Comments on: a different kind of cure http://www.hamptonroadspub.com/blog/2007/04/23/a-different-kind-of-cure/ News, notes, updates, and insights from the editors and staff of Hampton Roads Publishing Company Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:51:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Sarah Dea, National Research Council Canada http://www.hamptonroadspub.com/blog/2007/04/23/a-different-kind-of-cure/#comment-15926 Sarah Dea, National Research Council Canada Mon, 28 May 2007 15:53:30 +0000 http://www.hamptonroadspub.com/blog/2007/04/23/a-different-kind-of-cure/#comment-15926 FOOT RUB COUGH CURE: FACT OR FICTION? The National Research Council of Canada (also referred to as NRC) has recently learned of an email that is circulating which claims we have proven that Vicks VapoRub™ can be applied to the feet to cure a persistent cough. We would like to take this opportunity to dispel this suggestion. The e-mail suggests that NRC has conducted research comparing the effectiveness of prescription cough medicines in children to alternative therapies like acupressure. However, our databases indicate that no such studies involving Vicks VapoRub have been conducted at NRC. It is rare for NRC to engage in research into alternate applications of medications. The email message also refers to NRC incorrectly as the “Canada Research Council.” The proper name of our organization is the National Research Council Canada. Home remedies, homeopathy and alternative therapies for illnesses are popular areas of interest for Canadians, especially in recent years. Although NRC conducts some research in these areas (NRC conducts research on nutraceuticals and therapeutic attributes of plants), our focus is more frequently on medical and pharmaceutical treatments for illness and disease. Some of our best-known advancements have been in this field, including: the first practical motorized wheelchair, the first artificial pacemaker, the Meningitis-C vaccine, the cobalt bomb and research into food-borne pathogens and water safety, to name a few. Through these innovations, NRC scientists have improved the quality of life of millions of people around the world. For almost a century, the NRC has been adapting to address new national challenges and priorities. More information can be found on our website at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca. FOOT RUB COUGH CURE: FACT OR FICTION?

The National Research Council of Canada (also referred to as NRC) has recently learned of an email that is circulating which claims we have proven that Vicks VapoRubâ„¢ can be applied to the feet to cure a persistent cough. We would like to take this opportunity to dispel this suggestion.

The e-mail suggests that NRC has conducted research comparing the effectiveness of prescription cough medicines in children to alternative therapies like acupressure. However, our databases indicate that no such studies involving Vicks VapoRub have been conducted at NRC. It is rare for NRC to engage in research into alternate applications of medications.

The email message also refers to NRC incorrectly as the “Canada Research Council.” The proper name of our organization is the National Research Council Canada.
Home remedies, homeopathy and alternative therapies for illnesses are popular areas of interest for Canadians, especially in recent years. Although NRC conducts some research in these areas (NRC conducts research on nutraceuticals and therapeutic attributes of plants), our focus is more frequently on medical and pharmaceutical treatments for illness and disease. Some of our best-known advancements have been in this field, including: the first practical motorized wheelchair, the first artificial pacemaker, the Meningitis-C vaccine, the cobalt bomb and research into food-borne pathogens and water safety, to name a few.

Through these innovations, NRC scientists have improved the quality of life of millions of people around the world. For almost a century, the NRC has been adapting to address new national challenges and priorities. More information can be found on our website at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

]]> By: DC http://www.hamptonroadspub.com/blog/2007/04/23/a-different-kind-of-cure/#comment-11849 DC Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:33:20 +0000 http://www.hamptonroadspub.com/blog/2007/04/23/a-different-kind-of-cure/#comment-11849 http://www.snopes.com/medical/homecure/vaporub.asp The above link has some background on the Vicks story. The link goes to Snopes, but Snopes in this case doesn't conclude that this is simply an urban legend. My mother implemented a version of this remedy for her eight kids back in the 1950s whenever we had a cough. Her method was to apply the "Vics salve" to our chests and then cover that with a cloth. It seemed to work for us. http://www.snopes.com/medical/homecure/vaporub.asp

The above link has some background on the Vicks story. The link goes to Snopes, but Snopes in this case doesn’t conclude that this is simply an urban legend. My mother implemented a version of this remedy for her eight kids back in the 1950s whenever we had a cough. Her method was to apply the “Vics salve” to our chests and then cover that with a cloth. It seemed to work for us.

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