When it comes to tackling colds and flu, Vicks has been the go-to solution for many. From the well-known Vicks Vaporub to its range of syrups, inhalers, and rubs, Vicks has been a game-changer in over-the-counter medicine.
Amidst its popularity and effectiveness, however, questions remain if Vicks is truly healthy, or has hidden risks behind its soothing effects.
Thandeka Diphoko from Centurion in Gauteng shares that she learned about Vicks’ versatility from family and friends, who recommended it for various uses beyond its conventional purpose. Intrigued by its potential to stimulate hair growth around the hairline, she decided to give it a try.
“I use Vicks to protect my hairline. I’ve also used Vicks for steaming when I have flu, as lip balm sometimes, on my chest and back when I have flu, and I smear a bit in and around the nose to open it up and help me breathe better.”
Thandeka Diphoko
“I haven’t experienced any side effects from using it. It’s a multipurpose product, and I always make sure I have it at home.”
For Mfundo Kunene from Durban, Vicks is useful whenever he has the flu. He adds how it also played a huge role in his recovery when he had Covid-19.
Steaming treatment
“I use Vicks for steaming to ease my chest, and I also use it when I have the flu. It really helps.”
“When I had Covid in 2020, Vicks syrup helped me a lot. I actually beat Covid by steaming with Vicks and using the Vicks syrup. This was recommended by my cousin, who is a doctor, and it worked amazingly.”
Hospital pharmacist Sibulele Mbakaza from Johannesburg defines Vicks as a type of product referred to as an herbal, alternative, or complementary product.
“Vicks is used for its soothing effect, mild pain relief, and ease of breathing. This product may be recommended to a patient, but that will be influenced by the needs of the patient, especially if they want alternatives to over-the-counter medicines.”
Pharmacist Sibulele Mbakaza
The main ingredients that make Vicks effective are camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus.”
Mbakaza explains that the health benefits reported by the company include nasal decongestion, temporary headache relief, as well as muscle aches and pain associated with a cold.
Beware of side-effects
He adds that observed side-effects range from local skin irritation to nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, convulsions.
“It is important to note that in the event of side effects or poisoning, the presentation may vary from person to person and shall be treated symptomatically. It is advisable to stop using the product if skin irritation occurs and to seek medical attention if a significant amount of product has been ingested.”
“Vicks falls under the complementary banner of medicines and, as such, has not been evaluated for quality, safety, or intended use by the medicines regulatory authority. Therefore, it is important to use these products with care and use them for their intended use in moderation.”
According to him, deviation in use outside the scope of intended use can be seen as dangerous. He warns that the product is not to be ingested or applied to irritated or broken skin or mucous membranes.
“I urge people to be careful when self-medicating, more so (but not limited to) preparations taken orally, as there may be interactions with other medicines they are already taking, including their chronic medications.”
Pharmacist Sibulele Mbakaza
“So, before self-medicating, consult with a doctor or pharmacist on the safety of using the product together with your prescription medications, as this will help you stay in the clear and avoid these unwanted and potentially life-threatening interactions.”
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