Experiencing a sneeze or a blocked nose? Vicks VapoRub may be your go-to. Thanks to its high concentration of menthol, it excels in unclogging sinuses and easing cold symptoms. Yet, this reliable salve has more uses than you might imagine! Applying it to your feet before bedtime can be surprisingly beneficial. Let’s delve into this peculiar trick, along with 29 more useful hacks you should know.
30. It can alleviate ear pain
Earache is a common issue usually not too serious. However, it’s wise to consult with a doctor to ensure there’s no underlying serious cause.
If the discomfort isn’t a sign of a more significant problem, it can be managed at home – VapoRub can be an ideal solution. To keep earache in check, dab some VapoRub on a cotton ball and put it in your ear opening. Advocates of this technique suggest leaving it there for several hours to alleviate the pain.
You can repeat this method until the pain is gone. An added benefit of this approach is that the ointment can also ward off infections. What a perk!
29. It combats acne
The American Academy of Dermatology states that about 50 million Americans struggle with acne annually, not all of them teenagers.
For many adults, acne remains a problem, and they crave a definitive solution. If you relate to this, you may want to try Vicks VapoRub.
Its components, camphor and eucalyptus, possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can calm your skin, reduce inflammation, and help clear up your complexion.
Exercise caution when trying this tip as VapoRub can cause more breakouts for some due to its petroleum jelly content, which is intended to hydrate skin.
28. It mitigates joint pain
Family medicine specialist Pauline Jose, MD, suggests that VapoRub can work as a pain reliever for sore joints. As per her November 2020 interview with the beauty website Byrdie, it works as an analgesic, acting on nerve endings.
To feel its relief, simply rub it onto the areas causing discomfort. Conditions like “tennis elbow” can find relief with VapoRub, as the menthol and camphor in it help alleviate pain.
While this incredible salve can temporarily ease pain, it’s still best to seek medical advice for a lasting solution as untreated injuries can become an issue.
27. It removes eye makeup
Stubborn eye makeup can be easily removed with VapoRub. Apply a bit onto a cotton pad and gently wipe across your skin for a fresh, clean feel.
Be cautious, though. Avoid getting it in your eyes as it may cause stinging. Apply a tiny amount to your pad and if it gets into your eye, rinse thoroughly with saline solution or clean water.
This hack is best reserved for emergencies due to its potential risks.
26. It lessens coughs
If you put it on your feet Vicks VapoRub enthusiasts know that it can alleviate coughs and colds. Just rub it onto your chest and take a deep breath, right?
But there’s another application method: when you’re dealing with a persistent cough, try applying VapoRub to your feet before putting on socks.
Though unconventional, it’s been reported that applying the salve to this body part can ease a throat tickle and loosen up your chest.
25. It soothes itchy skin
The cooling menthol in VapoRub can help calm itchy skin, even remedying irritation from poison ivy according to online stories.
By applying it to the affected area, VapoRub can reportedly ease irritation and decrease redness in just a few hours. You might be wondering, what makes it so effective against a poison ivy reaction? Its key ingredients, camphor and menthol, stimulate skin nerves.
These potent ingredients overload the receptors, causing a temporary shutdown, thus effectively numbing the itch. A clever solution indeed!
24. It assists in removing splinters
There’s hardly anything more annoying than a painful splinter that’s hard to remove. But worry not. You can put away those tweezers and save your skin from any potential harm.
Try using VapoRub to coax the stubborn splinter out. This simple, effortless solution requires you to clean the affected area, apply some VapoRub, and cover it with a band-aid.
After a few hours, the foreign object should have surfaced. You can thank us later!
23. It conceals unpleasant odors
Life can be filled with unavoidable unpleasant odors, such as a baby’s diaper or trash disposal.
While you may not be able to completely eliminate these odors, you can certainly disguise them with your reliable tub of Vicks VapoRub.
This solution is ideal for those with a highly sensitive sense of smell or strong gag reflex. Just apply some VapoRub beneath your nose until you’re clear of the offending smell. Problem solved!
For the Vicks’ scent lovers, consider making your own air freshener.
22. It remedies minor burns
A common scenario: you’re cooking and accidentally touch a hot pan. The intense pain has you rushing to the cold tap.
Adding an extra step can prolong the relief – just apply a layer of Vicks VapoRub. After cooling a minor kitchen burn under cold water, use VapoRub to help ease the sting.
Applying it twice a day to the affected area can expedite the healing process due to the ointment’s anti-inflammatory properties. However, for more severe burns, always seek medical attention.
21. It hydrates the face
VapoRub as a facial moisturizer may not have crossed your mind, but it can reportedly do wonders for dry or chapped skin.
This product can be particularly helpful during the winter when our skin could use some extra hydration. The results: soft skin with a fresh scent.
However, for some skin types, VapoRub can have adverse effects. If you’re prone to breakouts or clogged pores, doctors recommend not using it. As per Dr. Mitchell Manway’s conversation with Healthline, VapoRub can clog pores and exacerbate acne due to its thick, greasy consistency. Proceed with caution when applying it to your face.
20. It hydrates a parched scalp
Whether due to an adverse reaction to a new hair product or simply the natural aging process, you might be dealing with a dry scalp. This isn’t just uncomfortable but also visually unappealing.
Vicks VapoRub, with its petroleum and eucalyptus components, can act as a fantastic remedy.
Apply a small quantity to the driest parts of your scalp before bedtime, and let it work its magic overnight.
19. It accelerates bruise recovery
It generally takes a bruise about a fortnight to disappear, a process that involves the bruise changing through various colors as the blood is reabsorbed.
If you prefer not to wait that long, Vicks VapoRub is an excellent alternative.
The menthol in the VapoRub cools the bruised area and helps alleviate the pain from the injury, while the camphor reduces inflammation, thus speeding up healing.
18. It revitalizes dry lips
Lack of oil glands in your lips can lead to them getting chapped or dry, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Instead of investing in expensive balms or lotions, opt for Vicks VapoRub. A small layer of VapoRub can hydrate your lips and restore their fullness.
The menthol-based salve can also soothe any painful splits. Just ensure to apply sparingly and avoid ingestion.
17. It cleanses minor wounds
For common minor injuries like small cuts and scrapes, Vicks VapoRub can be a handy aid.
Its antiseptic properties can cleanse your wounds and help prevent infections.
The VapoRub also aids in speeding up the healing process, a feature anyone who’s ever had an annoying paper cut would appreciate.
16. It combats nail fungus
As we age, our nails can get dry and brittle, leading to cracks that could let fungus in, resulting in unpleasant symptoms like discolored, thickened, or malodorous nails.
If this occurs, Vicks VapoRub is your go-to remedy.
When you apply the VapoRub to the affected area, your nail may darken, but this is a positive sign that the antimicrobial and antibacterial agent thymol in the VapoRub is eliminating the fungus.
15. It eases sore muscles
Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or spend long hours in a not-so-comfy desk chair, muscle aches are not uncommon.
To alleviate some of this discomfort, trust in Vicks VapoRub. Applying VapoRub to the sore area can quickly soothe your pain, thanks to its circulation-promoting properties.
It can even alleviate moderate cases of muscle pain and might work for arthritis, with the bonus of potentially enhancing your immune system due to its eucalyptus content.
14. It soothes sunburn
A significant number of Americans suffer from sunburn each year, an uncomfortable condition characterized by painful, warm-to-touch skin.
Vicks VapoRub can offer relief to sunburn victims. Its cooling menthol provides soothing relief to the aching skin, while its hydrating properties help restore moisture.
Applying a thin layer over the sunburned area can help manage the pain and expedite the healing process. Be sure to use it sparingly and keep your skin hydrated.
13. It helps in removing stubborn lipstick
According to a survey, a large percentage of women in America wear lipstick daily. However, long-lasting lipstick can be difficult to remove completely.
If you find traces of color lingering on your lips even after wiping off the lipstick, you can apply a thin layer of Vicks VapoRub on the stain and leave it for five minutes.
This should make it easier to wipe off the remaining color while also moisturizing your lips.
12. It aids in reducing belly fat
Vicks VapoRub can be used similarly to over-the-counter weight-loss lotions. To use it for this purpose, you need to prepare a mixture by combining crushed camphor tablets, baking soda, alcohol, and VapoRub.
After creating a paste, you can rub it on your tummy before a workout and cover it with plastic wrap.
This method, combined with exercise, may help in burning excess fat.
11. It helps in breathing when used in a humidifier
Humidifiers are commonly used to prevent dryness in the air, which can cause irritation to the throat, skin, lips, and nose.
However, adding Vicks VapoRub to a humidifier with an aromatherapy compartment can enhance its effectiveness in relieving congestion and cold symptoms.
By placing a scoop of VapoRub in the chamber, you can enjoy easier breathing throughout the day and night.
10. It diminishes warts
Warts can still appear on the skin even after coming in contact with the virus months ago.
They can take a long time to disappear on their own. Some people have found relief using Vicks VapoRub as a DIY wart treatment.
By applying a small amount of the ointment to the affected area and covering it with a bandage, you may see improvement. However, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for professional advice and alternative treatment options.
9. It repels insects
Dealing with bugs, especially mosquitoes, can be unpleasant when spending time outdoors during the summer. If you’ve tried various insect repellents without success, you can try dabbing a bit of VapoRub onto your exposed skin before heading out.
The cedar leaf oil in VapoRub acts as a repellent for many pests.
Applying the product to your legs, arms, neck, and other exposed areas can help protect you from insect bites and stings.
8. It dulls hemorrhoid pain
Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort and pain in sensitive areas.
For temporary relief, Vicks VapoRub can be applied generously to the affected area to soothe the pain and itchiness.
However, it’s important to note that VapoRub is not a long-term solution for hemorrhoids, and seeking medical advice for personalized treatment is recommended.
7. It tightens skin to fight wrinkles
Skincare products often come with a high price tag and no guarantee of effectiveness.
On the other hand, Vicks VapoRub is a cost-effective option that may help tighten and brighten the skin, particularly on the neck and chest where fine lines often appear.
The combination of menthol and camphor in VapoRub has a tightening effect on the skin, according to a pharmacist. It can be used as an alternative to expensive wrinkle creams.
6. It softens stretch marks
Stretch marks are a natural part of life, especially for those who have experienced pregnancy.
To soften the appearance of these marks, some people have reported success with Vicks VapoRub.
The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, and turpentine oil in VapoRub works together to moisturize and soften the skin, reducing the
5. It creates sinus-clearing shower bombs
Vicks VapoRub is known for its effectiveness in relieving congestion, while hot shower steam can help alleviate stuffiness.
Combining these two remedies, you can make your own DIY sinus-clearing shower bombs.
The ingredients needed are VapoRub, cornstarch, and water. By mixing them together and forming them into balls, you can place one on the shower floor to release soothing vapors and help clear your sinuses.
4. It soothes eczema and rosacea
Vicks VapoRub is not only useful for acne breakouts and redness but can also provide relief for skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus and camphor in VapoRub help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce discomfort associated with these conditions.
It is recommended to apply VapoRub to a small area of the skin first to ensure there are no adverse reactions before using it on a larger area.
3. It promotes hair growth
Some ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, such as lavender and eucalyptus, are believed to promote hair growth.
By enhancing blood circulation to the hair follicles it combats dryness of the scalp.
Although improving blood flow to the scalp can potentially stimulate hair growth, VapoRub is unlikely to have a significant impact in this regard.
2. It moisturizes dry feet
Dry feet can result from various factors, including hot baths or being in a low-humidity environment.
Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that causes dryness, flakiness, and discomfort, can also be a concern.
VapoRub, with its petroleum jelly content, helps lock in moisture when applied to the skin. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties in VapoRub can help eliminate bacteria associated with athlete’s foot.
1. It relieves headaches and migraines
VapoRub is commonly used to alleviate colds and congestion, but it can also provide relief for headaches and migraines.
Massaging a small amount of VapoRub into the temples can help ease head pressure and reduce pain. Its soothing menthol scent and cooling effect can provide a refreshing sensation.
While VapoRub may not be a cure-all for migraines, it offers an alternative option for managing the pain associated with them.
