General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsVick's VapoRub was the ivermectin of the 1918 flu pandemic.
People "believed" in it as a cure-all. Some swallowed spoons full thinking it would cure the deadly flu strain. It couldn't. The ointment was introduced in 1905 as a "pneumonia salve." In 1918, stores frequently ran out
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CrispyQ
(36,233 posts)But I wouldn't eat it! Retch!
I think the current trend of stupidity is made worse by social media.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)(But I haven't had a cold or flu in many years... I wonder if it expires on the shelf if it's never been opened.)
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)I'm sure this is going to be the next cure that they try. I'll try to start a rumor that they should cover their faces and genitals with it for the strongest reaction.
SCantiGOP
(13,856 posts)He was born in 1919. We always used to joke that he thought Vicks Vapor Rub and hydrogen peroxide would cure anything, and that he had gotten his medical degree from Readers Digest.
I, on the other hand, have my advanced medical degree from WebMD. 🙄
Hugin
(32,783 posts)around my neck.
The coughing it induced may have had some therapeutic effect. I suppose.
The shot of whiskey she gave me made it tolerable.
Dr. Shepper
(3,012 posts)My PhD is in influenza and I am well aware of the fact that it doesnt clear the flu. But it sure can help with symptoms, especially congestion d/t secondary bacterial infections.
However (as both a virologist and veterinarian), I honestly cannot see how ivermectin can help with a coronavirus infection. Unless you need so much to kill off the virus that it kills regular cells too.
ETA I would NEVER ingest the stuff though.
samnsara
(17,572 posts)Dr. Shepper
(3,012 posts)And SHE wants to be a math teacher (after she becomes a world famous gymnast and artist).
She solves her math problems using multiple methodologies and leaves me in complete awe.
Sneederbunk
(14,208 posts)Klaralven
(7,510 posts)I think the theory was that the cold would become so uncomfortable that it would go away!
XanaDUer2
(10,327 posts)Hugin
(32,783 posts)carbolated petroleum jelly every day for the remainder of his life.
No word on if he was ever sick or had worms.
I'm guessing he was regular.
Dude lived into his 100's. But, the folks in that part of the family could derive sustenance from eating gravel.
samnsara
(17,572 posts)tanyev
(42,362 posts)History does rhyme.
Elessar Zappa
(13,650 posts)thought Vicks could cure anything. She would rub Vicks on my Grandpas chest and feet when he had a cold! Not sure what the foot had to do with a chest cold but, nevertheless, she used it that way.
eShirl
(18,466 posts)It smells and feels better than Absorbine Jr. or BenGay
Don't. Eat. Vicks.
FoxNewsSucks
(10,378 posts)My grandmother was born around the turn of the century, and as a little kid in the 60's, I remember her telling us to eat a spoonful of Vicks to cure things. I guess it's lucky my mother put a stop to that. Today, she'd probably be agreeing with it.
I always liked the smell of Vicks, either rubbed on or in a vaporizer. At school, we all had those little Vick's inhalers, and it took a lot of willpower to wait the two hours or whatever between uses. It did clear up a snotty nose pretty well.
Even liking Vicks for its intended use, I never wanted to eat it. It's a good smell, but not a good taste at all. Plus, the label clearly said 'external use only'.
wendyb-NC
(3,250 posts)for a chest cold. As long as it's used externally, as directed. The scent is very soothing and quiets a cough.
Mme. Defarge
(7,982 posts)Plus ça change, plus cest la même chose.
Interesting.