Vicks VapoRub Claimed as Unexpected Remedy for Motion Sickness

A common cold remedy, Vicks VapoRub, is gaining attention as a potential solution for motion sickness after a woman shared a taxi driver’s advice that reportedly eliminated her nausea during a recent trip.

Kiki Rough recounted her experience in a social media video, explaining she was feeling severely ill during a ride to the airport. The taxi driver, anticipating her discomfort, offered her Vicks VapoRub to apply under her nose. “When I tell you, three decades of my life where I have fought to not throw up on every long-form car trip just disappeared. My nausea? Out the window,” Rough stated. The driver also provided a small container of the balm for her flight, adding, “Don’t get sick on your flight.”

The reported success has resonated online, with many commenters calling the tip “life-saving” and expressing excitement to try it on future journeys. Experts believe the menthol scent in Vicks VapoRub may help alleviate motion sickness by blocking triggering odors and providing a sensation similar to breathing in fresh air – a known remedy for nausea. For more information on managing travel sickness, resources are available from the National Health Service.

While Vicks VapoRub is not specifically designed to treat motion sickness, and its effectiveness may vary, the NHS recommends several other strategies, including sitting in a car’s front seat, focusing on the horizon, and consuming ginger. Travel health is a growing concern as more people resume international travel. Officials have not yet commented on the Vicks VapoRub remedy, but continue to recommend established treatments for motion sickness.