Remember Vicks from when you were a kid?
Updated: Nov 1, 2022
Or maybe Tiger Balm is more your style...I never got Vicks in the jar or vaporizer, but I sure did love Tiger Balm. The minty scent was so potent it felt like you could instantly breathe better and of course, it provided a very cooling, numbing effect on sore muscles. I have to admit at one point, I even tasted it. Not recommended.
What makes Vicks VaboRub smell so distinctive?
If you wonder what you're smelling when you smell Vicks, it's the unforgettably potent scent of eucalyptus, a plant that is used for respiratory problems and has many other benefits, including:
Relief from mucous congestion, bronchitis, colds, sore throat and sinusitis
Improved concentration and reduced fatigue
Relieving muscle aches and pains
Natural insect repellent
Inflammation fighter = relief from common illnesses like arthritis and asthma
Antibacterial properties
Is it any wonder that eucalyptus is found in mouthwashes, liniments and ointments, toothpastes, cough drops, and lozenges of all kinds?
I have personally used eucalyptus oil in the kids' bath ever since they were toddlers, whenever they had a cold. In fact, Johnson's makes a soothing vapor bath baby product that uses eucalyptus and I would just use both in the tub at the same time to help clear their stuffy noses and chests (back when I still believed in bubbles and didn't realize I was putting actual detergent in their bathwater). But the plain eucalyptus smells a little medicinal, let's face it.
Concentrated peppermint (menthol) also plays a key role in Tiger Balm
Enter a key ingredient in Tiger Balm - peppermint. This is another antiseptic oil (menthol) that helps with breathing and sinus-clearing, yet it also smells sweet and soothing. Peppermint essential oil is one of the most versatile essential oils and inhaling its pungent fragrance offers benefits to the respiratory system, including for coughs, colds, asthma, allergies and even tuberculosis. Peppermint essential oil works topically for numbing, cooling pain relief, so it's nice if you have those achy joints that often come with being sick.
I decided to combine both eucalyptus and peppermint for my own 'sick bath' bathing salts. Both are powerful, yet complementary, natural bath additives in a concentration that won't sting the eyes.
The same breathe-right effect of Vicks and Tiger Balm - in the bath!
If you think you're too old to take a 'sick bath', I urge you to try the value size bag of Mama, I'm Sick mineral-rich bathing salts. Between these two essential oils and the healing properties of the salts themselves, you're going to end up feeling like you're being taken care of by a mother's loving touch. Isn't that what we're all looking for when we have a cold?
For more targeted care that's just like Vicks, only 100% natural, we have a roll on lotion bar filled with potent essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint. Apply on chest, back and even under your nose to clear out sinuses, or apply and massage into skin to cool and relieve sore muscles. The solid stick format eliminates the icky, sticky fingers factor while effectively delivering that cooling, penetrating essential oil hit right where it's needed - it melts in deep skin when you rub on the stick. When cold and flu season hits, you'll be prepared. And in rather prescient fashion (our all natural vapour rub stick has been selling out long before anyone heard of social distancing) we call it Don't Stand So Close to Me.