Discover 10 Genius Ways to Use Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a well-known deep decongestant, but it has many more uses. When we remember our childhood, we remember the times when we were down with a cold, our mothers used Vicks to rub it on our chests to ease coughing.
So, besides working great with relieving cough, Vicks is helpful with other problems. Treating common warts, cracked heels, and pain in muscles are just some of the many problems that Vicks helps.
The mixture of oils inside Vicks is the reason for its numerous health benefits. It is a mixture of turpentine oil, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oil, and many others, so it is a prevention of microbial, septic, and inflammatory properties.
In this article, we offer you some methods of using Vicks VapoRub you may not know about.
1. Relieve Coughing
You can treat instant colds and cough with Vicks. It relaxes the mucus, so it removes it from the body, and you feel the relief. Turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil, and camphor are great for treating severe cough, throat pain, and related symptoms.
All you need to do is use Vicks to rub your feet with and wear socks. Let it stay over the night, and the next morning you should feel better.
2. Treat Nasal Congestion
Have problems with sinus congestion? Well, you can use Vicks to clear it up and decrease the swelling. The ingredients in Vicks work as a decongestant (1). Just rub some Vicks on your chest, forehead, and throat before sleep.
Cover the area with a thick cloth or a towel, and do it every night until you feel relieved. Also, you can use Vicks as a steam inhalator by melting it in hot water. Put a towel over your head and inhale it. You can unclog your nose in this way.
3. Treat Cold Sores
Because of its antibacterial, antiseptic, as well as antimicrobial properties, Vicks serves as a treatment for cold sores (2). Smear some of it on the sore and let it dry out. It should decrease the level of discomfort that is a result of the wound.
Let it stay for several hours, and do it again. Also, when you feel a tingling sensation on your skin, use Vicks because it can prevent a sore from becoming a blister.
4. Treat Nails
If you have problems with nail fungus, Vicks can help you out (3). Since it is based on an antiseptic called thymol, it inhibits fungal growth in the nails. All you have to do is apply it on the affected area. But, first, clean and dry the foot.
When you apply Vicks, use a bandage to cover it, and gaze to wrap it. Or, you can just wear socks. Let it stay for four to five hours before using a fresh dab. Repeat it two or three times in a day.
It should take about one month of constant use. And, when your new nail grows, trim off the dark one.
5. Treat Cracked Heels
Who does not want smooth, soft, and healthy heels? Everyone does. So, use Vicks VapoRub to achieve that. It has natural emollients that will moisturize your skin. All you have to do is apply it on your cracked heels, wear socks, and go to bed.
But, massage your feet for five minutes. In the morning, use warm water to wash it off, and you can use an exfoliating stone to soften the skin. Do the process several times until you see the heel is completely healed.
6. Prevent Itching from Insect Bites
Mosquitoes bites in the summer are really annoying because they lead to itching and discomfort. Use Vicks to apply it to the affected area, and the menthol will offer you a chilling sensation and it will calm your skin.
Additionally, Vicks has a strong smell that will repel pests. So, you can use it as a natural repellent as well.
7. Get Rid of Common Warts
The active ingredient in Vicks can kill the virus that causes warts, so you can use it to remove them from your skin. First, you need to dry out the wart-ridden parts. Then, apply Vicks to the affected area.
The best is to wear it during the night when you can completely relax. If you use it during the daytime, wear it for one or two hours, and then, replace it. Do it a few times until warts come off.
If you have a wart on your feet, wear socks and do not walk for a couple of hours. It should take one week to notice the results.
8. Muscle Aches and Headaches
Vicks increases the temperature in the affected area, so it improves blood circulation. Thus, it is a great way to ease the pain of a sore muscle. Also, it can treat a headache that is a result of a migraine or sinus congestion.
All you need to do is use Vicks to massage the areas where it hurts you. If you are dealing with a migraine, use it on your temples or forehead, and make sure to get enough sleep. You will feel well-rested in the morning. Do it again, if there is still pain.
9. Treat Chapped Lips
Natural lip plumper is a menthol, so Vicks can speed up the recovery of your chapped lips. Likewise, you will get softer lips because of the jelly element. Apply it to your lips and let it stay over the night. Do not ingest Vicks, but wash it in the morning.
10. Get Rid of Awful Smell
Awful smell is part of everyone’s lives. There are numerous times when we wished we could do something to get rid of the odors. For instance, we are trying to hold our breath when we are taking out the trash, changing a diaper, or cleaning up after our pet.
Thankfully, Vicks can help here. It can keep our nose distracted and it can block most of the smells. Take a little and apply it under your nose, and you will not feel the bad smell. Make sure not to get this ointment in your nose.
Extra Tips:
- It can lighten the stretch marks
- Dries out acne because of the menthol
- Rub a little Vicks on the furniture, and your pet will not scratch it anymore.
