No, Vicks VapoRub cannot help you fight anxiety attack
A Facebook reel claiming that rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the neck can help a person fight off an anxiety attack is doing the rounds of social media.
By Sunanda Naik Published on 30 Sep 2022 12:49 PM GMT
Hyderabad: A Facebook reel claiming that rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the neck can help a person fight off an anxiety attack is doing the rounds of social media.
Vicks Vaporub is a popular topical ointment that works as a cough suppressant. But apart from relieving cough, cold, and other minor pains, can it also treat anxiety?
Let's debunk the claim.
FACT CHECK
The answer is NO! There is no scientific evidence backing the claim.
According to Mayo Clinic, two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. "Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety," it explained.
It also suggested certain types of medications such as antidepressants, Buspirone (an anti-anxiety medication) and, in limited circumstances, sedatives called benzodiazepines, or beta blockers.
These medications are for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and are not intended to be used long-term.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America has also suggested medication options for anxiety and depression.
However, we found a few articles and YouTube videos reviewing individual experiences regarding the use of Vicks VapoRub for anxiety.
Anxiety attacks could range from mild to extreme. It is still not scientifically proven that you can count on Vicks VapoRub to treat an anxiety attack. It's a kind of a try-and-buy hack. You can try and see if it works for you but don't forget to take the advice of your doctor.
In conclusion, the claim that Vicks VapoRub can relieve anxiety lacks scientific evidence. It may work as a temporary solution but is not recommended by any doctors. Hence, the claim is false.
