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A female asked:

What does vapor rub do for you when rubbed on your arm pits?? is there a purpose for this? curious my mom use to do this for is when we were sick?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan
Dermatology 59 years experience
Not much: The menthol, sniffed up your nose, may open your breathing a little.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Old time practice: The native americans used pine pitch as an additive to vapors made in their sweat lodges.The stink persists today in Vick's vaporub. I never recommend it under school age (leads to nasal congestion in some) but the use was a common practice that gave mom's something to do. Using leeches and poltaces have faded from common use and this will eventually.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Feb 14, 2021

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