Vicks VapoRub Is More Versatile Than You Think. Here Are 40 Clever Uses You Didn’t Know!
Stretch marks are one of the worst symptoms of aging. And for those experiencing pregnancy, finding ways to keep your skin looking young is crucial. It turns out though, that Vicks VapoRub is a great way to fight against stretch marks from developing. Some of the primary ingredients in Vicks, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, camphor, and turpentine oil, all combine to help stretched skin both feel softer and increase moisture. This will help to keep stretch marks from standing out.
9. Soothe sunburns
Now that summer is here, sunburn is here with it. The cool feeling you get by rubbing on Vicks is perfect for some nice relief from that annoying stinging sensation. Just rub some of it on the affected area and you’ll be feeling better in no time!
10. Fight toenail fungus
Thymol is one of the main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub and is great for blocking the growth of fungus because of its antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. All you have to do is rub some of it on the bed of your nail and toenail to get rid of the fungus.
11. Relieve sore muscles
The menthol in Vicks can help to not only offer a refreshing cool to your skin, but it can also help to improve your blood circulation. After physical activity, just grab some Vicks and rub it onto any areas that are experiencing soreness. This should provide relief and comfort to any painful areas.
12. As bug repellent
Apply a thin layer of VapoRub to exposed skin, and it will repel annoying insects like mosquitoes. This is perfect for camping or when traveling through humid areas. The strong scent will deter bugs from coming your way.
13. Relieve bruises
If you have skin that bruises easily, Vicks can be your best friend when it comes to healing them. Just mix a pinch of salt into some a dab of Vicks and rub it onto any areas of skin that are bruised. It will help to dissolve the bruise and your skin will return to normal in no time!
14. Soothe chapped lips
If your lips get dry often, apply some Vicks VapoRub to them. This is a great home remedy to moisturize and soften them up. Pucker up!
15. Repair cracked heels
Do you wish you had soft heals but are stick with skin that dries and cracks? Just grab some Vicks and apply it to your heels and feet. Wear cotton socks on top and be sure to wash your feet with warm water. Use the Vicks nightly and you can also rub a pumice stone onto your heels to help exfoliate and further soften your skin.
16. Remove your eye makeup
If you’re all out of makeup remover you can use VapoRub in a pinch. Use a cotton ball to wipe the tops of your eyelids and around your eye. Make sure you avoid wiping it directly on your eye or eyelashes.
17. Burn fat
Want to get rid of fat and cellulite? Apply some VapoRub mixed with camphor, baking soda, and a little bit of alcohol. Rub this mixture on the area you want to slim down and cover it with plastic wrap.
18. Heal cuts and splinters
No one is a fan of splinters or minor cuts. Speed up the healing process by applying some VapoRub on your cuts or splinters. Let the soothing VapoRub relieve the sting.
19. Keep your horse focused
If you ride horses, listen up. You can keep a horse from getting distracted by the scent of female horses by applying some VapoRub under his nose. No need to let mating season stop you from going on a ride.
20. Apply as skin moisturizer
VapoRub works a fantastic skin moisturizer, especially on chapped skin. Just like with chapped lips, VapRub will restore the moisture to dry, cracked skin. New skin, new you.
21. Relieve itchiness
Itchiness is one of the most irritating skin conditions to deal with. Apply some VapoRub on bug bites or dry skin to prevent itchiness. Sitting through a meeting or class without having to scratch will feel like heaven.
22. Prevent skin infections
Burns and other skin wounds can become infected if you don’t take proper precautions. Apply some VapoRub to the area to prevent infection. But if the condition worsens, be sure to see your doctor.
23. Remove stubborn lipstick
If you’ve ever applied matte, red or other bold colored lipstick before you’ll know how hard it is to take off. But not with some VapoRub. Apply a thin layer of VapoRub on your stained lip and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it off completely. Shine on ladies!
24. Save your furniture from your cat’s claws
You can stop your cat from scratching up items in your home by applying a little bit of VapoRub on it. Your cat will want to avoid the smell at all costs. No more buying furniture covers for your sofas or chairs!
25. Relieve tennis elbow
Even tennis superstars can get tennis elbow. Massage your elbow with VapoRub until the camphor and menthol in it soothes the pain. Let your arm rest until you’re ready to swing again.
26. Get rid of warts
Have a nasty wart that suddenly appeared? No problem. Apply VapoRub to your warts twice a day for two weeks. Cover the area with gauze in between until the wart disappears
27. Homemade slimming cream for your stomach
If you want to increase the weight-loss potential of a home therapy wrap, just create a homemade slimming cream using Vicks Vapo-Rub, camphor, baking soda, and a little rubbing alcohol. Although you could technically slather on some Vicks by itself, too much menthol can irritate or burn the skin, so it is a better idea to add camphor powder.
28. Apply to feet to relieve night coughs
Have a cold and can’t sleep at night? Applying Vicks on your feet before bed provides nighttime cough relief. Rub a generous amount of VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks for a good night’s sleep.
29. As a bedtime humidifier
Special types of humidifiers and vaporizers can allow a secret edition of Vick’s VapoRub. Make sure to check that your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.
30. Relieve a congested chest
Probably the most classic uses of Vick’s VapoRub. When applied to the upper chest, it provides fantastic relief of cough and congestion symptoms. Make sure to stock up on Vick’s for winter season.
31. Silence a squeaky door
Squeaky doors can lead to headaches. If you have a door that squeaks when it opens or closes, try using Vick’s VapoRub. It acts as a good emergency replacement for oil.
32. Hide bad smells
Everyday life can build up into some bad smells. Whether it’s from a baby’s diaper or taking out the trash, relieve the bad smell by making your own Vick’s air freshener or applying some under your nose. Your sinuses will thank you.
33. Shower bomb
You might have heard of bath bombs, but shower bombs are another way to get relaxation during a quick rinse. Some products called “shower disks” contain Vick’s VapoRub. After placing the disk in the shower, the vapor will dissolve into the air. That vapor paired with the steam from the shower will instantly clear up any clogged sinuses.
34. Heal athlete’s foot
Suffer from athlete’s foot? No problem. Put a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your foot two times a day to combat athlete’s foot. Now you can get back on the court or field with ease.
35. Treat hemorrhoids
Hopefully you won’t have to use Vick’s VapoRub for this reason. But fun fact, for small, itchy hemorrhoids, apply Vick’s on there and let the menthol drown out the itch. But make sure to know if you can tolerate the burn first by testing Vick’s on another part of your body.
36. Treat ringworm
Dr. Peter H. Gott’s staff and Jared Zeiman, M.D write: “Vicks, as well as store and other generic forms of mentholated chest rubs, has been used successfully by many of my readers for a variety of conditions, including nail fungus, plaque psoriasis, seborrheic keratoses, ringworm, neuropathy pain and more.” If you do have a case of ringworm, apply Vicks two to three times a day.
37. Treat a dry scalp
Treat the affected area by taking a thin layer of Vick’s and rubbing it onto the dry parts of your scalp. Try doing this home remedy right before you go to bed or after you take a shower. The oil from the eucalyptus and the petroleum work together as a salve for your scalp.
38. Promote hair growth
Take a small amount of Vick’s and apply it to your scalp. The benefits? 1: Stimulates blood flow to the scalp. 2: Kills scalp bacteria. 3: Tingling sensation means “it’s working”
39. Clear up rosacea
A small amount of Vick’s with help the look and discomfort of rosacea. It also helps promotes clear skin. Whether it’s acne, rosacea, or both, Vick’s can work as a treatment for many skin conditions.
40. Heal cooking burns
If you’re channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen and accidentally burn yourself, fear not. After running the burn after some cold water, apply Vick’s to the injury. The remedy should soothe the sting of the burn.
