Between 2008-2010, 138 children aged 2 to 11 years  with colds, who presented to a US university-affiliated paediatric practice were randomly assigned to treatment with Vicks VapoRub© (camphor 4.8%, menthol 2.6% and eucalyptus oil 1.2% in petrolatum ointment), or petrolatum ointment without additives, or no treatment. The children who were randomised to treatment with Vicks VapoRub© or petrolatum ointment had the the ointment applied to their upper chest and neck and massaged for one minute. Children aged 2-5 years had 5mL of ointment, and children aged 6-11years had 10mL of ointment applied to their chest and neck. Cough severity, child, parental sleep, and combined child symptom score, were all significantly better in children treated with Vicks VapoRub©.