Breathe deeply! (Vicks VapoRub)

Member Name: machar

Product:	Vicks VapoRub
Date:	14/11/00 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: helps you get to sleep

Disadvantages: don't let it touch your nostrils - it stings!

I'm sure there are many people out there to whom winter means colds and a blocked nose. Personally this is my pet hate. There is nothing worse than trying to get to sleep when you can't breathe through your nose. I can't fall asleep when I am breathing through my mouth so until my nose is clear I'm left to toss and turn. To try and avoid this scenario, I keep a tub of Vicks Vaporub by my bed during the winter. Vicks is a decongestant for colds and its aim is to help you breathe. There are two methods by which you can apply Vicks -
Inhalation method - melt 2 teaspoons of Vicks in very hot water and inhale the vapours for 10-15 minutes. Obviously this method is no good at 10.30pm when you are lying in bed desperately trying to get to sleep. I can't stand saunas or anywhere steamy so I dislike this method tremendously.
Rub on method - the instructions tell you to rub Vicks onto your chest, throat and back. This does work a bit but there are better places to apply it. It warns on the tub not to apply Vick in the nostrils and I can agree with this. If you accidentally get some there it burns! I find that if my nose is really bad the best places to put Vicks is just above my top lip (just a little smear) and on the bridge of my nose. This normally clears my nose within 5 - 10mins and I can breathe again. Sleeping on several high pillows also helps as my head is at an angle and my sinuses can drain (sorry to be so graphic!). This allows me to get a full nights sleep and I don't have to reapply Vick during the night which is great.
Vicks is great for all the family as all the family including babies and children can use it. The sharp menthol smell is definitely part of my childhood. This is a great cure and I'm never without it in the winter.

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