The Many Uses of Vicks VapoRub You Never Knew

If you’ve ever had a stuffy nose or chest congestion, you’ve likely used Vicks VapoRub and realized how excellent it works. This mentholated topical ointment soothes coughs and is a great alternative to traditional oral cough medicines, including pills and liquids. However, most people don’t know that it’s got many other purposes beyond relieving scratchy throats.

Do you have Vicks VapoRub in your medicine cabinet already? If not, you might want to go to the store and get some so that you can try the uses listed below. Learn how versatile this tub of ointment really is and ways to use it now:

Relieve Earaches

Earaches are often painful and leave you wishing you could rip off your ears. Instead of going to the extreme or getting special drops from the doctor, grab a cotton ball or swab and your VapoRub container. Dip the swab into the ointment and rub it gently around in the ear. Reapply as necessary to reduce pain.

Relieve Joint Pain

VapoRub is an analgesic because it works on the nerve endings. Therefore, you can use it to relieve joint pains and aches. The menthol and camphor inside offer relief. However, it’s only temporary, so consult with a doctor if you have persistent pain.

Remove Eye Makeup

Eye makeup is often hard to remove, and the products specifically designed for that are expensive. Instead, use a small amount of the ointment on a cotton pad to get rid of makeup. Just don’t get it into your eye because it could sting!

Aromatherapy from a Humidifier

You could use VapoRub in a humidifier with an aromatherapy compartment to prevent the house from getting dry and add a touch of menthol smell. Put a small amount of the ointment into the container and enjoy the scent and humidity.

Relieve Itchy Skin

If you have itchy skin, such as from poison plants, VapoRub is a lifesaver. Apply a little bit of the ointment to the affected area. It should stop the itch quickly and reduce puffiness and redness because of the menthol and camphor. Make sure to take a jar with you while camping!

Remove Splinters

Sometimes, we end up getting splinters in our feet or fingers. While tweezers are designed to remove them, they could be lodged in there good. VapoRub might help. Put some on the area, and the moisture draws out the splinter without pain.

Cover Bad Odors

You might not be able to avoid smelling unpleasant odors in the home. To cover them up temporarily, rub a small amount of VapoRub under your nose. It hides the odor, and you only smell the menthol. That way, you can deal with those nasty smells quickly.

Relieve Burns

Have you ever seen people with VapoRub ointment in their kitchen or a first-aid kit? Kitchen burns can happen at any time, and you can run cold water over the area and apply some VapoRub to the skin until the burn heals, which could take a few days.

Great Moisturizer

Sometimes, women run out of moisturizer and don’t have time to go to the store for more. When you’re in a pinch, VapoRub can be used instead. It moisturizes dry skin and is very helpful in the winter months.

Test First

Before using it all over your face or body, test it on a smaller area first. Some people can’t have the greasy and thick ointment on their faces, and it could cause minor redness and irritation you might not like.

Prevent Dry Scalp

Do you have a flaky, dry scalp and hate it? VapoRub can help. Apply a thin layer on the scalp before bedtime, and don’t forget the driest spots. Wash it out in the morning and repeat the process whenever necessary.

Heal Bruises

Bruises tend to take two weeks to heal fully. However, you can speed up the process by applying some VapoRub to the area. It reduces inflammation and expedites the healing process.

Soothe Those Chapped Lips

Many people experience chapped lips during winter, and they often try tons of chapstick and balm products to no avail. VapoRub is an excellent solution because the menthol soothes painfully dry and split lips. You only need a small amount and can use it as needed.

Antiseptic Ointment

If you’re prone to scratches and scrapes, VapoRub could be your antiseptic to prevent infection and keep the wound clean. In fact, you should clean the cut thoroughly with peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or soap and water. Then, dab a cotton ball into the jar and rub gently on the affected area.

Get Rid of Nail Fungus

Those with dry and brittle nails have to be careful about nail fungus. If you get it, VapoRub can help you! Apply it generously to the affected area and watch while it gets darker. This is normal and means the fungus is drying. Keep doing this for about two weeks.

Relieve Muscle Pains

If you experience muscle pain or soreness, VapoRub can be a therapeutic muscle balm. Just rub a little ointment onto the muscles in question and wait a bit. It will work its magic quickly and relieve your pain.

Sunburn Relief

People who are prone to sunburns know that they are painful and have that odd warming sensation. Apply some VapoRub to the sunburn to cool the skin and soothe the pain. It works like aloe vera, and most people have it around the house!

Remove Lipstick

Sometimes, you don’t get the lipstick off your lips completely. Most of the color comes away, but a residue is likely to stick behind. Apply a very thin layer of the VapoRub to the lips, wait a minute, and wipe it away with a tissue!

Acne Medication

While VapoRub might not work for everyone, it’s worth a try, especially if you’ve used other products in the past with little success. Test it out first by applying a bit of VapoRub onto a zit and see if it helps. If it does, continue using it!

Wart Relief

Warts are often hard to live with and frustrating to remove. While you can go to a dermatologist, it’s often expensive. VapoRub might help to speed up the healing process. Apply a small amount of the ointment to the wart and cover with a bandage!

Insect Repellant

VapoRub is an excellent solution to keep away bugs, and you don’t have to buy tons of products and store them. Most pests can’t stand the menthol smell and stay away. Dab some ointment on the neck, arms, ankles, and legs before heading outside.

Brighten and Tighten Skin

Moisture is important for your skin to stay taut and firm. Make sure you’re getting enough in the crevices and fine lines. Generally, VapoRub works well, and you can apply it at night before you go to bed.

Reduce Stretch Marks

Did you know that VapoRub can help you reduce the look of stretch marks? It might not erase them, but they aren’t as prominent with daily use. Since the ointment moisturizes and softens skin, it helps them fade away.

DIY Bath Bomb

Make your own soothing bath bomb by mixing together 3 tablespoons of VapoRub, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water. Ensure that it’s a smooth paste, and then form it into balls or bricks, letting them harden. Pop one of them into the bath and enjoy the effects.

New Method for Cough Relief

Doctors haven’t confirmed this, but many people swear that they get better chest congestion relief by rubbing VapoRub onto the bottoms of their feet. Wear slipper socks so that you don’t get the ointment everywhere, and, hopefully, sleep well!

Helps with Eczema and Rosacea

These two skin conditions cause irritation, dryness, and discomfort. VapoRub assists with inflammation because of the eucalyptus and camphor. It’s also a moisturizer! Just make sure you test a small area first to prevent skin issues.

Relieve Dry Feet

Most people have dry feet, and it’s very uncomfortable. They might crack and bleed, especially if you live somewhere with low humidity levels. Apply some VapoRub to the skin to keep them flake-free and moisturized.

Migraine Relief

When the medication takes too long to work, try VapoRub. Apply it to the temples, massage it in, and let it work its magic. The ointment can soothe the pain, and menthol smells good enough to relieve tension in the head.

Aloe Is Good Too

Vicks VapoRub is an amazing ointment that can help with many things. However, aloe vera is quite similar and a natural salve. Here are some uses for it that go beyond the sunburn relief factor.

Natural Shaving Cream

Many people dislike canned shaving creams because of the aerosol. A natural alternative is aloe vera. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and moisturizes while you shave. Plus, its antiseptic properties ensure that you don’t get infections from small cuts.

Exfoliate Skin

You should exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and keep the pores clean from grime, oil, and dirt. Aloe has amazing cleansing properties, so it’s gentle enough to be used for exfoliation.

Nourishing Hair Mask

Mix together 3 teaspoons of aloe gel with 2 teaspoons of yogurt, a teaspoon of olive oil, and a teaspoon of honey. This creates a natural and nourishing hair mask. Just apply it to the scalp and hair, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and wash it out.

Eyebrow Gel

Many women use clear eyebrow gel to keep those small hairs in place. If you run out or prefer a natural alternative, aloe vera gel is an easy swap. Add some to a mascara wand or cotton swab and swipe it across the eyebrows so that they don’t move!

Improve Digestion

Aloe vera can help with digestion because it contains enzymes that break down sugars and fats. Sometimes, it reduces stomach irritation, too. Experience the benefits by drinking unsweetened aloe vera juice!

Heartburn Relief

The Aloe vera juice can also reduce your heartburn and is a natural option. It contains various compounds that control acid secretion within the stomach. Some people even use it to fight those gastric ulcers!

Mouthwash Alternative

If you dislike the harshness of commercial mouthwash products, create your own natural one that keeps your mouth fresh and clean. Mix 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice, 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/2 cup distilled water, and three drops of your favorite essential oil!

Lower Blood Sugar

Work to lower your blood sugar levels by ingesting 2 tablespoons of the aloe vera juice each day. One study showed that patients who did this saw their levels decrease, and it’s bound to work for you. Could this be a new diabetes treatment?!

Natural Laxative

Aloe vera works as a natural laxative. One study indicated that the gel from houseplants relieved constipation. However, you should only use this solution sparingly, and don’t do it if you’ve got Crohn’s Disease.

Fight Dandruff

Many studies show that aloe vera could help with seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). It indicated that patients treated their scalps with aloe vera and had less scaliness and itchiness.

Treat Skin Abrasions

Aloe vera has many medicinal properties, especially when focused on wound care. You can use it to treat skin abrasions but talk to a dermatologist first. If the wound is serious, it’s best to go to the emergency room.