since then, it has been used on and off, gradually devolving from genuine cure to myth and then legend as modern medicine kicked out older and dated practices.
An Unusual Cure
Vicks VapoRub found success in the early 20th century due to its ingredient list. Consisting of eucalyptus oil and camphor. Both have known effects as treatment for coughs when digested. So, how do they work when applied to the feet? Well, by rubbing the bottom of your feet, you cause a tingling sensation that people find to be calming. By being calmer, you stress your body less and recover from your illness sooner. Simply put, Vicks VapoRub cures the cold addressing what can cause you to cough, mainly stress.
Putting it All Together
With such a tenuous connection, many people discredit Vicks VapoRub as a cure for the cold when applied to your feet. However, there are countless testimonials from people who found incredible success with Vicks VapoRub doing just this. From stories of parents who were able to put their kids to sleep after terrible colds to adults who tried it and have found success, individual experience is contradicting what medicine has to say. For now, use Vicks VapoRub on your feet if you are tired of the cold and nothing else is working. With any luck, your cold will be cured and you can tell everyone about it!