The popular cold remedy Vicks VapoRub may cause airway inflammation that can restrict breathing in infants and toddlers,says a new study .
Vicks VapoRub is a very popular topical ointment used to relieve congestion and coughs associated with colds and flu. Dr.Rubin, the study’s lead author, said Vicks VapoRub can make some adults feel better without really making them better. “For kids, because it can induce some inflammation, even a little bit, that little bit might be enough to tip over a child to having problems,” he said. Research published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that it can interfere with the ability of infants and toddlers to breathe.
“The ingredients in Vicks can be irritants, causing the body to produce more mucus to protect the airway,” Dr. Rubin, the study’s lead author, said in a statement to the media. “Infants and young children have airways that are much narrower than those of adults, so any increase in mucus or inflammation can narrow them more severely.” Petrolatum, one of the ingredients in Vick’s, can cause cancer.
“Among the studies linking the petrolatum impurity PAHs [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons] to breast cancer is a Columbia University study in which researchers found that the breast tissue of women with breast cancer was 2.6 times more likely to contain elevated levels of PAHs bound to DNA (called DNA adducts) than the breast tissue of women without breast cancer (Rundle et al. 2000). Serious questions need to be answered over the safety of petrolatum or petroleum jelly as it is more commonly known.”
Additionally, there is currently no scientific evidence to prove that Vicks helps with anything. To protect your family from dangerous side effects, you can make this homemade chest rub. It includes eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus contains several compounds with antispasmodic, anti-harmful organism, expectorant, and decongestant properties. One of the main compounds is called cineole. Cineole is an expectorant, can ease a cough, and fight upper respiratory problems. Less than two tablespoons of camphor can result in extreme neurological effects, and may even risk death. Please keep in mind that Eucalyptus is not recommend for kids under 10 and peppermint is not recommended for kids under 6.
Homemade Chest Rub Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil
2 drops of lemon essential oil
3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil ,alternately for kids under 10 years of age use melaleuca oil.
Directions
Mix all ingredients together and rub into your chest and upper back.