14 Surprising Uses For Vicks VapoRub

Vicks is a common over-the-county solution for many illnesses you might experience this cold and flu season. When our kids have a cough that just won’t go away, Vicks VapoRub is our go-to medicine. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Vicks VapoRub has other ways you can use it! You are going to want to keep more than one jar in your medicine cabinet now!

14 Surprising Uses for Vicks VapoRub

Relieve Achy Muscles:

Did you spend all day working in the yard and now have overworked, sore muscles? Vicks can rescue you! The ingredients can increase circulation and will relieve those aches almost immediately. Don’t skimp on the amount you apply. Put it all over your aching muscles. Just be ready for no one to want to cuddle or sit beside you; that smell can be strong!

TIP: To relieve the aching muscles, even more, lay a warm towel over the area with the Vicks! It will help to heat up the ointment and make your body feel amazing.

Removing Icky Nail Fungus:

Sometimes, nail fungus happens to the best of us. If you think you have fungus on your nails, try appealing some Vicks. If they start to turn dark, that means the Vicks VapoRub is killing all that gross fungus. Eventually, that dark part will come off, and you will be free from all fungus. To use Vicks for your nail fungus, apply it over the course of two weeks. Doing so each day helps to clean your nail beds and remove any lasting bacteria.

Scratching Cat:

Cats love to scratch. It is in their nature to scratch different surfaces, whether that is your couch, walls or rug. Sometimes, your friendly feline will find something to scratch that isn’t acceptable. Cats have an incredible sense of smell. To deter your feline from scratching these undesirable areas, try appealing a thin layer of Vicks. Cats are not a fan of the scent, so it is a great, yet gentle, tool. If your cat likes to scratch your legs or arms, you can apply Vicks to yourself!

Headache Remover:

Functioning with a headache can feel impossible. If you want to get rid of your headache fast, apply a small amount of Vicks to your temples and forehead. The combined ingredients help to take away the headache almost instantly by removing the pressure in your head.

Heal Bruises:

Did you run into the countertop and create a bruise on your leg? If so, you need Vicks! If you mix salt with Vicks, the bruise will heal much faster than average. It works by breaking up the bruise.

Get Rid of Dandruff:

Did you know that excess fungus often causes bacteria on your head called Malassezia? Now you do! Vicks VapoRub has antifungal properties that will combat this fungus and stop your head from flaking. No more embarrassment for you!

Ward Off Mosquitoes:

Summertime is approaching, even if it seems far away now. If you want to ward off mosquitoes, apply small amounts of Vicks to your skin and clothes. The scent helps to deter mosquitoes from bugging you. If you happen to get bit still, you can also apply Vicks to the bug bite to help relieve the itching.

Insect Bites:

Everyone gets bit by different bugs and insects! You might also find a tick or two on your body. If so, try applying Vicks immediately. The odor should cause the tick to release itself. It also can relieve the itching caused by other insect bites.

Small Cuts and Splinters:

Believe it or not, Vicks VapoRub can help to prevent infection and speed up the healing time of small cuts, such as paper cuts, or from splinters! All you need to do is put a thin layer on the wound. Vicks can act as a replacement for Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments.

Keep Animals Out:

Yes, our pets are members of the family too. That doesn’t mean you want them in every location of your house. Some areas, like your bedroom, simply might be off limits. Sure, you can keep the doors shut, but that also can disrupt the heating and cooling distribution in your home. Instead, leave a jar or two of Vicks open in the room you want the animals to avoid. Their strong scent of smell will cause them to turn away abruptly.

Combat Stretch Marks:

Stretch marks can happen anytime, on anyone, but pregnancy tends to bring them out the fastest. Surprisingly, Vicks can help stop the development of stretch marks. Several of the active ingredients, such as eucalyptus oil, cedar life oil and camphor combine to make your skin feel softer and increase the moisture content. The worries of stretch marks should be a thing of the past now!

Relieve an Earache:

There isn’t much worse than an earache! They can make your entire body and head throb with pain. To use Vicks to relieve an earache, put a small amount of Vicks on a cotton ball. Then, put that cotton ball into your ear for a few hours, several times a day. Doing so will remove the pain and stop any infection that may be brewing.

Relieve Dry, Cracked Heels:

Heels are one of the first places on your body that you will notice dry and cracked skin. The wintertime tends to be the worst! Cracking heels can be painful and annoying. To remedy the situation, apply a layer of Vicks to the cracked heels. Doing so adds hydration and moisture to the area. You should wear socks over the Vicks to help hold in the moisture.

Hemorrhoid Relief:

Not much in life can make you as miserable as hemorrhoids. Vicks can help to provide some temporary relief from the pain and itchiness. Just put a small amount on the area. Soon, the swelling will decrease, leaving behind a cooling sensation. Make sure your doctor approves of this method and be prepared to feel stinging when you first apply it.