Vicks VapoRub. Grandmas swear by it. But does it really work? A new study in Pediatrics is validating Grandmas everywhere. 138 sick kids in Pennsylvania were divided into three groups: some got VapoRub plastered on their chest, some got Vasoline, and some got nothing. The kids who woke up smelly ended up doing the best. The VapoRub group had less cough and congestion and slept better. There was no difference in runny nose. About half of the VapoRub kids had minor skin reactions, such as tingling, burning or red skin.
So this cold season, it might not hurt to follow Grandma's and lather on the Vicks.
