We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

How Do I Choose the Best Chest Rub?

A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Updated Feb 12, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A chest rub is often used when a person is congested. Rubbing it on the chest can help soothe the symptoms of a cold. There are several types of chest rubs available, including commercially produced varieties that contain camphor and menthol. Natural versions have essential oils and beeswax. If the rub is intended for an infant or toddler, you should choose one that is designed for this age group.

Most commercial varieties of chest rub, also called vapor rub, are meant for people more than the age of two. Studies have shown that these rubs are effective in relieving the congestion felt from a cold. While the chest rubs do not actually relieve congestion, they trick your body into thinking you feel less congested, as the menthol has a strong scent that makes you feel as if you can breathe well again.

Applying the rub to the chest can help soothe coughs as well. Some people experience relief from muscle aches and pain when using a vapor rub. The rub can help ease muscle stress and improve blood flow.

If you need a chest rub for a child who is younger than two, choose one that is designed specifically for babies or toddlers. These rubs don't contain menthol or camphor, which can irritate a toddler's air passages. Camphor is also potentially fatal if ingested by a baby. Look for chest rubs for babies that contain ingredients such as aloe vera and lavender.

Camphor can also cause problems in older children and adults. If it comes in contact with your eyes, for example, your cornea may be damaged. You shouldn't use chest rubs that contain camphor near your nostrils or other openings on your body.

A homemade chest rub or an organic one that does not contain camphor may be a better option for you. To make your own rub, mix between 10 and 20 drops of an essential oil, such as peppermint or eucalyptus, into a few ounces of almond oil. You can also use petroleum jelly if you prefer. Start with a lower amount of essential oil, especially if the rub is for a young child.

Natural herbal versions of a vapor rub may be available and may be preferable if you want to avoid camphor and do not want to make your own. Usually, natural rubs have a base of beeswax or coconut oil. Herbs used in the rubs may include lavender and eucalyptus. Some contain herbs such as coriander or chamomile.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By SpecialBug — On Feb 02, 2014

Menthol is pretty smelly. It brings back memories of the greasy rubs of my childhood. But, for achy muscles and joints, it might just be a good choice. It could provide a soothing warmth.

By Jewellian — On Feb 02, 2014

I don't know. As a mom, I would steer clear of anything that is "potentially fatal" to my child. I will not use camphor for the reasons described in the article. However, if there is even a small chance that a vapor rub will help ease my child's discomfort, brought on by a cold-even if that comfort is just perceived in his head, I will apply it.

I believe just the act of applying a homemade rub on the child's chest and the accompanying fragrance of the rub, would at least be a comfort measure. I would choose eucalyptus and peppermint over the strong smell of menthol.

By Ahmerus — On Feb 01, 2014

So, you really don't actually feel better? The article states, "While the chest rubs do not actually relieve congestion, they trick your body into thinking you feel less congested, as the menthol has a strong scent that makes you feel as if you can breathe well again..."

I don't know how I feel about this. There is no healing taking place, no opening of sinus passages? It all sounds so psychosomatic. Vapor rubs make us think we feel better, so we feel better. I should have known. Vapor rubs never made me feel better as a child. I think it is an action that makes moms feel better when their kids are sick. We have to do something for our miserable child.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.