VapoRub isn’t just for colds. Here are 11 smart ways to improve your health.

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A classic, Vicks VapoRub has been around for over a century and is a staple in many homes. What began as a home remedy to fight colds, flu and other common illnesses gained popularity in the early 20th century. Bought out by Proctor & Gamble in the 1980s, the use of Vicks has spread around the world.

Made with a combination of menthol, camphor and other ingredients such as thyme, eucalyptus and nutmeg oils, the ointment both cools and soothes. Individually, these elements have specific uses, including pain relief, itch reduction, antifungal, increased circulation and acne control.

Today, loyal users tout this famous product for everything from coughs to stretch marks. It’s good old-fashioned ingenuity that finds ways to reuse the basic product. It’s no wonder that with all the combined properties of Vicks VapoRub, we use it for more than just a decongestant.

One of the world’s most common over-the-counter remedies is probably sitting in one of your cabinets right now. Let’s take a look at the list below to discover some of the clever ways people use Vicks in their daily lives.

1- Headaches
If you suffer from sinus headaches, inhaling the vapors can help clear your blocked passageways. Simply rub a tiny bit of Vicks under your nose. Another method for non-sinus headaches is to rub a small amount on your temples. This is thought to relieve the pressure you may feel from your headache.

2- Nail fungus

vicks for foot

Again, many of the compounds in Vicks ointment are antifungal and can work against nail fungus. Use a cotton swab to apply it to your toes or nails and let it work. Wearing socks to bed will help protect your feet while Vicks does its job.

3- Stretch marks/Cellulite
I know, you’re thinking, “Really? Stretch marks?” There are people who swear by this product, and even post videos on the internet explaining how effective it is and how to do it. While you can look up entire processes on the best ways to VapoRub your cellulite and stretch marks in subspace, just try using it as a balm or lotion and rub it on the affected areas.

4- Relief from itching and bites

vicks for mosquito

From poison ivy to bee stings to mosquito bites, grandmothers all over the world use Vicks to stop the itching and pain caused by outdoor encounters. It has also been reported that dust mites are doomed if VapoRub is used as a weapon against their attacks. Just rub it on and let these magical ingredients work!

5- Dry feet
Do you have scaly, ashy feet? Spread VapoRub on the soles of your feet like butter to combat dry, cracked skin. Pay special attention to problem areas like the heels. Cover your feet with cotton socks overnight and remove the ointment in the morning with warm water.

6- Nausea

vicks featured

Using mint aromatically and internally is a popular remedy for nausea. Some people use Vicks by rubbing a small line under their nose or creating a facial steam to inhale. The mint/menthol smell has been heard to calm nauseous stomachs.

7- Burns
Ouch! It hurts when you touch a hot iron by mistake or steam escapes from a simmering pot. A minor burn can be soothed with VapoRub. The camphor and other elements in Vicks have the ability to heal burns and numb the pain they cause.

8- Squeaky doors

vicks for door

Attention DIYers and DIYers: Vicks is known to cure squeaky doors with a simple squeeze and tap. If you can’t get your hands on oil or WD40, try it and see for yourself.

9- Shower Bombs
Instead of inhaling Vicks on your body or through a humidifier, you can make your own shower “bombs” to relieve congestion. Place them on the shower floor and let the hot water melt them into a steamy vapor.

10- Bruises

vicks for bruise

This is actually one of the uses mentioned in an old Vicks ad from the 1920s. Camphor and menthol contain components that promote circulation, which helps bruises heal faster. Rub a little ointment on a bruise to help it heal.

11- Pimple breaker

Vicks for acne

Do you have a huge pimple that you feel like everyone else is looking at? Some of the ingredients in VapoRub have antiseptic and healing properties. Try applying a small dot of VapoRub to a pimple to dry it out and make it disappear.

Keep in mind that the majority of these methods aren’t backed by scientific studies, so proceed with diligence and caution. As with any home remedy, know when to seek medical attention for your particular problem. Do you keep VapoRub on hand for multiple uses? What else do you use it for? Tell us in the comment

Sources:

Latina Magazine

Livestrong

The Atlantic

Wikipedia