Vicks VapoRub
"Mum would rub our chest with this also put a dab under our nose to fight the colds."
Vicks was a staple in my Mum's home medicine chest too. My grandma who lived with us for much of my childhood was also a great believer, along with things like a mustard poultice to break up congestion, camphor bags to keep colds and flu at bay, Castor oil for constipation and sipping lemon and honey for a sore throat.
It rubbed off on me (pardon the pun) because whenever our kids got wheezy or chesty, the first thing I reached for was the old Vicks VapoRub, in fact I still use it today.
I bet you still use it today!!!!!