Vicks in Nose: Vicks VapoRub in Nasal Passages Health ConditionsFeaturedBreast CancerIBD MigraineMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Rheumatoid ArthritisType 2 DiabetesSponsored TopicsArticlesAcid RefluxADHDAllergiesAlzheimer's & DementiaBipolar DisorderCancerCrohn's DiseaseChronic PainCold & FluCOPDDepressionFibromyalgiaHeart DiseaseHigh CholesterolHIVHypertensionIPFOsteoarthritisPsoriasisSkin Disorders and CareSTDsDiscoverWellness TopicsNutritionFitnessSkin CareSexual HealthWomen's HealthMental HealthSleepOriginal SeriesFresh Food FastDiagnosis DiariesYou’re Not AlonePresent TenseVideo SeriesYouth in FocusHealthy HarvestNo More SilenceFuture of HealthPlanHealth ChallengesMindful EatingSugar SavvyMove Your BodyGut HealthMood FoodsAlign Your SpineFind CarePrimary CareMental HealthOB-GYNDermatologistsNeurologistsCardiologistsOrthopedistsLifestyle QuizzesWeight ManagementAm I Depressed? A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaShopProducts by ConditionInsomniaStress ReliefBack PainNeck PainSleep ApneaHot SleepersAllergiesPain ReliefProduct ReviewsVitamins & SupplementsSleepMental HealthNutritionAt-Home TestingCBDMen’s HealthWomen’s HealthHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectShopSubscribe

Is It Safe to Use Vicks VapoRub in Your Nose

Medically reviewed by Alisha D. Sellers, BS Pharmacy, PharmD — By Carly Vandergriendt — Updated on October 24, 2022Vicks VapoRub and generic versions may be toxic if applied to certain areas of the body, including inside the nose. When used correctly, it can help relieve cold symptoms. Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that contains the active ingredients: menthol camphoreucalyptus oil This topical ointment is available over the counter (OTC) and is typically applied to your throat or chest to relieve cold- and flu-related symptoms. Does Vicks VapoRub (VVR) work and where is it safe to use? Keep reading to find out what current research says.

What are the benefits of using Vicks VapoRub

People typically use VVR and generic balms with the same active ingredients for relief from common cold symptoms and pain. The benefits may include:helping you feel as though you are breathing betterrelieving cough due to the common coldproviding relief from muscle or joint painmay help you sleep better with the common cold According to a 2022 review of research, applying an ointment with the active ingredients of VVR can improve people’s perception of their common cold symptoms, leading to better sleep. The authors suggest that applying VVR or a similar product to children before bed can relieve nighttime cold symptoms, especially in children who cannot take certain medications. Similarly, a 2017 study evaluated VVR use and sleep among adults. They found they it may positively affect your perception of how well you sleep with a common cold. While it isn’t clear whether VVR actually improves sleep, people who took it for cold symptoms before bed reported better quality sleep than those who took a placebo. These benefits come from VVR’s research-backed active ingredients.

Menthol

VVR is not a decongestant. In other words, it doesn’t actually relieve nasal or chest congestion. However, it might make you feel less congested. That’s because, when applied to your skin, VVR releases a strong minty odor due to the menthol that’s included in the ointment. Older research from 2013 suggests that inhaling menthol is associated with the perception of easier breathing. This might be due to the cooling sensation you feel when you inhale menthol. But menthol doesn’t appear to actually improve respiration. Treatment guidelines for the common cold from 2019 also mention that menthol on its own may improve your perception of easier breathing, though it does not relieve cough.

Camphor

Camphor is also an active ingredient in VVR. It is commonly used in pain-relieving balms and ointments. It may relieve muscle pain, according to a small 2015 study. A 2022 study on camphor derivatives suggests that camphor may have antiviral properties. However, more research is needed on its effectiveness.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil, the third active ingredient in VVR, is also associated with pain relief. A 2021 review of research notes that eucalyptus essential oil may have the following properties:antibacterialantifungalantiviralanti-inflammatoryantioxidantwound healing propertiesSummary Vicks VapoRub is not a decongestant. However, the menthol in the ointment might make you feel less congested. Research has shown that both camphor and eucalyptus oil, the other two ingredients in VVR, are associated with pain relief and other benefits. Studies among both children and adults have shown that VVR may improve sleep quality.

Where to put Vicks VapoRub for a stuffy nose

If you have a stuffy nose, using VVR may make you feel as though you can breathe better. However, it does not relieve nasal congestion. You can apply VVR to the chest and throat area in a thick layer. But to relieve a stuffy nose, you may find more success with other remedies. OTC decongestant medications may help relieve sinus pressure and improve your breathing.

What is the most effective way to use Vicks VapoRub

The most effective way for adults and children over 2 years old to use VVR is to only apply it in a thick layer to the chest or throat area. It can also be used on muscles and joints as a temporary pain reliever. You can apply VVR up to three times per day or as directed by a doctor.

Is it safe to use Vicks VapoRub in your nose

The short answer is no. It’s not safe to use VVR inside or around your nose. If you do, it could be absorbed into your body through the mucus membranes lining your nostrils. VVR contains camphor, which can have toxic effects inside your body. Ingesting camphor is especially dangerous for young children. Ingesting camphor can cause seizures and death. The short-term effects of inhaling VVR aren’t fully understood. Similarly, frequent VVR use could have effects over the long term. A 2016 case study described an 85-year-old woman who developed a rare form of pneumonia after using VVR daily for approximately 50 years. Again, more research needs to be done to understand the long-term effects of VVR use. Summary It’s not safe to use Vicks VapoRub in your nose. It contains camphor, which can have toxic effects if absorbed through the mucus membrane in your nose. Ingesting camphor can cause seizures and death.

Are there any precautions to be aware of

It isn’t safe to ingest VVR. You should also avoid getting it in your eyes or applying it to areas where your skin is broken or damaged. In addition, you should avoid heating VVR or adding it to hot water. VVR isn’t safe for children under 2 years old. Swallowing camphor, an active ingredient in VVR, can cause serious side effects in children, including seizures and death. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional before using it.

Home remedies for easing congestion

Besides using VVR on your chest or throat, these home remedies may also help ease your congestion symptoms: Use a humidifier: A humidifier or vaporizer can quickly reduce pressure, irritation, and mucus buildup in your sinuses by adding moisture to the air. Take a warm shower: Warm steam from a shower can help open your airways, providing short-term relief from congestion. Use a saline spray or nasal drops: A saltwater solution can help reduce inflammation in the nose. It may also help thin out and flush excess mucus. Saline products are available over the counter. Increase your fluid intake: Staying hydrated can reduce mucus buildup in your nose. Almost all liquids can help, but you should avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol. Try over-the-counter medication: To relieve congestion, try a decongestant, an antihistamine, or other allergy medication. Rest up: It’s important to allow your body to rest if you have a cold. Getting plenty of sleep will help boost your immune system so you can fight off your cold symptoms more effectively.

When to see a doctor

Congestion caused by a cold typically goes away on its own within a week or so. If your symptoms last for more than 7 days, you may want to follow up with a doctor. You should seek medical attention if congestion is accompanied by other symptoms, such as: a fever greater than 102°F or above (38.8°C) a fever that lasts longer than 5 days wheezing or shortness of breathsevere pain in your throat, head, or sinuses A fever in an infant under 3 months requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect you have the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, follow these steps to determine whether you should seek medical attention.

The bottom line

It’s not safe to use Vicks VapoRub inside your nose as it can be absorbed into your body through the mucus membranes lining your nostrils. VVR contains camphor, which can have toxic effects if absorbed into your body. It can be especially dangerous for children if it’s used inside their nasal passages. The most effective way for children over 2 years old and adults to use VVR is to only apply it to the chest or throat area. It can also be used on your muscles and joints for temporary pain relief. Last medically reviewed on October 24, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.DeGeorge KC, et al. (2019). Treatment of the common cold.
aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0901/p281.htmlMathen PG, et al. (2018). Camphor poisoning: A rare cause of acute symptomatic seizures in children.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182968/Mieres-Castro D, et al. (2021). Antiviral activities of eucalyptus essential oils: Their effectiveness as therapeutic targets against human viruses.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706319/Nawaz A, et al. (2015). Clinical efficacy of polyherbal formulation Eezpain spray for muscular pain relief.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25553684/Ojeda IC, et al. (2016). Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub® by an adult patient: A case report.
bmcearnosethroatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6Oreshko VV, et al. (2022). Synthesis and antiviral properties of camphor-derived iminothiazolidine-4-ones and 2,3-dihydrothiazoles.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9331314/Pereira EJ, et al. (2013). The effect of inhaled menthol on upper airway resistance in humans: A randomized controlled crossover study.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628651/Santhi N, et al. (2017). Efficacy of a topical aromatic rub (Vicks VapoRub®) on effects of self-reported and actigraphically assessed aspects of sleep in common cold patients.
scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=76608Vicks VapoRub FAQs. (2020).
vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faqVicks Vaporub: camphor (synthetic), eucalyptus oil, and menthol ointment. (2019).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6b16b47e-9cbe-4e62-825b-f65416c900a1&type=displayYin Y, et al. (2018). Structure of the cold- and menthol-sensing ion channel TRPM8.
10.1126/science.aan4325Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 25, 2022 By Carly Vandergriendt Edited By Heather Hobbs Medically Reviewed By Alisha D. Vassar-Sellers, BS Pharmacy, PharmD Copy Edited By Delores Smith-Johnson Apr 27, 2020 By Carly Vandergriendt Edited By Claire Brocato Medically Reviewed By Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Copy Edited By Delores Smith-Johnson Share this articleMedically reviewed by Alisha D. Sellers, BS Pharmacy, PharmD — By Carly Vandergriendt — Updated on October 24, 2022

Read this next

How to Sleep with a Stuffy Nose: 25 Tips to Speed Healing and Sleep BetterMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. A stuffy nose can keep you up at night, but it doesn’t have to. We’ll walk you through what to do during the day, in the evening, and at bedtime to…READ MORESinus Massage: 3 Techniques to Relieve PainMedically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. Massaging your face in a particular way may actually improve sinus pain and congestion. We talk about techniques and benefits of sinus massage.READ MOREWhy Am I Waking up with a Stuffy Nose?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Waking up with stuffy nose is an awful way to start your day. There are many reasons why it might happen, and effective treatment will depend on…READ MOREHow to Do a Sinus Flush at HomeMedically reviewed by James Keith Fisher, MD A sinus flush, or nasal irrigation, is one way to clear out your sinuses at home. All you need is a saline solution and a neti pot or bulb syringe…READ MORERespiratory AlkalosisREAD MOREIs My Baby’s Fast Breathing Normal? Baby Breathing Patterns ExplainedMedically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. Newborns typically breathe faster than adults. Learn the signs of a breathing problem in newborns and when to seek medical attention.READ MOREWhat You Need to Know About Using an Incentive Spirometer for Lung Strength An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you strengthen your lungs. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one.READ MOREBreath Sounds Atypical breath sounds can indicate a lung health issue, such as an obstruction, inflammation, or infection. Learn about breath sounds and what they…READ MORE*clone Market VIP* The 11 Best Mattresses for Lower Back Pain in 2022Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT These 11 picks are some of the best mattresses for lower back pain. Offering medium-firm support, they’ll help keep you aligned and rested.READ MORE