Studies involving Vicks Vapor Rub conducted by a doctor in USA show that this product comprises of irritating components that encourage the body to generate more mucus as a protective mechanism of the airway. A research that was part of a journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), which was reviewed by scholars and experts, came to a finding that this product actually may hinder the ability of infants and young children to breathe.
Dr. Rubin, the lead author of the research, publicly stated that the components of Vicks may have irritating action, supporting production of excess mucus as airway protection. He also added that the airways of infants and toddlers are not as wide as those of adults, hence, any growth in mucus or any inflammation may cause their narrowing which may have some serious implications. Furthermore, one of the components in Vick’s, petrolatum, is cancerogenic.
Another research conducted at the Columbia University, involved petrolatum impurity PAHs [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons] and its relation to breast cancer, whereby the scholars came to the conclusion that women with breast cancer had 2.6 times increased probability to contain increased quantities of PAHs bound to DNA (referred to as DNA adducts) in their breast tissue compared to women who did not have breast cancer. This ingredient, also mentioned as petroleum jelly, imposes some serious issues in terms of its safety.
Furthermore, at the moment there is no relevant research evidence that shows how Vicks is beneficial with anything. In order to avoid the harmful negative effects, it is recommendable to prepare this chest rub. You can do it at home and it does not take a lot of effort. Eucalyptus has many useful effects for your health because of its antispasmodic and decongestant effects. It does not harm your organism and is also helpful in expectoration, because large part of its content comprises of cineole. This compound is an expectorant,it relieves cough and difficulties with the upper respiratory system
Chest Rub Prepared in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions
Make a mixture of all the components of the recipe and rub the content into your chest and upper back.
