Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter cough and cold remedy that has been around for over 100 years. Its active ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Vicks is commonly applied to the chest or neck area, but some people also use it in non-traditional ways, including in their mouth. So can you put Vicks in your mouth safely?
Quick Answers
In short:
- It is not recommended to swallow Vicks VapoRub.
- Small amounts of Vicks can be used in the mouth temporarily but should not be ingested.
- Putting Vicks in your mouth can cause poisoning or irritation in larger amounts.
- The menthol in Vicks may provide temporary relief for coughs or sore throats when used in the mouth.
- There are safer alternatives for cough and cold symptoms that can be used in the mouth.
Is it Safe to Use Vicks in Your Mouth?
The manufacturer Proctor & Gamble states that Vicks VapoRub is for external use only and should not be swallowed or used in the mouth. Most health experts advise against putting Vicks in your mouth, especially in large amounts.
This is because ingesting camphor oil, one of the main ingredients in Vicks, can be toxic. Swallowing small amounts of Vicks is generally not life-threatening but may cause adverse effects like:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritation or burning sensation in the mouth and throat
Consuming camphor can also cause seizures, especially in young children. There have been reported cases of accidental camphor poisoning and deaths from ingesting Vicks VapoRub.
Risks of Ingesting Vicks
The camphor content in Vicks is around 4-5%. Ingesting camphor oil is considered highly toxic in doses over 1 gram and potentially lethal above 2 grams. However, the actual amount that could be lethal depends on the person’s age and health condition.
Signs of camphor poisoning include:
- Burning of the lips, mouth, and throat
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle spasms and twitches
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Confusion and disorientation
- Liver damage
Camphor poisoning needs immediate medical treatment. Therefore, ingesting Vicks should be avoided, especially in children under 2 years old who are more susceptible to toxicity risks.
Is It OK to Use a Small Amount of Vicks in Your Mouth?
While swallowing Vicks VapoRub is not recommended, using a small amount in your mouth temporarily may be tolerable for some people. The menthol in Vicks can provide a cooling sensation that temporarily relieves cough, sore throat, or mouth irritation.
However, it is still not considered safe to use Vicks internally, even in small doses. The manufacturer advises against it, and most health experts warn against using Vicks in the mouth. Some possible issues with using Vicks orally in the short term include:
- The strong, medicinal taste of camphor and menthol can be unpleasant.
- It may cause numbness, burning, or irritation in the mucous membranes of the mouth.
- Accidentally swallowing even a small amount increases the risk of side effects.
- There is no evidence that using Vicks in the mouth effectively treats coughs, colds, or pain.
- The cooling sensation it provides only lasts temporarily.
While it’s not necessarily toxic in tiny doses, it’s better to avoid using Vicks in the mouth, especially for children. The risks tend to outweigh any potential benefits.
How to Use Vicks in Your Mouth Safely
If you do wish to use Vicks VapoRub in your mouth temporarily for symptom relief, follow these precautions:
- Only use a tiny amount such as a thin coating on the tongue or roof of the mouth.
- Never use it on or around mucous membranes such as the nose, lips, or inside the cheeks due to high absorption rates.
- Do not swallow any of the Vicks.
- Do not use it in the mouth for more than 15 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth out afterward with water.
- Keep out of reach of young children to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Discontinue use if you experience any irritation, discomfort, or swallow some of the rub.
Check with your doctor before using Vicks in your mouth, especially if you have respiratory issues. They can advise you on safer alternatives if needed.
What Are Some Safer Alternatives?
There are products better suited for oral use that can provide temporary relief of coughs, colds, and minor mouth and throat irritations:
Cough Drops or Throat Lozenges
Cough drops and throat lozenges such as Honey Lemon Ricola or Halls contain menthol, herbs, honey, and other ingredients that safely soothe coughs and sore throats when dissolved slowly in the mouth.
Oral Benzocaine
Oral gels and solutions with the anesthetic benzocaine like Orajel or Chloraseptic provide temporary pain relief by numbingly sore throats and mouth irritation. Some contain phenol as well.
Saltwater Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water can wash away mucus and irritants and ease sore throats and coughs. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds as needed.
Honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can coat and soothe sore throats. Use a small spoonful as needed for relief. Not suitable for infants.
Peppermint or Herbal Teas
Sipping warm peppermint, chamomile, or other herbal teas can temporarily ease coughs, colds, and sore throats. Add honey for extra soothing effects.
Should You Put Vicks on Your Feet or Toes?
Applying Vicks VapoRub to the soles of the feet or toes is another alternative use that has gained popularity. Some claim that rubbing Vicks on feet helps to reduce nighttime cough and cold symptoms.
The idea is that the menthol vapors are inhaled through the nose to clear congestion and relieve coughs. There’s no scientific evidence showing this works, but it’s unlikely to cause much harm as only small amounts are absorbed via the skin.
Here are some tips for using Vicks on feet safely:
- Rub only a small dab of Vicks on each foot and avoid contact with any cuts or broken skin.
- Put on clean cotton socks after applying to allow absorption.
- Use for short periods only, like overnight.
- Wash feet in the morning to remove residual Vicks.
- Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.
While using Vicks topically on the feet is likely fine for most people, there are a few cases where it should be avoided:
- Children under 2 years old – increased risk of camphor toxicity.
- Anyone with sensitive skin or allergies to Vicks ingredients.
- People with respiratory issues like asthma – menthol vapors may trigger attacks.
Talk to your doctor first before using Vicks on your feet or toes if you have any medical conditions.
Is It Safe to Use Vicks in Your Nose?
Vicks should never be used inside the nose. The manufacturer specifically states that it is for external use only and should be kept away from the nose and mouth.
Inserting Vicks in the nasal passages can be very dangerous and potentially fatal due to the risk of inhaling camphor and essential oils into the lungs. This can cause:
- Burning and severe irritation of the nasal mucosa
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing fits or choking sensations
- Hypoxia (inadequate oxygen)
- Respiratory arrest
- Pneumonia from inhaling foreign substances
There have been reported cases of people dying after applying Vicks directly in their nose, especially in infants and young children. Using Vicks in or too close to the nostrils should always be avoided.
Safe Alternatives for Congestion
Instead of putting Vicks in your nose, use safer products designed to relieve nasal and sinus congestion such as:
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses – help wash out mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passages.
- Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin – shrink swollen nasal membranes temporarily.
- Neti pots – flush out excess mucus with a saline solution.
- Humidifiers – moisturize and open congested airways.
- Oral decongestants like Sudafed – reduce inflammation systemically.
- Nasal strips – lift open nasal passages mechanically.
See your doctor if congestion persists despite using alternatives. More serious medical treatment may be needed for chronic sinus problems.
Is Vicks Safe During Pregnancy?
There are mixed opinions on whether Vicks VapoRub can be used safely during pregnancy. Small amounts applied topically are generally considered safe by most experts, but oral use is not recommended.
Potential Risks
Some doctors advise pregnant women to avoid Vicks altogether as a precaution due to:
- Limited evidence on safety for the developing fetus.
- Possible absorption of ingredients like camphor and menthol through the skin over prolonged use.
- Cases of toxicity caused by excessive use or ingestion while pregnant.
Using Vicks in the first trimester is typically advised against when risks to the fetus are highest. Those with certain medical conditions may also be told to avoid it entirely during pregnancy.
How to Use Safely
Many doctors agree that minimal, topical use of Vicks is unlikely to be harmful during pregnancy for a healthy woman. Recommended safe use includes:
- Applying only a small dab on the chest, neck, and/or bottom of feet.
- Using no more than 2-3 times per day for short periods only.
- Discontinuing use if skin irritation occurs.
- Not using in the facial area near the nose or mouth.
- Always washing hands after application.
- Asking your obstetrician about your specific case.
Never ingest Vicks while pregnant, and keep containers out of reach of children to avoid accidental poisoning. Seek medical care immediately if poisoning occurs.
How Should Vicks Be Stored and Handled?
To maintain safety and effectiveness, Vicks VapoRub should be stored and handled properly:
- Keep out of reach and sight of children. Child-resistant caps should be tightly sealed.
- Always store at room temperature away from excess heat or damp areas like bathrooms.
- Do not open or damage sealed containers until ready to use.
- Never pierce or puncture a Vicks container.
- Always wash hands after applying Vicks.
- Use within 2 years of opening and discard if expired.
- Do not use on broken skin or damaged mucous membranes.
- Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse immediately if this occurs.
Properly stored, sealed Vicks can be kept for up to 4 years before opening. Take care to prevent ingestion or contact with mucous membranes during use.
Conclusion
Vicks VapoRub should never be swallowed or used in the nose as it can have severe adverse effects. Small temporary oral use may be tolerated by some people but is still not medically recommended or proven beneficial. Topical application on the chest, feet, and neck area only is advised. For coughs, colds, and congestion, there are safer alternatives than using Vicks in or around the mouth and nose.
Be very cautious using Vicks around infants and young children due to toxicity risks if ingested. For pregnant women, minimal topical use may be deemed safe by doctors but oral use should be avoided. Always ask your doctor before using Vicks in any manner not stated on the packaging.