The ointment itself is soothing to the nose but when applied incorrectly, it can trigger skin and respiratory problems.

Lunsford Richardson, the creator of Vicks VapoRub, also is credited with sending out the first junk mail. He was born in ...

The strong-smelling topical product — made of “menthol, camphor, oil of eucalyptus and several other oils, blended in a base of petroleum jelly” — is still sold. The Vicks brand now also ...