Vicks VapoRub is banned in America as it is declared not good for health it can create Asthma, TB etc. It is declared as Toxic by WHO.

VapoRub is currently manufactured and packaged in India and Mexico. In Germany it is sold under the name WICK VapoRub.

Actual price of Vicks is 60-70Rs per Kg but it is sold at the rate of Rs 1600/Kg. It is giving profit to the company of 20,000%.

Analysis:.

The message states that Vicks Vaporub is banned in America as it is toxic and leads to deadly diseases like Asthma and TB. Vicks Vaporub is a common over the counter topical cream used to get relief from symptoms of common cold, cough and congestion. It has been found to be widely effective, but there are certain precautions that one needs to take care before using it. Vicks Vaporub is NOT meant for children and babies under age the age of 2 years. Any menthol and camphor based product like Vicks Vaporub is toxic and can be harmful to a babies’ respiratory system. Recent studies have found that putting Vicks Vaporub under a child’s nose actually makes it harder for the child to breathe. Moreover, it can lead to increase in mucus and congestion, especially in children who have narrow airways when compared to adults.

Procter and Gamble, the manufacturers of Vick Vaporub, also mention this warning on their label, not to use it on children below the age of two, and avoid applying it inside the nostrils or intaking it by mouth. So, keep it out of children’s reach. It is also to be noted that Vicks Vaporub should not be used with tight bandages and on wounds or damaged skin.

“VapoRub should be applied only to the chest and throat to relieve cough due to cold symptoms, or to muscular areas and joints for aches and pains. Since VapoRub ointment is an oil-based medication, it shouldn’t be used under or inside the nose or inside the mouth, or swallowed. Any oil-based product can get into the lungs if used improperly.”

Coming to the effect of Vicks Vaporub in adults, studies show that Vicks Vaporub may provide a comfortable feeling to people with congestion, but in real, it does not increase the airflow nor relieve congestion. Dr. Rubin, MD, FCCP, the lead author of the study on Vicks vaporub effect concluded saying:

“I recommend never putting Vicks in, or under, the nose of anybody—adult or child. I also would follow the directions and never use it at all in children under age 2. Some of the ingredients in Vicks, notably the menthol, trick the brain into thinking that it is easier to breathe by triggering a cold sensation, which is processed as indicating more airflow. Vicks may make you feel better but it can’t help you breathe better.”

The best treatment for congestion, according to Dr. Rubin is:

“The best treatments for congestion are a bit of saline (salt water) and gentle rubber bulb suction, warm drinks or chicken soup, and, often, just letting the passage of time heal the child.”

Dr. Rubin also insists that when a child is struggling to breathe, it is a medical emergency and you should see him a doctor as soon as possible.

Vicks Vaporub is NOT banned in America or by WHO, but it is important to use it as per the instructions, especially for babies. If you do not use it as per the instructions, there are certain negative effects associated with the usage of Vicks Vaporub.

References:
Vicks VapoRub – Wikipedia
Vicks vaporub harmful for children
Vicks Product Warning
Negative effects of Vicks Vaporub
How to use Vicks Vaporub