As I was doing my research to validate this blog:
http://www.snopes.com/medical/homecure/vaporub.asp
came up and surprised me.
 I had never heard about using it in such a way for coughing.

In the 50's and sixties the skin softening abilities of sleeping with Petroleum Jelly and white gloves was attributed to Doris Day. In my  13 years with this industry, I have had several nail technicians claim the healing powers of Vick's Vapor rub applied to the feet and covered with white cotton socks before retiring for the evening  to fight foot fungus and promote healthy cuticles. I always found it to be a feel good thing to do reminding me of my childhood dread of my mother smearing it all over my chest. The scuzzy feeling with my flannel night gown adhered to me.  The reflexology aspect mentally gives me all the benefits without the chest skin stickiness. Quantum physicists speak of the power of the mind to heal: If we believe in it hard enough; we make it so.

While according to snopes,  the manufacturer may disclaim this practice: I and my clients who have taken this practice up have beautiful non stinky feet when we remember to maintain this nightly ritual. During their regular massages, I can tell  when they have been keeping it up by the condition of their pedal skin. IN THE EVENT YOU WANT TO TRY THIS: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE HANDLED YOUR CONTACT LENSES PRIOR TO DEALING WITH VICK'S VAPOR RUB!!!!

Funny another use for Vicks I was told during my hospital/ hospice volunteer training;  that in the event the smell of my tasks or duties was nauseating to smear a small amount in my nostrils to avoid the stench. When reading the label it warns: Do not use . In nostrils..... I'm not telling the director or the coroner....