Smearing Vicks Chest Rub On Your Feet Could Cure Your Cough...Apparently
People suffering from coughs have been smearing Vicks VapoRub on their feet instead of their chests.
This peculiar application of the popular chest rub is being encouraged online through Facebook and internet forums.
A woman known as Julie wrote on Netmums: 'Yes have done this… it really does work. I put some on my feet last night as I have a cough and had a great night's sleep.
'Within a few minutes of putting on my feet, putting socks on and lying in bed, I can feel the vapours reach my throat! This only works when going to bed and never works for me during the day.'
(Picture: Rex)
Doctors have said this unprescribed approach is at best a ‘placebo’, stating that there is no scientific evidence for its effectiveness.
Dr Lynne Jordan, a chartered psychologist, told MailOnline: 'One theory could be that it helps reduce stress.
'By concentrating on something else, i.e. the process of putting Vicks on with the socks, you are reducing your stress levels.
Procter and Gamble, the producers of Vicks VapoRub, said: 'It is not in line with what the product is for so we would not endorse it being used in this way.'