Chest rub
Chest rub, cold rub, or vapor/vapour rub is a mentholated topical petroleum jelly-based ointment intended to assist with minor medical conditions that temporarily impair breathing, including the common cold. It is applied to the chest, often immediately before sleeping. Indications. A single study of vapor rub found that it improved cough and cold symptoms more than a control in children with the common cold. Side effects included mild irritation of the skin where it was applied. The study was funded by Procter & Gamble, the owner of Vicks.