Vicks on Feet to Help Cough?

Updated on January 13, 2011
J.M. asks from Harrisburg, PA
17 answers

I have broncitis and havn't been ableto sleep for days now b-c of cough. I have tried robitussin and mucinex and nothing worked. Someone told me to get vicks andrub iton the bottom of my feet and put socks on. Has anyone ever heard of this and does it work?

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So What Happened?

Ok so I tried it and it didn't work for me so I called my Dr and he called mein two different kinds of cough meds and they seem to be helping. I stick to the robitussin during the day though because the rx makes me tired and the kids try to take over.

Featured Answers

A.N.

answers from Bloomington on

I know it sounds wierd, I though so too when I first heard about it. But it works! I do it now everytime me or one of my kids have a cough.

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S.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

OMG, I laughed at this for sooo long, and last winter my youngest had a horrible cough and congestion that would NOT QUIT. My neighbor who I feel is the mother's version of Oprah, told me to do it. It worked! Still works!
Try it.

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A.M.

answers from Eau Claire on

Yes it Works! On the bottom of your feet and between your toes. You can do it during the day and when you go to sleep.

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J.C.

answers from Casper on

I do it on my kids and myself when we have coughs and it works! I like to do it only at bedtime as it does feel really wierd to have something on your feet without rubbing it in. I like to put a real thick layer on and then put some socks on their feet to make less of a mess. If you are having such a hard time, I would try it. I also continue to put the vicks on their chest and back. Good luck and I hope you feel better.
J.--SAHM of 7

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A.J.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have not tried it on myself but it works like a charm for my kids!

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

It works for my kids. I would agree - get a humidifier for your room as well! Hope you feel better soon.

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S.J.

answers from New York on

Yes I've done it and it works for me. Also a humidifier works wonders. I have the Vicks and you can add the Vapor liquid to the water.

My friend rubs the Vicks cream all over her neck and chest which she says is the only way it works for her.

A spoonful of honey during the night helps too but I'm not sure if it will for a bronchitis cough.

Hope you feel better soon!

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A.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Works for us!

I avoid meds bc I think they are unnecessary most of the time, but if your cough is concerning or has persisted for several days, it can't hurt to have a dr or chiro listen to your chest and be sure there is no fluid in the lungs. You don't want to mess w/pneumonia.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

My Mom always used Vicks on my neck and chest.
I still find the smell comforting when I have a cold so I still use it.
I heard of putting it on feet a few years ago and I tried it.
It never worked for me.
It made my feet feel soft, but it did nothing for my cold/cough.
For bronchitis, if your nose is still dripping down into your lungs, try rinsing your nose with a neti pot and a slightly warm saline solution. Repeat as often as you need to.
When I have a cough, sleeping with a heating pad (on low) on my chest helps me a lot. You could try a mustard plaster, but it's easier to burn your skin with mustard than it is with the heating pad. I mixed one up too strong once and although the sensation of heat was wonderful, my skin peeled like I had a sunburn.
A humidifier next to your bed should help keep the cough loose and warm steamy showers can help you cough up the mucus and clear your breathing passages. Keep your fluids up. If dairy products thicken your mucus, avoid them till you feel better.
Hope you feel better soon!

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J.B.

answers from Phoenix on

I had never heard of it on the feet, but we use it on the chest with a tight fitting shirt and it works great.

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E.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

No clue if it actually works or if it’s psychological but I do it every time I’m sick and every time my son is sick and we always get a better sleep. I like it best with really thick warm socks—like the fuzzy slipper socks that they sell everywhere during the winter. Try it!

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T.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Try it, but if you have broncitis, I'd also see your doc. I couldn't sleep for a week and despite still breastfeeding, they put me on a combo of antibiotics (lingering sinus infection), Hydromet (cough syrup with codeine - 1/2 dose at bedtime) and an inhaler. I'm finally shaking it (and boy, did I try some home remedies first! honey with cinnamon, Vicks on feet and chest, Saline nasal spray, Mucinex, Robitussin, Delsum, garlic/honey/lemon juice/cayenne pepper/1000mg Vit C, you name it!).

Feel better!

M.L.

answers from Erie on

I've used this on both my kids and i think it works!

D.S.

answers from Allentown on

Hi, Kids:

Yes, I have.
Have you gone to the doc for your bronchitis?
Just want to know.
D.

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Go to the doctor.It sounds like you need to have a round of steroids to help get rid of it and you may also needs an inhaler. If you do not take care of this it could turn into pnemonia.

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J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I have never heard of putting it on your feet but I have used it on neck and chest...but wouldn't hurt to try right?

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M.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have heard of this. Personally I have yet to try it, but will if the need ever arises. I hear works wonderfully! Vicks on the neck and chest is good too. Also consider the vicks "plug in", we don't have humidifiers but the vicks plug in has the same effect and it works great.

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