How a father’s love and a pandemic created a household name
Summary
Vicks VapoRub became a well-known product during the Spanish flu pandemic in the early 20th century. It started as a remedy created by a pharmacist named Lunsford Richardson for his son and was later marketed widely by his family during a time of high demand for respiratory relief.Key Facts
- Vicks VapoRub originated in 1894 in North Carolina, USA, created by pharmacist Lunsford Richardson.
- Richardson developed the ointment to help his son with croup, a breathing illness.
- The ointment originally had menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oils, and was sold for 25 cents a jar.
- It was initially called Vick’s Croup & Pneumonia Salve; the name came from a plant and Richardson's brother-in-law's name, Dr. Joshua Vick.
- The product was renamed Vick's Vaporub Salve by Richardson's son in 1911.
- In 1918, during the Spanish flu, Vicks VapoRub sales increased as it was marketed as an effective remedy for respiratory issues.
- The company was renamed Vick Chemical Company and focused solely on promoting the salve.
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