4 Benefits of Putting Vicks VapoRub on Your Feet Before Bed
You may have heard the old home remedy of rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the soles of your feet before bedtime.
But there’s an important catch: Vicks does not officially recommend applying it to the feet as a treatment for coughs, and there isn’t good evidence that putting it on your feet provides the same cough relief as applying it to the chest and throat.
So what can it actually do?
🦶 1. Moisturize Dry, Rough Feet
VapoRub contains petrolatum, which can help reduce moisture loss from the skin. Applying a small amount to dry, intact skin and wearing socks can help keep the area moisturized.
🌿 2. Provide a Cooling Sensation
Menthol can create a cooling sensation on the skin. This may feel soothing, although the sensation itself doesn’t mean that an underlying condition has been treated.
🦵 3. Temporarily Soothe Minor Aches
VapoRub is labeled as a topical analgesic for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches and pains. If your feet are tired or mildly achy, applying it to the affected area may provide temporary sensory relief.
😴 4. The Bedtime Ritual May Feel Comforting
The strong menthol and eucalyptus aroma can feel relaxing to some people. However, that’s different from proving that applying VapoRub to the feet treats insomnia or other sleep disorders.
🚫 What About Stopping a Cough?
This is where the viral claim goes too far.
The official directions say VapoRub is used for temporary cough relief when applied to the chest and throat, not the feet.
⚠️ Use It Safely
VapoRub is for external use only. Don’t swallow it, put it inside the nostrils, apply it to wounds or damaged skin, or cover it with a tight bandage. It should also not be heated or added to hot water.
Children under 2 should not use VapoRub; keep the product away from children who could accidentally ingest it.
