VapoRub verily vindicated

Today’s ‘Positive and Optimistic Sunday’. Sweetheart Vivienne has a slight cold. When I was a nipper I loved getting colds. Because each time I did, my dad or mum would rub my chest with Vicks VapoRub [1]. I loved that stuff. Could’ve been its smell (I’m partial to menthol/eucalyptus aromas), or the tactility of having my chest rubbed. I don’t know why it was rubbed on my chest. The chest is close to the lungs; but the VapoRub treatment was for an upper, i.e. not lower, respiratory infection. So maybe it should’ve been applied to my hands which I could’ve then held near my nose to inhale. Anyway as soon as I had VapoRub rubbed on my chest, I knew my cold had met its match. And I loved snuggling under the bedclothes and deeply inhaling the mentholated air. I haven’t used VapoRub for 55 years or more. But I may start using it again. Because science has confirmed its effectiveness. The 13 November issue of Pediatrics reported on an experiment which randomised 140 children aged 2-11 years with upper respiratory infections into one of three groups, i.e. chests and necks rubbed with VapoRub, or petrolatum ointment (i.e. Vasoline or similar), or nothing – for one night [2]. All groups improved; but the VapoRub group had the biggest improvement in sleep, cough and congestion. The researchers concluded VapoRub’s a safe and effective paediatric cold remedy. What goes around comes around, eh.