Health

12 clever uses for Vicks VapoRub (other than fixing a cold)

Starts at 60 Writers

Aug 30, 2016

No doubt you remember the eucalyptus smell of Vicks VapoRub from when your parents rubbed it on your chest as a kid.

For most of us it’s a go to product when we’ve got coughs or colds.

But there’s more to Vicks VapoRub than just being used as a popular decongestant.

After more than a hundred years on the market, Vicks is becoming a popular go to product for everyday use.

Here are 12 everyday uses for Vicks VapoRub.

Keep mozzies away

Everyone hates mosquitoes. From the annoying buzzing to the itch left behind by a bite, they’re not something you want to have hanging around. Apparently mozzies can’t stand the smell of Vicks. By applying Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes, you’ll keep the mozzies away. Vicks can also be used to relieve itching on a bite. Just rub some on the bite area and cover it with a Band-Aid.

2. Ease your headache

Can’t stand swallowing a painkiller? Or need quick relief from a headache? Vicks can help! The menthol scent of Vicks releases pressure in your head and can bring you instant pain relief. All you have to do is rub a little bit on your temple and forehead.

3. Relieve your aching muscles

If you’ve run out of Deep Heat or muscle rub, never fear – Vicks works just as well. Vicks actually increases circulation, providing pretty much instant relief for your aching muscles. All you have to do is apply a generous amount of Vicks to the aching area.

4. Get rid of ticks

If you live in a bushy or coastal area and know what it’s like to constantly be on the lookout for ticks, it might pay to keep a bottle of Vicks handy. If you’re bitten by a tick, immediately apply Vicks to the area. It turns out the ticks can’t stand the smell of Vicks and the odour will encourage them off your body.

5. No more nail fungus

Having a nail fungus on your fingernails or toenails can be unpleasant. Luckily, Vicks can also fix that. Try rubbing the VapoRub on your toenails and fingernails. Apparently, within days the nail will turn dark – but don’t panic, that means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As the nail grows, the dark part will grow off and your feet and hands will be fungus-free in no time. To ensure that you stay fungus free, apply the Vicks for two weeks to fully cleanse your nails.

6. Stop the cat from scratching

Cats love to scratch. They can scratch your furniture, walls and even your arms and legs. But they hate the smell of Vicks! Using VapoRub can stop your cat from being destructive. All you have to do is rub some Vicks in the areas your feline friend is scratching and you’ll find your cat keeps away. Putting Vicks on your arms and legs will also stop your cat from scratching you.

7. Stop the dog from peeing

If you’ve got a pet dog, no doubt you’ve found yourself frustrated at it peeing somewhere it shouldn’t. Whether it’s peeing on a particular patch of carpet or cocking its leg on furniture, you can use Vicks to stop it. Simply put an open bottle of Vicks in the area your dog likes to pee, and the smell will discourage them from making a mess in that area.

8. Keep your paper cuts, splinters free of infection

Getting a paper cut or a splinter is bad enough, let alone getting an infected splinter or paper cut. Next time it happens to you, reach for your nearest bottle of Vicks VapoRub. Applying some Vicks to the splinter or paper cut can prevent infection and help it heal faster.

9. Heal your cracked heels

Next time you find your heels cracking, try covering them in a thick layer of Vicks VapoRub. Once you’ve done that, put cotton socks on overnight and wash your feet in the morning with warm water. The Vicks works to soften the skin, ready for you to exfoliate with a pumice stone. To maintain your healthy and smooth heels, try using Vicks every night.

10. Ease your eczema itch

Vicks VapoRub can be used to ease a range of skin conditions, including eczema. Just apply the Vicks to your eczema affected skin and it’ll ease any inflammation or itchiness you may be experiencing. When using Vicks on any part of your skin remember that if you have a reaction or any negative symptoms, stop using it immediately.

11. Get rid of your bruises quicker

Got a nasty bruise you want to get rid of quickly? Try applying some Vicks VapoRub to it. All you have to do is mix some salt in the VapoRub and rub it on your bruise. It’s supposed to break up bruises quicker.

12. Soothe your burns

Just as Vicks can help with cuts and bruises, it can also ease the pain on burns and heal them faster. Just apply the VapoRub to your burn to soothe the pain.