Vapor Rub
Vapor rub is a soothing, anti-inflammatory balm used to treat cold and flu symptoms. It can be applied anywhere on the body but is especially effective when applied to the chest, back, and under the nose for congestion relief. It consists of a mixture of menthol and camphor oils in a base of petrolatum (a petroleum byproduct) or lanolin (an animal wax).
The menthol in vapor rub stimulates receptors in the skin that send information to the brain. This causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and oxygen levels. Blood flow also brings more white blood cells and antibodies to the area to fight off whatever is causing the flu symptoms. The subsequent inflammation reduction allows for easier breathing by reducing nasal swelling and allowing airways to remain open.
The camphor oil has a cooling effect that relieves pain caused by inflammation. It also helps with coughs by acting as an anesthetic on those same receptors that open up blood vessels—this means there’s less irritation from coughing, so you can cough less. The lanolin acts as a humectant; it attracts moisture from the air around it and holds onto it, so applying vapor rub increases hydration during cold and flu season. The menthol in the vapor rub adds to its cooling effect while also acting as an analgesic on your skin receptors (which is why it feels cool when you apply it). It helps to relieve pain and inflammation, which makes breathing easier during a cold or flu.
