Robert Chesebrough, the American chemist who discovered petroleum jelly and lived for 96 years, had a spoonful of Vaseline every day, according to social media posts. 

We’ve all heard the popular adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. If social media is to be believed though, Robert Chesebrough, the American chemist who discovered petroleum jelly — which he marketed as Vaseline — had a different mantra. It’s claimed that he had a spoonful of Vaseline daily and that attributed to his long life of 96 years. 

The “fun fact” shared on several social media platforms has piqued the curiosity of First Check readers. “Is it true?” they ask. Perhaps, Robert did consume Vaseline regularly. Reports indicate that he even instructed his nurse to apply Vaseline from head to toe on his body after contracting pleurisy, an inflammation of the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity.

While the entrepreneur’s practices may demonstrate his belief in the product, it is not prudent for consumers to follow in his footsteps. Vaseline and its derivative products are meant for external use only; human consumption is not recommended.

The product has beneficial properties for skin protection and wound healing when used as intended. However, ingestion can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough and throat irritation, shortness of breath, and chest pain, to name some.

There’s no secret to living a long, healthy life. It boils down to adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep habits, less stress, and positive social relationships.

The article has been medically reviewed by Dr Sabba Mehmood, Infodemic Manager, Hyperbaric Medicine physician, and Co-founder, First Check. 

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