I have a nasty cold and my friend told me to dab just a little bit of that vapor rub underneath or slightly inside my nostrils. I did and it started burning a little, not unbearable but I still noticed it. When I looked on the box, it advised NOT to put them in your nostrils... does anyone have any idea why this is? Logically, it seems like it would help clean our your sinuses a bit

I have a nasty cold and my friend told me to dab just a little bit of that vapor rub underneath or slightly inside my nostrils. I did and it started burning a little, not unbearable but I still noticed it. When I looked on the box, it advised NOT to put them in your nostrils... does anyone have any idea why this is? Logically, it seems like it would help clean our your sinuses a bit
I don't have any vapor rub on hand so I don't know what the ingredients are, but I do believe it contains mentholatum, a pretty strong oil. That might be why they say not to put in inside your nose or any other mucus membranes. The menthol helps your sinus pasages feel more open but you can just put it on your chest. Better yet, toss the vapor rub, or use it for athletes foot instead. It stinks and it doesn't really do much for a cold. Try Cold-Eeze or Airborne instead. Those products actually do work to make your cold symptoms milder, not mask them. They also shorten the duration of the cold. I take Cold-Eeze anytime I feel a tickle or any funny feeling in my throat and I know I've been exposed to others with a cold. I don't get colds anymore. :bouncing:

I was going to say the same as the previous poster about why you shouldn't put it in your nose. The oils can damage the delicate linings. I did find it helpful with rubbing it on my chest and throat when I go to bed. And you can melt some in very hot water and steam - that will really help you to unblock.

:) thanks for the tips.

I don't know why it burns....My grandmother said put some in your nose as well....I don't want to anymore it has to dave something to do with why the container says don't put it in your nose....As for the burning...I dont know...could be a number of things.....just don't do it agian hehe....