In every Dominican home there is Vicks Vapor Rub. Guaranteed. It might be a small coin-shaped tin, in a huge tub, or in some cases a generic version with a name like “Lander’s Menthol Rub”.
Much like the old Chris Rock joke about black people and Robitussin, Dominicans believe that this magic concoction could cure pretty much any disease. Firsthand, I have witnessed it being used to treat mosquito bites, headaches, toenail fungus, sore throats and muscle pain. A good friend of mine told me that when his uncle gets a fever, he rubs Vicks Vapor Rub all over his head, puts on a wool hat, and sits in a dark room.
If you ever find yourself not feeling well in a Dominican home, don’t be alarmed when you are offered “vivaporu”. Even if it does nothing for your migrane, you should act thankful and smile politely.
Good luck washing the smell of menthol off of your temples.
I myself do have a plenty of vapor rub at home! lol
By: El Mayimbe on March 30, 2008
at 3:53 am
I must say that what you wrote is true in my case. My mother and grandmother believe that Vick’s Vapor Rub can heal just about anything, from headaches to muscle pain. I’ve tried to tell them otherwise, but they just won’t listen to me. Hehe. This one made my day!
By: Noname on April 9, 2008
at 5:54 pm
this is so true!!! i try to explain to my family that Vicks is for congestion , but of course Vicks goes on your forehead, throat, mosquito bites, muscle aches, back pain and who knows what else! i guess it’s our Windex if we were Greek! hahaha!
By: sara on January 28, 2009
at 6:31 pm
Sooo true… My mother cant live without her Vick’s vapor rub lol she uses it for everything, even stuffs it up her nose when she has a cold. I have truly addapted to that custom. Hahaha…
By: Amy on July 24, 2009
at 5:56 am
oh my god, this is so true! anything from minor headaches to mosquito bites my entire family in the DR uses this! haha. my mom even has the habit of shoving wads of it up her nose, despite telling her how bad that its for you she still does it. ITS ONLY FOR CONGESTION PEOPLE!
By: Adam on August 5, 2009
at 6:57 am