We have always thought that Vicks Vaporub was just something that has been used for a long time in providing relief from headaches, coughs, flu and common cold, Nasal congestion and chest as well as throat stuffiness. However, Vicks VapoRub can do so much more than this. It has many unique uses that it is hard to keep track.
Vicks VapoRub has been around for over 100 years and is known as one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. It is a topical analgesic that contains some ingredients such as camphor, menthol, eucalyptus and several other ingredients that have been combined in a petroleum base. But, lately, there has been a lot of buzz around the internet about unique and unconventional ways to use this amazing ointment.
Here are some amazing uses of Vicks:
You will be pleasantly surprised to learn these incredible uses of Vicks you haven’t heard about.
1. Relieve Cough and Congestion Symptoms
Just apply some Vicks onto your chest and throat to get instant relief from congestion and cough.
2. As a Mosquitoes Repellent
If you want to keep the annoying mosquitoes away, just apply a little bit of Vicks VapoRub onto your skin or clothing.
3. Relief from Sinus Headaches
If you are suffering from sinus headaches, apply the Vicks VapoRub just under your nostrils and then start inhaling deeply. The menthol from Vicks will help you calm your headache.
If you are suffering from a pounding headache (not Sinus Headaches), never fear. Just reach for your VapoRub and apply a little to your forehead and temples. Then mentholated scent will release pressure into your head and instantly relieve or at least reduce your pain within a matter of minutes.
4. Get rid of Acne and Blackheads
You may not believe it, but Vicks can help in clearing your skin blemishes. You just need to apply it onto your acne a couple of times on a daily basis. It will dry out your acne and soothe the affected skin area.
5. As an Insect Repellent
Vicks can help you keep insects away. All you need to do is open the Vicks container and place it in your room. The insects will be repelled from your room and this is the best eco-friendly trick.
Also, if you want to keep flies away while on a picnic, just rub Vicks VapoRub on your neck, inner knees, elbows, and behind your ears. This keeps flies away and you can have a good night sleep.
6. Cure Bruises
If you mix a pinch of salt in Vicks VapoRub and apply it on a fresh bruise, it will help you get rid of it quickly.
7. Soothe Minor Burns
Quick relief for minor burns is simple! Just run some cool water over the affected area then apply some Vicks.
8. Relief from Sore Muscles
Vicks VapoRub can help you get instant relief from sore muscles. Just apply it to the affected muscles and massage. Then, cover that area with a warm and dry towel for a while. Lie down or lift the sore limb until the pain reduces. Repeat this procedure thrice a day for maximum effect.
9. Moisturize Your Skin
If you have dry skin, just gently rub Vicks VapoRub onto your skin and you’ll see the positive results.
10. Treat Cracked Heels
Apply some Vicks onto your heels and the sole of your feet. After that, put on a pair of warm socks. Do this overnight and wash your feet with warm water in the morning. You can also use a pumice stone to exfoliate the dead soft layer of skin off of your cracked heels. Do this every night to keep your feet healthy and smooth.
11. Treat Fingernail or Toenail Fungus
Vicks has a fungus-fighting ingredient called thymol. So, simply apply the Vicks ointment directly onto your fingernails or toenails twice daily to treat fungus infections that you are dealing with. Cover your feet with socks at bedtime, and don’t forget to trim the nails until the infected part is removed.
12. Get rid of Stretch Marks
Regularly apply Vicks VapoRub onto those unsightly stretch marks to reduce their visibility. You will notice a difference within two weeks of regular application.
13. Eczema-free
Ease the inflammation, redness and itchiness of eczema by applying Vicks on the affected skin.
14. Remove Warts
Rub Vicks on your unwanted warts twice daily and cover them with a clean gauze and a sock. You will feel better in just a few days. Continue to do this for about two weeks, until the wart disappears.
15. Relieve Terrible Ear Pain
Warm up a garlic clove and then apply some Vicks on one of the ends of the clove. Place it in your ear to get relief from the heavy ear pain.
Alternatively, you can apply some Vicks on a cotton ball and then put it in the painful ear. You will notice relief immediately, but be careful not to push it all the way in.
16. Fast Healing of Cuts and Splinters
Accelerate the healing process and prevent infection by applying Vicks onto your cuts or splinter. VapoRub works wonders for getting that stubborn splinter out of its nesting place!
You can also use it as a tick tamer. If a tick has burrowed its way into your skin, apply a little Vicks and the little blighter should drop right off.
17. Relief from Tennis Elbow
Apply some of the Vicks ointment onto the affected area to get rid of the pain from tennis elbow. The menthol and camphor present in it will help you ease the pain.
18. Treat Athletes Feet
Apply some Vicks onto your feet twice daily if you want to prevent and heal athlete’s feet.
19. Stop a Squeaky Door Hinge
If a squeaky door is driving you crazy and you are all out of WD-40, rub a little VapoRub on the door hinge. It will oil the hinge and stop the squeaks.
20. Stop your pets from peeing inside your home
Keep an open bottle of Vicks near the areas where your pet tends to pee on and they will not go there anymore.
And if you want your cat to stop scratching your furniture, walls, windows, doors etc., just apply Vicks onto them. The cat will stop doing its thing.
21. Burn Excess Body Fat
You can reduce the excess body fat you are dealing with and have the desired figure by using Vicks VapoRub. Applying the Vicks ointment, mixed with some ingredients, onto the fatty areas will help you burn excess body fat. It can aid you to fight fat accumulation, remove cellulite and stretch marks and make skin tissue firm.
How?
All you need to do is prepare a cream with Vicks VapoRub, camphor, baking soda and a little bit of alcohol (Crush the average tablet camphor well and mix it with other ingredients until you get a paste). Apply the resulted cream onto the fatty areas, massage it in circular movements and then cover it using a plastic bag (black plastic or a clamping strip). Let it sit for 30 minutes or, for gaining the best possible results, leave it throughout the night.
Recipe for Homemade Vapor Rub:
You can make your homemade vapor rub, in case you don’t want to prefer the store-bought brand.
Required:
- 5 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 2 Tbsp Cocoa butter
- 1 ½ Tbsp Beeswax
- 30 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 12 Drops Each of Peppermint, Lavender, and Rosemary
- 5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Method:
- In a saucepan, over low heat, add the coconut oil and cocoa butter, melt.
- Once melted, add the beeswax and stir until melted.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and allow the mixture to sit in the saucepan for 5 minutes. This will allow the mixture to cool so the oils are not damaged.
- After 5 minutes, add the eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oils to the coconut oil mixture. Combine with a spoon.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar. The recipe will make one 4 oz. Jar of Vapor Rub. As it cools, the liquid will solidify, making it a creamy, spreadable rub.