We have all, at one time or another, been led to believe that the everyday things that we do [in the maintaining of our health and our bodies' well-being] are truly beneficial to our health. These things have either been passed down, passed on or simply trusted since there is a product out there that says it does such-and-such, and sometimes without questioning, we go ahead and blindly entrust our health and that of our family.
This evening I was browsing the internet, as I often do, and I stumbled upon an article that took me back a step. It was regarding Vicks Vaporub. A product that I as a child, as well as my siblings, [and even my children] took as children.
Straight to my point, here's what I found out:
Written by Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.
And I quote: 'Vicks VapoRub doesn't relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub tricks your brain. As a result, you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. By contrast, decongestant tablets and nasal sprays sold over-the-counter appear to narrow blood vessels in the lining of your nose, leading to reduced swelling in your nasal passages.
VapoRub has drawbacks other than its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years of age.
Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor — one of the main ingredients in VapoRub and other topical medications, such as Campho-Phenique and Bengay — can cause fatal poisoning in toddlers. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That's why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils — particularly a small child's nostrils. Finally, if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea.'
Wow. For years upon years people have been unwittingly putting their trust and their children's health at the mercy of this product. Please pass this on if you know some one who uses this product.
Until next time,
To Your Health,
Jeff
P.S. Here is the original link for the article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal-decongestant/AN01551
