Vicks VapoRub is like tylenol in its ubiquity in the world of over-the-counter medicines. If you’ve ever used Vicks, then you understand that it’s a little different than most medicines that you find today.
Instead of coming in the form of a pill or a liquid that you have to consume, Vicks is basically just a smelly ointment. Its three main ingredients are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. All these relieve coughing and congestion when you breathe them in. If you’re a regular Vicks user, then you’re probably aware that it has many other, more unconventional uses.
If you aren’t though, many of these may be new concepts to you, and they’ll likely be additions to your list of home remedies. Let’s take a look at some of the different things that Vicks VapoRub can do!
Headaches
There are several different methods for using Vicks to help tone down your aching head. If you’ve got just a regular, run of the mill headache, you can try putting Vicks on your temples to see if it mitigates the pain. If you’ve got a sinus headache, try putting the rub under your nose and breathing in deeply.
Aching Muscles
If you’ve got tense and painful muscles (and there’s no Icy Hot handy), try rubbing Vicks over your sore muscles, and then wrapping them in a dry, but warm, towel for a little while. It will recreate the effects of Icy Hot and other similar muscle relaxers.
Toenail Fungus
A slow process, but you can rub Vicks into your infected toes two or three times a day. It might take weeks or months, but if it works, it works.
Heel Cracks
Put some Vicks on the heels and balls of your feet at night, then sleep with socks on. In the morning wash the Vicks off with warm water and exfoliate the cracked areas.
Repel Bugs
If you don’t have bug repellent handy, you can try rubbing a bit of Vicks on your skin and clothes. Some people say that bugs hate the smell! Hopefully you won’t need it.
Control Your Pets
Cats hate Vicks smell as much as bugs, and will stay away from your furniture if you dab it with VapoRub. Downside: Your whole house will smell like Vicks.
Help with Bruises
A thin layer of Vicks and salt can increase the blood flow to bruised areas, thus helping bruises to heal faster. Give it a shot!
Incredible, isn’t it? And I thought it was just great for relieving chest congestion. Well now you know, so don’t forget to share this with your friends!
