On chest and throat, temporarily relieves cough due to common cold. On muscles and joints, temporarily relieves minor aches and pains. The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub work naturally through the inhalation of medicated Vicks vapors to relieve coughing due to common cold. It also relieves minor muscle aches and pains. VapoRub is applied externally, so it doesnt interact with other medications the way pills can.