Does Vicks Stimulate Blood Flow? Unpacking the Science of Topical Rubefacients
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4 min read
Studies have shown that topical menthol can dose-dependently increase superficial skin blood flow, a key ingredient in Vicks VapoRub. However, the feeling of warmth and coolness does not indicate systemic circulatory changes. This raises the question: Does Vicks stimulate blood flow, or is it a localized effect we perceive differently?