That comforting chest rub you grew up with, that familiar mentholated ointment isn’t as innocent as it seems.
Its key ingredient, camphor, may provide that cooling relief, but it also comes with a dark side. Even a small amount swallowed (as little as a teaspoon) can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, or even death, especially in young children. It’s so risky that the FDA once limited camphor concentration in over-the-counter products because of accidental poisonings.
Then there’s the base itself: petroleum jelly. Originally a byproduct of the oil industry, it’s not meant for internal use, yet people regularly slather it under their noses or on chests to breathe easier. Over time, that habit can lead to lipoid pneumonia, a rare but serious condition caused by inhaling tiny amounts of oily substances into the lungs.
So while that classic rub may remind you of comfort and care, its ingredients tell a different story, one of industrial shortcuts and chemical risks hidden behind nostalgic branding. No wonder those little blue jars are labeled “for external use only” and “not for children under 2.”