Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Vicks VapoRub is a common cold remedy that uses medicated vapors to help ease symptoms. Some of the main ingredients are camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus, and these help to relieve cough and nasal congestion. While most people use it when they have a cold, there are many other uses for Vicks VapoRub you might not know about.
I love versatile products. When I can use something that I already have at home for multiple purposes, it makes my heart happy! Instead of having to buy various products, I can trim down my shopping list.
Here are some ways to use Vicks VapoRub. You might be a bit surprised at some of these uses.
1. Relieve Your Cough
The primary purpose of Vicks VapoRub is to get rid of a cough. You can apply it to your chest, back, or feet. The ingredients help to break up the chest congestion that is keeping you up at night.
The best trick is to apply a thick layer of Vicks on your feet at bedtime. Slide on a comfortable pair of old socks and go to bed. You’ll feel better when you wake up and the rest of the next day.
2. Help Relieve Muscle and Back Pain
Have you ever used an IcyHot product on your back for muscle pain? You can use Vicks VapoRub to create that same effect. All you have to do is spread a bit on the affected area. For even more relief, spread on the Vicks and then apply a hot compress. Together, this can soothe sore muscles, mimicking the same sensation as IcyHot.
3. Repel Insects
Vicks is strongly scented, and insects cannot stand things that have a strong scent—especially mosquitoes. So, one way to get rid of insects that are bugging you is to apply a bit of Vicks to your arms, legs, neck, and other areas of exposed skin.
Apply a small dab on pulse points like the wrists, ankles, neck, or behind the ears before going outdoors. Reapply every few hours as needed. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin.
4. Stop Headaches Fast
When you have a cold, applying some Vicks acts as a decongestant. So, one of the uses for Vicks VapoRub is to use it to clear your head and alleviate cranial pain. Sinus headaches respond particularly well to this method. Just breathe it in; you don’t have to apply it to your head.
5. Relieve Earaches
Earaches can make you feel terrible. If you need to kick it fast, try covering a clean cotton ball with Vicks and placing it in your ear for several hours. It helps to reduce any irritating symptoms that come along with an earache. Don’t insert it deep into the ear. Just let it sit loosely at the opening of the ear canal.
One thing to remember is that this method works to relieve the pain, but if an infection causes your pain, it doesn't get rid of that ear infection. Be sure to give your doctor a call if it doesn't clear up fast to receive treatment.
6. Treat Cuts and Scrapes
Truth be told, this use for Vicks baffled me at first, but it works great when it comes to healing minor cuts and scrapes. That doesn’t mean you should apply it to cuts that need stitches.
Clean the area around your cut and apply Vicks to clean skin once or twice daily until the area is healed. VapoRub creates a thick barrier between your cuts. However, be aware that some of these ingredients may cause pain or a burning sensation. If you notice that, take it off immediately and use Neosporin or another brand of triple antibiotic ointment.
7. Prevent Skin Infections
Skin wounds and burns can become infected quickly if you don't take the right precautions. One of those precautions is applying some Vicks VapoRub over the area to prevent infections from developing. However, be sure to tell your doctor if it becomes worse.
8. Humidify Your Sleep
You can add Vicks VapoRub into your humidifiers and vaporizers, but make sure it's the right type that can take it. Do not add Vicks directly to the water tank unless your humidifier has a designated aroma tray or cup. Using it improperly may damage the machine or release unsafe vapors.
When you add it to these devices, it helps to circulate Vicks throughout the air. That enables you to breathe more comfortable as you sleep.
9. Get Rid of Bruises
Another one of the uses for Vicks VapoRub is to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with bruises. If you add a pinch of salt to the Vicks and apply it directly to your bruise, it can quicken the healing process. You’ll be amazed at the results!
10. Soothe Sunburns
When summertime comes around, you still have several uses for Vicks VapoRub. You know that cooling feeling you get when you apply Vicks to your chest when you're sick.
Using it on your sunburn gives you the same sense, and it helps to get rid of that stinging sensation. All you have to do is rub it on the sunburned area.
11. Deter Pet Accidents
Nothing is more frustrating than your pet continually having accidents in the same spot. If you’re ready to stop this vicious cycle of seeing your pet peeing inside of your house, rub some Vicks VapoRub in the places where the incidents happen most often.
This method works for both cats and dogs. Vicks is such a strong scent that any animal with a strong sense of smell will find this method deterring.
12. Care for Your Feet
Your grandma might know this little trick. You can use Vicks as a home remedy to kick certain foot conditions. It’s a fantastic treatment for athlete’s foot and cracked heels.
Make sure you slip on your socks after you apply a thick layer of Vicks. Just be sure to use old socks and not the socks that you plan to use the next day. The menthol smell is sure to drive everyone away from you.
In the morning, wash your feet with cold water. It helps to get rid of the scent. Then, use a pumice stone to scrub away any of the dead skin. After that, use whatever regular foot care product that you typically try. Do this every night, and you’ll see amazing results.
This trick works for several reasons. Some of the ingredients are also antimicrobial, so it can help to get rid of fungus or other microbes that might cause foot issues. Also, Vicks include petroleum jelly in their ingredients, which locks in moisture that is needed for any dry or cracked skin.
13. Care for Your Skin
If you have dry skin, using Vicks can have amazing effects. You can apply it to cracked, weather-damaged skin to restore softness and smoothness.
Another way that you can use Vicks is if you suffer from acne or eczema. You can use this gel to soothe skin, reduce inflammation, and clear up your skin. Menthol is antimicrobial and drying. If you have acne, you can put a bit on the spots to help them dry out overnight.
For eczema patches, apply a thin layer of Vicks no more than twice daily. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. For acne, dab a small amount directly onto pimples and leave overnight.
14. Treat Toenail Fungus
We know that Vicks can help with footcare for an abundance of issues, but you might not have thought about using this product on your toenails. Apply some Vicks to the affected toenails each night and then put those socks over the top.
The next day, wash your feet with cold water (helps to get rid of the menthol scent) and clip off as much of the infected nail as possible. Repeat this process every night until your toenail has recovered completely.
15. Stop Cats from Scratching
Cats are notorious for scratching up furniture and other objects that they shouldn't scratch. So, if your beloved feline has decided to make your couch cushion, wall, or recliner his new scratching post, you can deter him from doing so by spraying the area down with Vicks VapoRub.
Cats have super strong sniffers. The scent of Vicks is quite strong, so cats stay far away from it.
16. Reduce Stretch Marks
Stretch marks aren't appealing to anyone, and no one wants to have them on their bodies. This might be one of the most surprising uses for Vicks VapoRub. I know that I was undoubtedly baffled!
All you have to do is spread Vicks on the affected areas daily, and you should see the results within a few weeks. Some say that it doesn’t work, but it’s worth a shot since it’s such a simple remedy.
Massage a small amount of Vicks into stretch marks for 2–3 minutes until absorbed. Use nightly for 2–4 weeks. Results may vary based on skin type and severity.
17. Fight Nail Fungus on Fingernails
Just like with toenail fungus, Vicks can be a surprising remedy for fingernail fungus as well. Apply a small amount of Vicks to the affected nail and cover it with a bandage before bed. Repeat daily until the nail improves. This trick works because of the antifungal properties of the menthol and eucalyptus oil.
18. Soothe Minor Burns
For minor burns that don’t require medical attention, applying a small amount of Vicks can help cool and soothe the area. The menthol provides a cooling sensation, while the petroleum jelly locks in moisture to aid in healing. Be sure to clean the area first to avoid trapping dirt or bacteria.
19. Eases Bug Bites and Stings
If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito or stung by an insect, applying a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area can help reduce itching and inflammation. The menthol provides a cooling sensation that soothes irritation, while the anti-inflammatory properties work to calm the skin.
20. Decongest Sinuses with a Steam Bowl
For intense nasal congestion, fill a bowl with hot (not boiling) water, add a teaspoon-sized amount of Vicks, and lean over the bowl with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes. The menthol and eucalyptus vapors help open your sinuses and ease breathing.
21. Relieve Dry, Itchy Scalp
If you have a dry or itchy scalp, apply a small amount of Vicks to the affected areas and massage it in. The menthol and eucalyptus provide a cooling, anti-itch effect, and the petroleum jelly helps lock in moisture. Leave it on for 15–30 minutes before shampooing thoroughly.
22. Quiet a Squeaky Door Hinge
Out of WD-40? Vicks VapoRub can work in a pinch as a temporary lubricant. Its petroleum jelly base helps reduce friction on metal parts.
To use, apply a small amount directly to the hinge using a cotton swab or cloth, then open and close the door a few times to work it in. Wipe away any excess to avoid attracting dust. It's not a long-term fix, but it can silence an annoying squeak until you get proper lubricant.
23. Freshen the Air in Your Car
If your car has a lingering odor, place an open jar of Vicks in a cup holder or storage compartment. The strong menthol aroma will help neutralize unpleasant smells and leave your car smelling fresh and clean.
Conclusion
Finding uses for Vicks VapoRub might be easier than you imagined. It's a versatile, useful product that can be used for everything from kicking your chest cold to the curb to getting rid of bugs that are bothering you. Make sure you stock up, so you always have a few jars in your cabinet.
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