An essential for every medicine cabinet (Vicks VapoRub)

Member Name: jennikitten

Product:	Vicks VapoRub
Date:	05/11/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, cheerful, nice alternative

Disadvantages: Limited success?

Vicks VapoRub is something that reminds me of childhood colds, though they've changed the packaging design since then!

The small blue tub unscrews easily to reveal a kind of white, almost gel-like substance which is quite thin. I prefer to use the flat of my finger to apply to my chest/back because if you get it under your nails it feels horrible and will stay there!!

The most distinctive thing about Vicks VapoRub is the smell, which is very strong in order to do its job of unblocking your nose. It has a slight minty/eucalyptus hint to it I think, and isn't really unpleasant - it just makes me think of illnesses!

Vicks VapoRub is great if you have a cold, cough or flu, as one of the annoying things is that your nose and throat can get blocked, preventing you from sleeping or breathing easily. Even opening the tub and breathing in means my nose usually feels clearer, though it can hurt if your nose is very sore.

You don't need to use that much, so one small pot for around £1.80 will actually last you a long time. I'm rarely ill, so I bought my pot about two years ago and it's still as effective as when I first opened it.

You can rub a small amount onto your chest or back, or add to hot water and inhale the vapours. I imagine that this would work well if your nose is very sore at it would be milder. If you put it on your chest then you can smell it for a long time, so if you're only a bit ill and still at work you might want to use it before you go to bed so you don't smell like Vicks the next day.

Vicks must have some kind of physical effect as well as smell though, otherwise it would be a bit useless on your back (unless you're planning to stand in a queue of sick people?!). However, just the smell is enough to make me feel psychologically better for at least a few seconds.

I like VapoRub because it's a nice alternative to things like cough sweets which are full of sugar, and other horrible tasting medicines with funny ingredients. I like the fact that I can use it before bed - because lying down to sleep always makes congestion worse - and not have to worry about brushing my teeth or how often I can take it.

Perfect for all ages, I can't imagine why people wouldn't keep stocked up for winter.

Summary: Knocked off a star because relief isn't very long lasting