Tar and Turpentine Chest Rubs
In the 1800s, before menthol chest rubs became the norm, people treated respiratory infections with tar or turpentine rubbed directly onto the chest. These sticky, noxious substances were believed to draw out “bad vapors” and open airways. In some cases, patients even drank diluted turpentine for “internal cleansing.”
Instead of soothing, these treatments often caused severe skin irritation, chemical burns, and lung damage. Inhaling the fumes could induce coughing fits or fainting. Despite this, tar-based balms were widely sold until regulations caught up with the obvious danger. Pro tip: never rub anything on your chest that’s also used to clean paintbrushes.
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