OH NO.....SNOT AGAIN! (Vicks VapoRub)

Member Name: Ms_Scarlett

Product:	Vicks VapoRub
Date:	21/10/05 (1441 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast acting, Inexpensive, Easy to use

Disadvantages: Temporary short term relief

It’s that time of year again when the dreaded snot lurgy goes into overdrive and most of us will come down with varying degrees of the unpleasant head cold. For some (mainly women) the cold, no matter how severe, is shrugged off as *the sniffles* for others (mostly men) the virus is something altogether more dastardly and has them requesting they be buried not cremated.

Luckily there are countless over the counter medications that help with all the different levels of cold severity and one of the most trusted weapons in the fight against this most contagious affliction is Vicks Inhaler.

These little godsends seem to have been around forever. Many moons ago I remember my mum slipping a Vicks inhaler in my satchel every time I got the snuffles. Now as an adult the inhaler really is a necessity in my medicine cabinet all year round as I suffer from hay fever as well as the odd cold and it is very effective at alleviating the snuffly noses, which are associated with both.

Fortunately, like most things associated with nearly being antique this product is as popular today as ever, but unlike antiques you don’t have to pay an over inflated price for it. I get mine from Morrison’s and pay £1.99

Unlike my other half I don’t often suffer from colds but when I am afflicted with one I usually lather on a thick layer of Vicks menthol vapour rub at bedtime and drift off to sleepy heaven with streaming eyes and a greasy forehead. Alas though, during the day I need an unblocking system, which doesn’t leave me with greasy skin and red eyes. I don’t want to scare off my customers and so, it is for this reason that I always have several inhalers to hand or should that be nose?

Vicks Inhaler is a short plastic tube that measures rough 2.5 inches in length and is roughly half an inch wide – just right for slipping up a blocked nostril. The product is packaged in the distinctive green and red packaging, which is synonymous with the Vicks brand and carries the distinctive Vicks triangle logo. According to the packaging this product can be used as often as needed but it is not recommended for children under the age of six. The active ingredients are Menthol (125 mg), Camphor (50 mg), Siberian Pine Needle Oil (10 mg) and also Methyl Salicylate (0.5m)

To administer the required dose is a very basic procedure, which entails removing the outer sheath by twisting it from the plastic cylindrical tube of the inhaler. Once the outer cover is removed it is merely a case of holding the inhaler by the base so that the vent at the top of the tube enters the nose first, then you gently insert deeper into the nostril whilst gently pinching shut the opposite nostril with a fingertip. One or two deep breathes of the inhaler per nostril should suffice.

The inhaler is a decongestant and encourages the swollen membranes to recede thus relieving congestion and is productive in making the airwaves clearer. It doesn’t cure a blocked nose but it helps to temporarily alleviate the unpleasant stuffed up feeling.

Vicks inhalers are effective immediately and the Menthol, Camphor and Siberian Pine Needle Oil get to work as soon as you inhale the fresh menthol vapour.

I particularly like the convenience of the product as it is small and unobtrusive and easily fits into a bag, purse or pocket. Because this product is applied directly to the nose it means it can be used anywhere but I tend to use it in private, as I would feel a bit self-conscious sniffing this on the bus.

Personally I find this product is wonderful for a slight head cold where there is mild congestion of the nasal passages or if suffering from a mild allergy but in a severe head cold or an acute bout of sinusitis it just isn’t strong enough to unblock my nose.

I think it is worthwhile to mention that I have suffered no side effects with this product and it doesn’t cause drowsiness as some other decongestants do. However there is a warning no to use this product if you suffer an allergy to any of the ingredients listed.

These inhalers are meant to last on average approximately three months but I do find that after a few weeks of using they tend to lose their potency quite noticeably and if you fail to screw the lid on tightly the smell will evaporate altogether.

One or two deep inhalations is usually sufficient to provide short term relief for a blocked nose whether it be due to a cold, an allergy, sinusitis or just a dry atmosphere. Personally I find this product is wonderful for a slight head cold where there is mild congestion of the nasal passages or if suffering from a mild allergy but in a severe head cold or an acute bout of sinusitis it just isn’t strong enough to unblock my nose.

I love to inhale deeply and feel the sharp cooling menthol explode in my nasal cavities but unfortunately unlike other stronger decongestants the inhalers effect are temporary and quite short lived but for a quick fix they do an exceedingly snorting good job.

Cost: £1.99 from Morrisons

Availabilty: Most Supermarkets and Chemists but shop around prices vary
considerably.


Contact details: Procter & Gamble (Health & beauty care) Limited,
The Heights,
Brooklands,
Weybridge,
Surrey,
KT13 OXP

Summary: FAST ACTING AND INEXPENSIVE