According to the label, VapoRub can be applied to an individual's feet, back, chest, muscles and joints to relieve pain, fever and congestion, which then allows it to be a sleep aid after relieving said symptoms. Some people choose to spray the ointment, pour it into a bowl, and, while wearing a towel over their head, breathe in the steam. The ointment was first used to be applied to a person's chest. So when the body was heated, the heat vaporized the menthol, releasing a soothing medicated vapor for hours. The product label and the Vicks company warn consumers against putting the ointment under their nostrils, but some people do it anyway because they find it relieves congestion without unwanted side effects. To test the effectiveness of VapoRub on cough symptoms, compared to no treatment, a study was conducted by the American Academy of