Vicks: How a Father’s Love Became a Cultural Staple

It’s a product that’s been in our homes for generations, tucked away in medicine cabinets, pulled out at the first sign of a cold. But did you know that Vicks was born out of a father’s love? Back in 1894, pharmacist Lunsford Richardson whipped up a blend of aromatic oils and chemicals to help his son breathe easier during a nasty respiratory infection. That homemade remedy became the Vicks we know today. A hundred years ago, during the deadly influenza pandemic, Vicks soared in popularity, and it hasn’t looked back since. Here in Belize, our cultural connection to Vicks goes beyond a simple remedy, it’s a belief system. Whether it’s rubbed on your chest, under your nose, or even on the soles of your feet, everyone has their own way of using it. But one thing’s for sure: Belizeans swear by it. In tonight’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez takes a closer look at why this little blue jar continues to hold such a big place in our hearts, and our homes.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Let’s be honest, if you grew up in Belize, chances are there’s a little blue jar of Vicks VapoRub somewhere in your house right now. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that from Punta Gorda to Corozal, just about every home in this country has at least one can tucked away. It’s practically a national treasure. Belizeans have been using Vicks VapoRub for decades to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as coughing, sore throat and nasal congestion. In Belize, this oinment goes beyond its medical benefits to the heart of a cultural practice that is almost cult like. Its popularity made it a relatable reference in Danki’s viral hit song, “Joe Grind”.

 

Danki – Joe Grind

“Never leave your house after six, cause Joe grind wah come rub up your pussy cat very good vicks. Never leave your house after six, cause Joe grind wah rub up your pussy cat very good with Vicks”.

 

Comedy scripts have also been written about Vicks as a product that cures all.

 

“People nu need no kinda medicine, cause we have Vicks, yes the tried and true. You have headache Vicks it up, sore throat, Vicks it, COVID 19, Vicks it up, yo babe leave you for someone, add Vicks and your chest pain gone.”

 

So, what are the ingredients that make up this product Belizeans have come to know and love? Pharmacist at the Freetown Drug Store, Raul Acevedo, keeps a consistent supply of Vicks in store for his customers.

 

Raul Acevedo, Pharmacist, Freetown Drug Store

“Vicks contain three ingredients, camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. The eucalyptus they claim that suppress the cough, the menthol and camphor are for pain when you have difficulty breathing. You rub that on your chest, inhale it and you breathe easier when you have a cold.”

 

Two of the ingredients, eucalyptus and menthol are derived from natural sources, the eucalyptus plant and the peppermint tree. Naturopathic Ddctor, Cornelio Marfield, takes a wholistic approach to treating illnesses. He says the creators of the rub are brilliant.

 

Dr. Cornelio Marfield, Naturopathic Doctor

“Eucalyptus speaks for itself; it comes from that eucalyptus plant that has that analgesic effect. But, when you look at the menthol that comes from the pepper mint and the mint plant, these species are very well known. It has been known from the Roman days. They use it in Greece. They use it in aroma therapy. They are very potent. The camphor comes from the sage plant and the rosemary. And these are very good potent plants for pain, numbness and the analgesics effect. So yes, all natural, all potent. When you combine, you imagine you have cooling, pain relief, anti-viral, the person who came up with Vicks is brilliant.”

 

Sure, Vicks is packed with natural ingredients, that’s part of its charm. But what’s really fascinating is how we’ve made it our own. From rubbing it on our chests to dabbing it behind our ears or even on the soles of our feet, Belizeans have come up with some pretty creative ways to use it. So, we hit the streets to find out exactly how the average person puts Vicks to work.

 

Belize City Resident #1

“Well there are people right now in the early generation that use Vicks in stupid ways. They put it in their ears and rub it on their forehead. You don’t apply Vicks to your forehead, when you do your eyes starts to tear. When it leaves you have a lot of eye problem. We need the midwife to come back and the after six Vicks come back to apply dah the right spot.”

 

Belize City Resident #2

“I use Vicks around my neck because it helps and when I stuffy I use it and when I stuffy I use Vicks. I even use Vicks when my ears hurt me. I read it and it says it does help, with a cue tip and it really helps.”

 

Belize City Resident #3

“I have been using Vicks for over forty plus years honey. We the use Vicks from when we born, it is something we grow up with. Me personally I always keep Vicks home, I never out a Vicks.”

 

No matter how you apply it, on your chest, under your nose, or even on the soles of your feet, everyone seems to agree on one thing, Vicks works. And despite a noticeable jump in price lately, most folks say they’re not giving it up anytime soon. It’s here to stay. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.