VapoRub, a soothing balm consisting of nourishing components such as menthol and eucalyptus, is designed to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Originally created by American druggist Lunsford Richardson in 1894, its formula has remained unchanged due to its proven effectiveness. With over a century of continuous availability, users have uncovered a multitude of novel uses for VapoRub beyond its primary purpose of cough and cold relief. If you are interested, learn about 35 clever methods to apply this incredible ointment.
Pet Training
Are you aware that applying VapoRub can act as a preventive measure for your pets to avoid defecating inside the house? This game-changing trick can assist you in training your pets and making them learn not to use the indoors for their business. All you need to do is to apply a small amount of the ointment on the area that your pet commonly uses for marking its presence.
The potent odor will deter your pets from repeatedly returning to the same spot. In due course, they will become accustomed to this method and will feel inclined to go outside for their needs.
Fake Tears
On occasions, you may have to feign shedding tears to make an impression on your acting instructor or to extricate yourself from a difficult circumstance. Inducing watery eyes by gazing off into the distance can be a lengthy process. However, utilizing VapoRub can expedite this procedure.
If you want to master the art of crying whenever you want, simply apply the balm gently underneath your eyes and tears will flow. But be cautious while applying it and avoid getting any into your eyes.
Insect Repellent
For your next forest camping trip, it would be wise to bring along some VapoRub. This product works wonderfully as a repellent for insects. Simply apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub onto your clothing and skin, and you’ll be less likely to attract mosquitoes. The balm’s potent aroma keeps pests away, allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors without any disturbances.
VapoRub can also provide relief from the irritation of insect bites if mosquitoes have already bitten you. You can apply the product on your mosquito bites to alleviate the itchiness.
Fix Squeaky Doors
The sound produced by a squeaky door can be very irritating. However, with the use of VapoRub, the problem can be easily solved within a minute. To eliminate the unpleasant sound, simply apply some VapoRub on the door’s hinges.
VapoRub can be a great alternative to oil for lubricating door hinges, especially if you don’t want to go to the store or have run out of grease. It’s quick, safe, and effective for reducing those annoying squeaks.
Relieve Earaches
There are multiple health issues that can result in ear pain and discomfort. However, Vicks VapoRub can be an efficient solution for earaches and excessive earwax. Applying the balm on a cotton ball and keeping it in your ear overnight can help alleviate the discomfort.
If you repeat this procedure several times a day, it can alleviate the discomfort. Moreover, VapoRub is effective in clearing up any potential ear infections. Nonetheless, in case the pain continues, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
Makeup Remover
Don’t worry if you are running low on your preferred makeup remover. VapoRub, which you may have in your vanity, can be used to effectively remove makeup from your face at the end of the day.
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An efficient and cost-effective approach to getting rid of your makeup involves being gentle while removing it from your eyelids. It’s important to avoid getting any of the balm in your eyes or on your lashes as it could cause irritation.
Horse Riding
It can be quite challenging to ride a horse during the breeding season because male horses may get sidetracked by the scent of a female horse in the vicinity. Their behavior during this time can cause them to disregard any instructions you may give them, regardless of offering them their preferred rewards.
To maintain your horse’s attention, apply a small amount of VapoRub cream underneath its nose. The menthol in the cream will cover up the odor of any female horse in the vicinity, enabling you to have a smooth ride without any behavioral issues from the horse.
Save Your Furniture
Cats usually enjoy scratching on tough surfaces which can damage your furniture. However, you can use a small quantity of VapoRub on your furniture, walls or doors as it will act as a barrier to prevent scratching. This is because the strong menthol scent of the VapoRub acts as a repellent for cats, making them avoid these areas.
VapoRub is a useful tool that allows you to leave your cat at home with peace of mind, knowing that your treasured armchair will remain intact. Additionally, it can be applied to your arms or legs to prevent scratches from your feline friend.
Take a Refreshing Shower
Consider using VapoRub’s shower discs if you want to have the ultimate spa-like experience at home. The discs emit therapeutic scents when used in the shower, providing relaxation and energy to your body. It is recommended to place a disc at the bottom of your shower to fully enjoy its benefits.
When the disc comes in contact with hot water, it will release its essential oils and fill your bathroom with a pleasant fragrance. Additionally, if you have a cold, these discs can help relieve congestion and reduce headaches. In summary, using VapoRub discs during a shower can create a more soothing and tranquil experience.
Fighting Warts
If you have warts on your hands or feet, it can cause discomfort and affect your appearance. To treat them, use VapoRub and cover the affected area with a clean cloth or sock. Repeat this process twice daily for two weeks until the warts disappear.
In case of any irritation, it’s recommended to remove the product promptly. However, the majority of people don’t encounter any difficulties while using it. Overall, the application of the balm appears to be a less agonizing substitute for surgical elimination of the warts.
Healing Wounds
The application of VapoRub can accelerate the process of healing. Whenever you get a cut on your hand or have a splinter, you can quickly apply the cream on the affected area. This treatment will assist your body in healing more rapidly and without any adverse reactions.
Treating injuries to the body.
In case you are running low on Neosporin or other comparable products, you need not worry as long as you have Vicks VapoRub in your household. This is because it not only speeds up the healing of your cuts but also stops any possible fungal infections and safeguards your skin against germs.
Treating Acne
Most individuals have faced challenges dealing with acne at some stage of their existence. VapoRub stands out as an effective remedy for pimples and acne, which can be used conveniently at home. The constituents in VapoRub comprise some components that combat acne and can aid in alleviating acne breakouts by purifying the skin.
Apply a small amount of the balm on the affected red spots before you go to bed and let it remain overnight. By morning, you will see a remarkable difference. If you want a cost-effective and effortless solution to acne, attempt this homemade remedy.
Aromatherapy
One can infuse the scent of menthol into their home by incorporating VapoRub into either an air freshener or air diffuser, particularly if they enjoy the fragrance. This method provides a method to alleviate congestion without needing to apply the cream directly to the skin, ideal for those feeling unwell.
VapoRub can serve as a therapeutic scent, which is an excellent option for individuals with sensitive skin who tend to develop rashes quickly. Adding to that, even if you’re not unwell, if you desire a pleasant aroma in your home, VapoRub can quickly invigorate your space.
Relieve Eczema
VapoRub has the ability to effectively alleviate various skin problems. Just a small quantity can be used to heal eczema or rosacea. Simply apply it onto the affected area multiple times throughout the day, and notice as the itching and discomfort diminish.
The ointment provides relief to your skin and lessens swelling. The application of VapoRub on your skin can aid in attaining an even and smooth appearance without any areas of dryness.
Relieve Headaches
A popular way of using Vicks VapoRub is to alleviate headaches. To alleviate the intense sensation of pain, gently apply a small amount of VapoRub on your temples and forehead. The refreshing menthol fragrance can help subside the tension and ache in your head.
In addition to its pleasant scent, menthol has the ability to reduce blood pressure and provide pain relief within a short span of time. Applying a balm containing menthol underneath the nose can accelerate the process of relief.
Stop Stretch Marks
Due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of eucalyptus, a lot of women have begun utilizing VapoRub to alleviate stretch marks. The product has the potential to enhance the firmness and elasticity of loose skin, specifically following childbirth.
The mixture of eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, and other soothing elements in VapoRub aids in soothing stretched skin due to pregnancy or aging. Additionally, it acts as a moisturizer, reducing dry patches on the skin, which can make stretch marks more noticeable.
Relieve Sore Muscles
Vicks VapoRub is frequently used for alleviating muscle pain since it enhances blood flow and provides quick relief. Applying a generous amount of the product to the hurting region and rubbing it for 5 to 10 minutes can lessen soreness.
The application of the balm on the affected area will produce a calming and cooling effect that can alleviate tension and leave you feeling invigorated. The properties of VapoRub make it quite beneficial for athletes and runners.
Soothe Sunburns
We all know how sunburns can feel unbearable at times. Being as red as a lobster is not an ideal look for summer. Vicks VapoRub happens to be a great solution for relieving the discomfort of sunburned areas on your skin and helping them heal faster.
Applying the balm on your red areas can help relieve pain, burning and itchiness. Next time you plan on sunbathing in your backyard or taking a beach vacation, do not forget to pack some VapoRub along with your other essentials.
Treat a Dry Scalp
Having a dry scalp can cause itchiness as well as a flurry of unattractive white flakes on your shoulders. You can treat this condition with a bit of Vicks VapoRub – the perfect home remedy for dry scalp.
Apply the balm to the dry areas of your scalp before bed or after taking a shower. The eucalyptus oil combined with other ingredients in the balm will help moisturize the scalp and get rid of the unwanted dryness.
Banish Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can be very unpleasant and VapoRub can be a good alternative treatment. If you suspect you have fungus, just rub this product on your nails and the skin around them. In a few days, you will see a significant improvement in the appearance of your feet.
Due to the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of thymol, one of the product’s ingredients, the balm can efficiently treat fungal infections and allow your nails to grow healthy again. Keep applying the product for a period of two weeks to get best results.
Heal Bruises
If you have a fresh bruise and want to speed up the healing process, try applying Vicks VapoRub on the affected area. The balm will help reduce swelling and heal the wound underneath.
VapoRub can come in handy if you find yourself getting injured often, or if you have active children who are prone to coming home with bruises. Make sure to store an extra tub of VapoRub in the back of your bathroom cabinet just in case you need to fix up a bruise one day.
Smooth Chapped Lips
Chapped lips look really unattractive and they can hardly be masked with lipstick. If you often feel that your lips are dry and chapped, apply a small amount of VapoRub to get softer and fuller lips.
Menthol is one of the main ingredients in the product, and it serves as a natural lip plumper. Applying VapoRub on a fever blister can also help it heal faster and ease the pain.
Fix Cracked Heels
The skin on the heels is prone to dryness, especially during the winter period. Not moisturizing the skin properly can lead to cracked heels, which can be very painful. VapoRub can alleviate the dryness and bring your feet back to their natural, healthy state.
After applying the product onto your feet, put on socks to let it absorb and prevent it from getting all over your floor if you’re walking around. Vicks VapoRub contains petroleum jelly, which helps lock the moisture in your skin. In order to prevent future dryness, you might also consider moisturizing your heels regularly with VapoRub.
Burn Belly Fat
Burning extra belly fat has never been easier. VapoRub can help you reduce fat and cellulite in both the belly and thigh area. All you have to do is create a slimming cream at home using VapoRub as one of the main ingredients.
To do so, you are going to need VapoRub, baking soda, rubbing alcohol and camphor powder. Mix the ingredients together and apply the DIY cream on the desired area. Cover it with plastic wrap to let it absorb and get the full effect. You can repeat the process a few days in a row, but be careful since too much menthol can cause skin irritation.
Facial Moisturizer
Dry skin on the face can be the result of various factors, including hot water, winter weather, harsh soaps, etc. Vicks VapoRub can serve as an efficient facial moisturizer to solve this issue. Applying the product on your face can help moisturize the dry patches and leave your skin looking smooth and flawless.
With its healthy ingredients, VapoRub can help restore moisture to dry skin. It will also keep the moisture locked in for a long period of time, so you don’t have to worry if you run out of face cream any time soon.
Goodbye Itchiness
Itchy skin is an incredibly uncomfortable sensation that makes you scratch all the time, which only makes the situation worse. There are many factors that can cause itchiness, including dry skin, a bug bite, or an untreated skin condition. You can use VapoRub to relieve itchiness in the affected areas.
The eucalyptus oil in VapoRub can help the skin heal and serves as a protective layer. If VapoRub does not succeed in soothing your itch, it would be a good idea to see a doctor since persistent itching can be a sign of a health condition that needs to be treated medically.
Stop Infections
Open wounds can easily get infected if you do not treat them properly. You have to make sure to disinfect the area even if it is a small cut or even a burn. Applying VapoRub around the open wound can help you disinfect it properly.
The petroleum jelly in the balm helps seal in the disinfecting ingredients to heal cuts and burns in a short period of time. After applying the balm on the affected area, you will feel a cooling sensation which will instantly soothe the pain.
Lipstick Remover
Some lipsticks can be really difficult to remove. Even some of the most expensive makeup removers may not work on long-lasting lipsticks. VapoRub comes to the rescue – apply a thin layer of the balm on your stained lips and wait for approximately five minutes.
After that, just use a cotton ball or tissue to wipe it off. VapoRub will help you remove lipstick completely without leaving any stains or residue. Moreover, it will keep your lips soft and moisturized throughout the day.
Relieve Tennis Elbow
You do not have to be a tennis superstar to get tennis elbow – it happens even to casual players. VapoRub can be used as an analgesic to temporarily relieve aching muscles and joints. If you are suffering from tennis elbow, just rub the cream on the painful spot to relieve any discomfort.
Repeat the process a few times a day until the elbow stops aching. Menthol and camphor, the two powerful ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, will help ease the pain as efficiently as possible.
Another Way to Banish Coughs
As we’ve mentioned, one of the most common uses for Vicks VapoRub is to help relieve chest congestion and cough. However, there is another interesting way to do this.
Some people swear by the fact that if you apply some Vick’s VapoRub to your feet before you go to bed it will help you shake off a cough. To make sure that you don’t get Vicks all over your blankets and sheets, though, don’t forget to throw on a pair of socks once you apply it!
Create a Candle
If you want a nice candle for your bedside, you can put your jar of Vick’s VapoRub to use her as well! All you need is a rolled-up piece of cotton and a small jar of Vick’s.
First, cover the cotton in Vick’s VapoRub. Now, cut a hole in the lid that you can fit the cotton through and close the cover. Once you light it, the cotton will burn and have the same soothing scent of Vick’s VapoRub.
Clean and Polish Your Shoes
When you first purchase new shoes, they’re shiny and impeccable. After wearing them a few times, though, you’ll notice this luster starts to fade as dirt accumulates on them.
If you want your shoes to look as good as new, grab a jar of Vick’s VapoRub! Put a little bit on a spare toothbrush and start to scrub away. Not only will this help remove any grime from your shoes, but it will also add a polished appearance thanks to the oils in the rub.
Grow Out Your Hair
If you struggle to grow hair, you aren’t completely out of luck. There are plenty of products on the market that are meant to promote hair growth but all you might need is a jar of Vick’s VapoRub.
All you have to do is take a little bit and apply it to your scalp. This works for a couple of reasons. First, it stimulates blood flow in your scalp. It also works to kill any bacteria you might have on your scalp.
Treating Cold Sores
Cold sores and fever blisters are pesky and painful problems. Even worse, they can be triggered by stress, making your week even worse. The good news is that relief is close at hand.
When you notice that you have sores or blisters on your lip, try putting some Vick’s VapoRub on it! This works because Vick’s VapoRub has ingredients like eucalyptus oil in it. This is the same reason the VapoRub works well as an antiseptic too.
Tick Removal
When you go camping or even if you’re just enjoying a few hours outside in the summer, you open yourself up to the risk of tick bites. If not treated properly, this can become a huge problem.
Getting a tick off is a challenge in and of itself. Luckily, you can rely on Vick’s VapoRub to help you. Once you realize you’ve been bitten, apply Vick’s VapoRub to the area. The strong scent is likely to get the tick to release.
Arthritis Relief
Just like Vick’s VapoRub is great for relieving sore muscles, it’s also a great tool to turn to if you’re suffering from arthritis pain.
If you find your joints starting to hurt, don’t hesitate to apply Vick’s VapoRub to the affected area to find relief. In fact, you can apply Vick’s VapoRub to the places where your joints hurt up to three or four times a day for continuous pain relief. This will reduce the pain that comes with arthritis.
Loosen Old Locks
Have you ever tried to open an old or dirty lock only for your key to catch inside? This can be caused by debris within the lock.
This can be a challenge to clean, though. After all, it’s a small area that’s hard to get into. Actually, you can clean it with your key. Just liberally apply Vick’s VapoRub onto the key before putting it in the lock. When you use it, you should be able to open the lock easily.
Enhance Your Humidifier
If you use a humidifier to help keep your breathing easy at night, you can add Vicks VapoRub to help keep your lungs clear.
Some humidifiers or vaporizers will let you add items like aromatherapy components to the tank. That being said, you have to make sure that your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment to put Vick’s VapoRub into. Without it, you won’t be able to add it to the humidifier and reap the benefits.
Fix Stuck Zippers
Whether it’s on a bag, a boot, or jacket, a stuck zipper is no joke. It’s a frustrating experience that can hinder how well you can use your items.
Don’t panic when this happens. Instead, just reach for your Vick’s VapoRub and liberally apply it to the zipper and the track. This will help to lubricate it and lead it along the track. This will help you fix your zipper with pulling, tugging, or risking pulling the zipper off of its track.
Cure Night Cough
If you have trouble sleeping at night because of a nasty cough or cold, you might want to keep a tub of Vicks VapoRub on your bedside table. Apply a generous amount of the balm on your chest before getting into bed, and inhale the soothing vapor.
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Relieving cough symptoms is one of the traditional uses of VapoRub, and it should not be overlooked. This balm can be a lifesaver when you’re up in the middle of the night coughing away and waking up your spouse.
Cope With Bad Smells
Sometimes you may find yourself in a room that smells so bad, you start to feel nauseous. You can use VapoRub to mitigate the effect of strong scents in your environment. Rubbing a small amount of VapoRub under your nose might help you cope with the offensive odor.
Putting some of the product in an air diffuser is also a great way to freshen up the room and will help put you in a relaxed state of mind for the rest of the day.
Heal Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a severe fungal infection that usually begins with the toes and spreads all over the feet. This is a very common skin infection that can cause discomfort, itchiness and even pain in severe cases.
If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, you can use Vicks VapoRub as a remedy. All you have to do is rub the cream on the infected foot twice per day to see improvement. Make sure to apply a generous layer of the balm to see progress faster.
Treat Hemorrhoids
We hope you don’t have to use Vicks VapoRub for this purpose, but if it comes down to it, the versatile balm will help you relieve any pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. The menthol in the balm will help reduce itchiness and provide a cooling sensation.
However, we suggest testing out the balm on a different part of the body first to make sure you can handle the sensation. If you have sensitive skin, you might get a rash if you use too much of it.
Treat Ringworm
Ringworm is another common type of fungal infection also known as dermatophytosis. Even though it’s called ringworm, the infection is caused by a fungus. It appears on your skin in the shape of a worm, which explains the name.
If you’re struggling with an itchy case of ringworm, a bit of VapoRub will help you ease the discomfort. Apply the cream to the infected area two or three times per day and repeat this process until the infection goes away.
Relieve Chest Congestion
One of the most common uses of Vicks VapoRub is to relieve a congested chest. Simply rub some balm onto your chest and throat to suppress a cough and ease your breathing. VapoRub can help open up the airways and make it easier to breathe if you have the flu.
If you apply the balm on the upper chest area, it will provide immediate relief from a cough or other symptoms such as shortness of breath. VapoRub is a must-have product during the cold winter days, especially during flu season. If your shortness of breath is not eased by VapoRub – make sure to see a doctor immediately.
