However, most people don’t realize that Vicks VapoRub has many other purposes and benefits beyond simple cough relief. You can put it on almost any part of the body and relieve aches, pains, and problems. Continue reading to learn how versatile that tub of ointment is and how to use it correctly!
Relieve Earaches
Do you have an earache that doesn’t seem to go away? Rub a small amount of VapoRub around the ear with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Reapply as necessary to alleviate any discomfort and feel better faster!
Relieve Joint Pain
Pauline Jose, a family medicine specialist, says that VapoRub is an analgesic because it works on the nerve endings. Therefore, you can relieve joint paint with it because of the menthol and camphor inside. However, it’s temporary, so consult with a doctor for persistent issues.
Eye Makeup Removal
Eye makeup is often hard to remove, and the products designed for it might be expensive. Instead, just use VapoRub. Put some on a cotton pad and swipe over the eyes. Just don’t get any in the eyes because it burns!
Humidifier Aromatherapy
Many people have humidifiers with aromatherapy compartments. Add a little VapoRub to the container area to keep your home from getting dry and add a touch of smell. Breathe easier without even thinking about it!
Relieve Itchy Skin
VapoRub also works well on itchy skin, especially from plant-based irritation like poison ivy. Apply some of it to the affected area and reduce the itch sensation and redness because of the menthol and camphor. Make sure to bring a tub on camping trips, too!
Remove Splinters
Sometimes, you get a splinter in your foot or hand. Most people use tweezers to remove them, but they could be painful or otherwise hard to get out. VapoRub comes to the rescue! Apply a little to the area, and the moisture it creates draws it out for you.
Cover Bad Smells
In some cases, you can’t avoid unpleasant odors in your home, such as when cooking fish or onions. To cover up those smells, use some VapoRub! Put a dab under your nose so that you can deal with that bad scent.
Relieve Burns
Many people rush while they’re in the kitchen, which leaves them burned and in pain. If that happens, immediately run cold water over the affected area and rub some VapoRub on it. Apply it twice a day while the burn heals.
Use as Moisturizer
Have you ever made a list for the store and forgotten a few things? Usually, it’s your facial moisturizer, and you’re left with dry, itchy skin. VapoRub works in a pinch for that. It’s amazing for the dry winter months!
Test It Out
If you’re planning to use VapoRub on your body, test it on a small patch of skin initially to ensure that it doesn’t irritate the area. Sometimes, thick or greasy ointments like this aren’t beneficial if you are prone to acne or too much oil production.
Prevent Dry Scalp
Do you have a dry and flaky scalp? VapoRub can benefit you, too! Before bed, just apply a thin and even layer of this miracle ointment to your scalp, paying attention to the driest spots. Wash it out in the morning and repeat as often as needed.
Heal Bruises Quickly
Typically, bruises take two or so weeks to heal completely. However, you can speed up that process by applying some VapoRub to the area. It reduces inflammation and expedites the healing response system.
Soothe Chapped Lips
Most people have a specific Chapstick they enjoy using, but it might not be effective for severely chapped lips. VapoRub is an excellent solution because the menthol soothes painful and split dry lips. Plus, you only need a small amount!
Use as an Antiseptic
Some people seem more prone to getting scrapes and scratches, and VapoRub is an excellent antiseptic to prevent infection. Just clean the cut thoroughly with peroxide, soapy water, or rubbing alcohol. Then, apply the ointment with a cotton ball and cover it with a bandage.
Get Rid of Nail Fungus
Dry and brittle nails are more prone to nail fungus. If you get this condition, VapoRub can assist. Apply it directly to the affected area. It could become darker, which tells you the fungus is drying out. Use the method for about three weeks!
Reduce Muscle Pain
Athletes and exercise fans often experience muscle pain and soreness periodically. VapoRub is an excellent therapeutic balm. Just rub the ointment onto those sore muscles and wait for it to work its magic.
Relieve Sunburns
Most people have experienced sunburns before, and they feature pain, warm sensations, and pulsation. Aloe vera works well, but VapoRub can be helpful in a pinch. Apply it to the sunburn to reduce pain and cool the skin. Next time, remember the sunscreen!
Remove Lipstick
What happens if you decide the lipstick shade you chose doesn’t work with your outfit? You try to remove it with a tissue, but there’s some residue left. Apply a thin layer of the ointment to your lips, wait a minute or so, and wipe it off easily!
Acne Medication
This solution might not be suitable for everyone, but it’s worth a shot if you have severe acne. Test a small area first by applying some VapoRub to the skin. Use it for a few days to see if it reduces the look of blemishes. If so, you can use it regularly!
Wart Relief
Warts are very hard to deal with because they’re hard to remove. Try VapoRub to see if that helps it heal. Apply the ointment to the wart and cover it entirely with a bandage. If it doesn’t work, you might have to call a dermatologist.
Insect Repellant
Most people dislike the chemicals found in most insect repellants, but Vicks VapoRub might help! Pests generally can’t stand the menthol smell and keep away. Dab some on your arms, ankles, neck, and legs before going outside!
Tighten Your Skin
As you age, your skin loses elasticity, but VapoRub might help your skin stay taut because it moisturizes. Apply some directly to your fine lines and wrinkles and watch them disappear with time, making you look youthful and glowing.
Reduce Stretch Marks
Many people suffer from stretch marks on their arms and stomachs. Consider applying VapoRub to the area. The ointment reduces the look and helps them fade because it moisturizes and softens the skin.
DIY Bath Bomb
Make your own bath bombs by combining 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of water, and 3 tablespoons of the Vick VapoRub ointment. Mix it together to form a paste, and then squish handfuls into balls and let them harden. Add one to your bath water and enjoy!
New Cough Relieving Method
Many people swear that rubbing VapoRub onto their feet helps with chest congestion and cough more than putting it on the chest. This hasn’t been confirmed by doctors, but it can’t hurt and even soothes your achy feet!
Reduce Eczema and Rosacea
Skin conditions like Rosacea and Eczema cause discomfort, irritation, and dryness. VapoRub reduces inflammation from the eucalyptus and camphor, which eases your pain. Just make sure to test a small area to see how the skin reacts first.
Relieve Your Dry Feet
Dry feet is a huge problem for many people, and they often see cracks and feel pain. Keep those tootsies moisturized by using VapoRub on the area. Rub it into the feet, put on socks, and head to bed. You should wake up with softer skin!
Migraine Relief
If you experience migraines often, you might consider rubbing some VapoRub on your temples. Massage it deep into the skin to relieve your pain. The ointment contains menthol, which might reduce tension in the head and neck.
Yay for Aloe
Vicks VapoRub is an excellent ointment that does many great things. However, aloe vera is another natural salve that reduces many issues. Here are a few ways to utilize aloe (apart from relieving your sunburn.)
Natural Shaving Cream
Most people prefer natural products, and canned shaving cream has many chemicals inside. Aloe vera is your solution! It’s gentle and doesn’t hurt sensitive skin. Plus, it moisturizes as you shave. If you’re prone to nicks and cuts, it’s also an antiseptic!
Exfoliate Your Skin
You should exfoliate periodically to remove dead skin cells from your face. This ensures that your pores stay clean and you get rid of oil and dirt. Aloe has cleansing properties, so it’s a gentle and perfect product for this purpose!
Nourishing Hair Mask
Create a natural and nourishing hair mask by mixing 3 teaspoons of aloe gel with 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of yogurt. Apply it to the scalp and hair, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and wash it all out.
Eyebrow Gel
Tame those stray eyebrow hairs by using aloe vera. While you can find products designed for that, you may want a more natural alternative. Clean an old mascara wand or use a cotton swab to swipe some on and protect your eyebrows throughout the day.
Improve Your Digestive Health
Aloe vera can help with digestion because it contains enzymes that break down fat and sugar. Plus, it reduces stomach irritation. The best thing is you only have to drink the unsweetened aloe vera juice to reap those benefits!
Heartburn Relief
Aloe vera juice also relieves heartburn naturally. It contains compounds that control acid production in the stomach and might even fight those gastric ulcers you get. Just make sure that you can drink it safely, as some people dislike the taste.
Alternative Mouthwash
You want to protect your teeth and mouth, so mouthwash is the best solution (after flossing and brushing). Create a natural version with 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/2 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice, and three drops of your favorite essential oil.
Lower Your Blood Sugar
Lower your blood sugar level by consuming 2 tablespoons of the aloe vera juice each day. One study indicates that patients’ blood sugar levels decreased when using it, so it might help you deal with diabetes better.
Natural Laxative
Aloe vera also works as a laxative. One study showed that it relieved constipation, but the Mayo Clinic claims that you should utilize it sparingly. Don’t use this method if you’ve got Crohn’s disease, and consult with your doctor before adding it to your routine.
Fight Dandruff
Studies have also shown that aloe vera can help with dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). Patients treated their scalps with the aloe vera and saw a reduction in scaliness and itchiness with less flaking, too!
Treat Abrasions
Aloe vera is known for its many medicinal properties, especially when focused on skin wound care. You can use it to treat various skin abrasions, but talk to a dermatologist or doctor first if you’ve got a serious or deep wound.