Explain to me scientifically how rubbing 'Vicks' on feet is actually meant to work??

[Miss.September]

[didispunk]

I do this as well.. no idea why but it WORKS!

[MissM]

We've never had vicks rubbed on our feet, but my mama used to rub a half a clove of garlic on our feet and put socks on us Always worked a treat, and I still do it today when DD or I are sick

[mrsmac]

I tried this on DS last week and it did absolutely NOTHING for his cough!