Since its introduction by Richardson-Vicks, Inc. in North Carolina in 1905, Vicks VapoRub has become a popular remedy for coughs and colds. It isn’t surprising, given how soothing its scent is. There is no doubt about its effectiveness; the question is how far-reaching its benefits extend beyond the common cold.
Fortunately, people have discovered different uses for Vicks VapoRub over the years. From strengthening hair to relieving headaches to moisturizing skin, Vicks VapoRub is the gift that keeps on giving! Still not convinced? Take a look at this list of clever ways to use Vicks VapoRub!
Aids in hair growth
Vicks VapoRub is commonly used to treat coughs and colds. As it turns out, however, we have not been reaping all of its benefits. Did you know that the little container of ointment can also be used to stimulate hair growth?
Simply massage a little bit of the balm into your scalp. Massage the area lightly to allow the gel to penetrate the scalp and work its magic. Rubbing back and forth helps stimulate blood flow, which is key to increasing hair growth.
Make leather shoes shine
We adore leather shoes, but they do tend to get filthy quickly. Whether you’re attending a formal event or an important meeting, it’s always a good idea to keep your leather shoes polished.
If you don’t have any shoe polish on hand, Vicks VapoRub can be used as an alternative. Simply put the balm on a towel and carefully apply it to your shoes. Your footwear will look shiny and new in no time! For best results, polish your shoes using a toothbrush.
Moisturize your skin
Weather changes can cause dry skin, which doesn’t look and feel great. While there are many moisturizing skin care products that you can use, Vicks VapoRub is a very inexpensive alternative.
Apart from offering relief from chest and throat ailments, this gel may also be used to treat dry skin spots. Simply apply the product onto your skin and massage it in. Repeat this process regularly – preferably twice daily – and see the results. This should help keep your skin hydrated longer than expected.
Keep your lips moisturized
During the winter, your lips may get chapped and dry. This is largely caused by dehydration, which is common during the colder months of the year. While it may be tempting to pick those dry patches of skin off your lips, this might lead to some bigger problems down the line.
Applying Vicks VapoRub to your lips is one way to revitalize them. Simply rub some across your lips like a conventional lip balm. This will restore the natural color of your lips and keep them moisturized. Do this twice a day for best results.
Cure headaches
Vicks VapoRub can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, including headaches. If your headache is not caused by a chronic disease, Vicks VapoRub can give immediate relief, particularly against throbbing pain, which can be rather excruciating.
Simply apply the ointment to the temples or any other painful area. The product’s menthol will absorb into the skin and work its magic on the afflicted region. Another method for administering the ointment is to dab a tiny amount beneath your nose.
Remove makeup
The first thing that springs to mind when people hear the name Vicks VapoRub is the ointment that relieves coughs and colds. We never imagined it could also be used to remove makeup! Although it may be difficult to believe, the famous salve is capable of effortlessly removing those layers.
Why buy pricey makeup removers when you already have one lying around the house? What’s more amazing is that it can quickly remove lipstick too. When it comes to eye makeup, though, use caution; a light coating of Vicks VapoRub will do.
Recreate a spa day at home
The stress of our everyday life may sometimes be detrimental to our well-being, which is why some doctors recommend regular spa trips. According to research, de-stressing at spas may help enhance both our physical and mental health.
Vicks VapoShower works wonders for those who don’t have the time or money to go to a spa. All you need to do is to place one tablet under the shower to fill your bathroom with pleasant and calming scents.
Keep insects at bay
Insects are one reason why some people dislike going outdoors. Their bites are not only irritating, but they may also cause serious infections. However, there’s no need to be concerned if you have Vicks VapoRub on hand because you can use it as an insect repellent.
You can keep insects at bay by applying Vicks VapoRub on your body and clothes. Vicks VapoRub is an excellent choice for those who are concerned about the chemical elements found in most insect repellent brands.
Get rid of stretch marks
The term “stretch marks” often conjures up images of pregnancy. Even though men can have them, many people still associate them with women. Stretch marks can occur in anybody, particularly those whose skin extends and then shrinks fast.
Stretch marks are, in essence, scars on the skin that are difficult to remove. Some creams and lotions claim to be able to get rid of them, but there is no scientific evidence that they can. Many women, however, swear by Vicks VapoRub for eliminating them.
Fix squeaky doors and cupboards
Squeaky doors and cupboards can be quite aggravating, especially in the middle of the night. Vicks VapoRub, as it turns out, is not just good for the human body; it can also be used around the house.
Squeaky doors and cupboards can easily be silenced with oils and grease, but if those aren’t available, Vicks VapoRub can do the trick. Apply the balm like a lubricant to hinges, and the irritating sound will go away. There is no need to rush to the shop, and you can rest easy knowing that no dangerous materials are brought into your house.
Reduce pimples overnight
Acne is something that everyone has had to deal with at some point in their lives. People can eat nutritious foods and still get pimples. While many home treatments can help with zits, many people believe that Vicks VapoRub is a “wonder cure” for pimples.
Applying the balm to the affected areas and keeping it overnight should help reduce the size of the spot the next day. Experts believe this is because Vicks VapoRub includes various acne-fighting chemicals. However, using too much of it can also be harmful since it contains petroleum jelly, which can aggravate acne.
Cry on command
If you’ve used Vicks VapoRub before, you may be aware that it can cause tears to form when it comes into contact with your eyes. If you need to cry on command, the famous balm can get the job done. Some actors and actresses can’t cry on cue and must rely on techniques such as placing Vicks VapoRub near their eyes.
This simple trick is also useful in photography when you need to take a close-up photo with tears streaming down your face. However, extra caution is necessary because the ointment shouldn’t get into your eyes.
Lose belly fat
There is no specific remedy that may cause someone to lose weight. People who have successfully lost weight did so via a mix of eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and having the right mindset. They also did not reach their fitness goals overnight because it is simply unrealistic.
However, others believe that putting a mixture of Vicks VapoRub, baking soda, camphor powder, and rubbing alcohol on your stomach and wrapping it in plastic wrap would help you lose belly fat. Though unsubstantiated, we can’t blame those who gave it a try. After all, what’s the harm in trying?
Toilet train your pet
For most pet owners, there’s nothing more annoying than accidentally stepping on a puddle of your pet’s urine. This typically happens when pets have not yet been toilet trained. Dog and cat owners will surely understand when we say that training them is a difficult undertaking.
Consider applying Vicks VapoRub to different parts of the house. The balm’s odor is repulsive to animals, so they tend to avoid it. However, camphor can be harmful to dogs, so only use little amounts.
Relieve itchy skin
There’s a reason why Vicks VapoRub is so popular: it can be used in so many ways. Aside from those that we’ve mentioned so far, one of the primary functions of the balm is to use it to reduce itching on the skin.
Menthol – one of the key ingredients of Vicks Vaporub – contains antimicrobial properties, which can help relieve skin irritation. There is also evidence that Vicks VapoRub can relieve the itchiness and swelling caused by poison ivy. TRP channels in the body, as it turns out, respond to menthol and camphor, which can lower discomfort.
Relieve earaches
As you may already know, one of the many benefits of Vicks VapoRub is the ability to relieve pain, and earaches are no exception. Earaches can be rather painful, and the discomfort can disrupt one’s day. Fortunately, Vicks VapoRub can help temporarily address the problem.
Apply some Vicks VapoRub on a cotton swab and insert it in the painful ear. Leave the balm overnight and it will likely feel somewhat better the next day. However, we suggest that you consult a doctor as soon as possible as Vicks VapoRub only provides temporary pain relief.
Unlock old padlocks
When a padlock is left unused for a long time, it may become difficult to unlock. The same is true if the key is left within the lock; when it gets rusty, unlocking may require a great deal of effort. In some cases, the key may not even move at all.
If this happens to you, you can use VapoRub to help lubricate the padlock’s components. Apply some balm to the lock and key’s hinges to thoroughly clean them out. This should help make locking and unlocking them a lot easier.
Fix stuck zippers
Most zippers – whether it’s on bags, jackets, or shoes – are bound to get stuck at some point. The good news is that instead of forcing them open, you can use Vicks VapoRub to smoothly glide them down the track.
Apply some Vicks VapoRub to the stuck zipper to lubricate it and make it easier to open or close. It’s important to note, however, that his technique only works for stuck zippers and not broken ones, which you would most probably need to replace.
Make your humidifier more effective
This trick may be of interest to those who use humidifiers to help them breathe better at night. Using VapoRub in the humidifier can help cleanse the lungs and provide a restful night’s sleep. However, this only works with humidifiers that have other chambers where other ingredients may be added to the tank.
Vicks VapoRub may also be used in vaporizers, particularly those with aromatherapy chambers. Place some in there, and the pleasant smell will make its way through your home during the night.
Get rid of ticks
Most of us spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer. While spending time under the sun in the woods or at the park can be fun, tick bites are difficult to avoid. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry as long as you have Vicks VapoRub on hand.
Apply a tiny amount to the area being bitten by a tick. The powerful odor should help cause the bug to lose its grip. Additionally, Vicks VapoRub can also help relieve pain instantly, so it’s a win-win situation!
Make candles
Candles serve a variety of functions beyond providing light; some candles are used for decor, while others are used for aromatherapy. If you don’t have a scented candle, you can make one out of Vicks VapoRub. Put some of it on a cotton wool ball and place it in a fireproof container.
Lighting them will help make any room smell better while also making it brighter. What’s great about it is that because Vicks VapoRub is fairly affordable, you can make as many “candles” as you want. If you don’t want to make Vicks VapoRub candles yourself, prepackaged ones are also available.
Rub them on your feet to stop a cough
Vicks VapoRub is commonly used to cure coughs and colds; we’ve all used it for that at some point. However, instead of rubbing it on your chest, why not try rubbing it on the soles of your feet instead?
Massaging the ointment into your feet before going to bed is said to help stop coughing. While many people are skeptical about it, others swear by it. If you want to give it a try, we suggest putting on some socks so you don’t make a mess.
Heal cracked heels
Cracked heels are caused by dryness. Much like treating dry skin, using Vicks VapoRub for your cracked heel may also help. Apply a generous amount of salve to the cracked heel and wear socks to ensure good absorption.
The petroleum jelly will help hold the moisture in place, while the eucalyptus will help mend the cracks while also offering some relief. Your heels should be smooth and painless in no time, allowing you to go about your daily activities without any issues.
Treat toenail fungus
Many people have suffered fungal infections – particularly nail infections – at some point in their lives. The good news is that Vicks VapoRub may be used to treat the problem and can also help you maintain healthy and clean fingernails and toenails.
Thymol, one of the key ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, contains antibacterial properties and is mainly responsible for getting rid of the fungus. So, the next time you notice an infection on your toes, don’t panic; Vicks VapoiRub will come to the rescue.
Add moisture to dry scalp
When your scalp lacks moisture, it can get rather dry, and the skin around it may become irritated over time. You can use Vicks VapoRub to seal in moisture, resulting in a healthy scalp.
Rub a small amount of salve into your scalp before going to bed or after showering. The eucalyptus will help moisten your scalp while also leaving it feeling invigorated. Nonetheless, while this method is effective, we recommend using a moisturizing conditioner to keep your scalp healthy.
Manage eczema symptoms
Eczema is a skin disorder that causes irritated or inflamed skin, resulting in red, blue, or purple bruises on the skin. This skin disorder affects around ten percent of infants and three percent of adults worldwide.
Many children outgrow this by the age of ten, but some are forced to live with it well into adulthood. Vicks VapoRub, believe it or not, helps to manage eczema symptoms. All you need to do is to apply the salve to the affected areas. Vicks VapoRub also helps reduce blemishes and dry spots caused by the condition.
Use it for aromatherapy
Though not everyone likes the way Vicks VapoRub smells, it is a familiar and pleasant smell for some. The ointment may be used for aromatherapy because it has no negative side effects. Simply place some in a diffuser and let the smell permeate the entire house.
This is perfect for when you or someone you live with has the flu or has sensitive skin. Even if this isn’t the case, the smell of Vicks VapoRub alone can be incredibly invigorating, making it an excellent choice for aromatherapy.
Remove warts immediately
Warts are tough skin tags that can appear anywhere on the body. While they are typically innocuous, most people will agree that they can be rather bothersome. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an easy way to get rid of them?
Fortunately, we have a solution. As it turns out, warts can easily be treated by rubbing them with Vicks VapoRub and covering them with a clean cloth or sock. Do this twice a day for two weeks to get rid of warts in any part of the body.
Help horses stay focused
Male horses may find it difficult to obey their rider’s commands during mating season. No amount of goodies will convince them to pay attention if there are any mares in the area. This problem, however, can be resolved by rubbing a little Vicks VapoRub below a horse’s nose.
Menthol can help hide nearby odors which can make it easier for you to get your horse to stay focused. According to research, Vicks VapoRub can even help horses with COPD and respiratory illnesses.
Make furniture last longer
One good way to protect your furniture, walls, doors, and other surfaces from your pets is to rub Vicks VapoRub on them. Cats enjoy scratching at things, but they dislike the smell of VapoRub and will not go anywhere near anything that has its scent on it.
Some cat owners will like this hack even more: if your pet has a bad habit of scratching your skin, simply rub some Vicks VapoRub on the part of your body that your cat likes to scratch so you no longer have to deal with endless scratch marks.
Treat minor wounds
If you haven’t already included the potent Vicks VapoRub in your first-aid kit, then you probably should! Minor wounds can heal quickly with this headache-curing ointment. Gentle dabs of the balm on the wound once or twice a day can help speed up the healing process.
Vicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil, which helps protect the wounded skin from infection. However, we would advise you to keep the balm away from open wounds, as it may cause some discomfort.
Get rid of bruises faster
Who wants to walk around with horrible bruises all over their body? Not us! Luckily, there is a cheap remedy that can compete with expensive oils and lotions in removing scars quickly. It is, indeed, our trusted Vicks VapoRub!
Rub the balm on your bruises and see amazing results practically overnight. The menthol in Vicks VapoRub helps to relieve pain by providing a cooling sensation. Without a doubt, skin discolorations caused by a wound will no longer be an issue with this inexpensive yet powerful ointment on hand.
Relieve pain caused by arthritis
We understand how arthritis can make it difficult for anyone to take care of themselves or carry out their daily tasks. If you need instant pain relief, we suggest this simple home remedy. Skip the expensive pain relievers and experience what a difference Vicks VapoRub can make!
Applying the balm to the affected areas and wrapping it with a clean cloth or towel should help relieve pain and reduce swelling. For best results, do this two to three times every day.
Reduce nighttime coughing
Vicks VapoRub, best known as a cough suppressant, has rightfully earned its place in most modern households’ medicine cabinets. For decades, the world has relied on the potent balm to get rid of the dry coughs that keep people up at night.
Camphor and menthol, the ointment’s main ingredients, evaporate when applied to one’s chest, producing a cooling sensation. However, if the cough persists, we strongly recommend that you see a doctor immediately!
Block foul odors
Dealing with foul odors is never fun, but for some professionals – like paramedics, nurses, and criminal investigators – stenches are a part of everyday life. However, there’s no need to worry when you have Vicks VapoRub on hand.
This miraculous balm not only decongests a clogged nose but also helps block nauseating smells. A small amount applied under the nostrils will do! However, be careful not to put them in your nostrils as this could increase the risk of lung irritation.
Cure ringworm
This may be hard to believe, but Vicks VapoRub may be used to cure ringworm. For those who are skeptical, we suggest that you give it a try and see how it goes!
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that spreads quickly, especially among youngsters. How and why Vicks VapoRub fights this infection remains unclear, but it works. Some studies to test the effectiveness of the salve have also been carried out, and the results have been promising.
Relieve chest congestion
Vicks VapoRub has been used to treat chest congestion for decades. People swear by it, and with reason. All you need to do is to apply some directly to your chest, and you should start feeling better in no time.
Another method that you can try is steam inhalation. Pour some boiling water into a bowl, drop some Vicks VapoRub into the water, place a towel over the back of your head, and inhale the vapors for up to five minutes. This should help clear the mucus in your nasal passages and lungs.
Treat sunburn
Spending some time in the sun doesn’t always turn out the way one would expect. Without the right sunscreen, unwitting sunbathers could end up with a nasty sunburn that damages the skin in more ways than one.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to treat sunburns. Apply a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub to your sunburned skin, and its healing properties should begin to take action soon. To avoid lasting skin damage, we strongly advise that you adopt a good skincare regimen.
Prevent infection
Long before Vicks VapoRub took over the market and became a common sight in people’s medicine cabinets, indigenous Australians have already been using eucalyptus oil ointments to treat various ailments.
Vicks contains eucalyptus oil, which is useful in the event of an injury. All you need to do is to apply the balm to an injury to avoid infection. To avoid trapping in harmful bacteria, remember to apply the balm only after washing the wound.
Treat hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are painful or itchy lumps that form inside and around the anus. While they typically go away on their own without medical intervention, there are some home remedies you try to help manage the symptoms.
Applying Vicks VapoRub to the affected region is believed to help relieve the irritation and swelling. However, do not use it for more than a week unless your doctor says so. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks, seek medical help immediately.