Sorry, no graphic for this one, and don’t laugh, it works 100% of the time although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered it) aren’t sure why.
To stop nighttime coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks.
Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief.
Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.
I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like accupressure. Just happened to tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs, so I listened.
It was a surprising finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly.
An adult friend tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it.
So, if you have grandchildren, pass it on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed by the effect.
What do you have to lose?
(Taken from an email circulating on the Internet. April 9, 2007)
I tried to do some research on the Internet about this, and didn’t come up with much. There were a few mentions of using Vicks VapoRub on the soles of feet to stop coughing, but not many, and I couldn’t find a transcript of the mentioned radio broadcast. Dunno how to classify this – urban legend or common knowledge?
BDD 04/14/07
Later in 2007 – I found this after I had posted this article originally. I wasn’t sure I wanted to add it, but finally decided in favor. This was taken from a popular Doctor’s site after he had written something about VapoRub. For what it’s worth…
DEAR DR. GOTT: Your Vicks VapoRub cure for thick toenails really worked for me. Did you know that Vicks is wonderful for hemorrhoids? After my mother, who is 95 years old, told me to use it, I’ve never used anything else. It is better than any creams or suppositories and feels better right away.
DEAR DR. GOTT: Regarding your recent column on peeling feet: My husband had the same condition for years, in addition to toenail fungus.
It was your columns on the use of Vicks to treat toenail fungus that helped my husband. He has used it religiously ever since, and not only has the fungus cleared up, but the scaling has disappeared, as well.DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 66-year-old woman who has struggled with fungal infections of the perineal area for over 10 years. I also was diagnosed with lichen sclerosis. No prescribed medication ever worked. After I read two letters from men who had cured their jock itch with Vicks VapoRub, I tried it myself. The infection cleared in a few days, When I visited my gynecologist yesterday, she saw nothing but healthy tissue. She was amazed at the results and urged me to write to you.
Yes, the Vicks feels “zingy” for a few minutes, but it is not at all painful or uncomfortable. I apply it each night and have had no recurrence. I thought some of your female readers would like to know.