The use of chest rubs or vapouriser or inhalant liquids to treat coughs and colds, or for any other purpose are no longer recommended.
Chest rubs and vapouriser liquids don't have any proven benefit.
- Chest rubs and vapouriser liquids don't make it easier to breathe or have a decongestant effect.
- They can make you feel as though your airways are clearing, but this is because camphor, menthol or eucalyptus oil make your nostrils more sensitive to cold air.
As a safer option, use saltwater drops (saline) to treat a stuffy nose – ask your pharmacist or family doctor for instructions.
Children are particularly at risk of toxicity
The camphor and eucalyptus oil in chest rubs and vapouriser liquids are poisonous and can make children very sick if they swallow them. As little as 2mL (less than half a teaspoon) of eucalyptus oil can cause significant poisoning in an infant. There have been reports of seizures in children who have swallowed products such as Vicks vapour rub. Be safe and do not have chest rubs or vapouriser liquids in the house.
