Using Vicks VapoRub is always a great option when you’re feeling congested thansk to the menthol in the topical ointment. It helps suppress coughs and is a nice alternative to oral cough medicines. However, this is not the only purpose for Vicks VapoRub. Here are some more creative ways you can use this product that you might not have known or thought of before.
Relieve An Earache
If you’re suffering from an earache, you can take a dab of VapoRub and using a cotton swab apply it around your ear. Apply it as needed in order to help soothe the discomfort.
Relieve Joint Pain
According to family medicine specialist Pauline Jose, VapoRub “works as an analgesic as it works on the nerve endings,” which means that it can help relieve joint pain. The menthol and camphor act to alleviate the pain. However, since this is just a temporary solution, make sure to consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing chronic joint pain.
Remove Eye Makeup
If you apply eye makeup, then you know how difficult it is to remove. There are many products that are specifically designed for removing eye makeup, but they can be very pricey. You can actually use a bit of VapoRub on a cotton pad to easily remove it. However, make sure that you don’t get into into your eye.
Aromatherapy In A Humidifier
If you have a humidifier already at home that has an aromatherapy compartment, you can actually use some VapoRub to create a wonderful ambiance in the room while helping prevent it from getting too dry. Add a bit into the compartment and enjoy the scented air.
Relieve Itchy Skin
If you suffer from itchy skin, you can use VapoRub to help you out. This is especially true if you have had close contact with poison ivy or any other skin irritating plants. Add a bit of the ointment on the affected spot and you’ll feel instant relief thanks to the menthol and camphor. You can also take it along with you while camping in case you need it.
Remove A Splinter
If you find yourself in the situation where you’ve stepped on something and you realize it’s a splinter it can be truly frustrating. While you can try to remove it with tweezers, sometimes those buggers really get lodged in there. VapoRub can help out in this situation. Apply some and wait for the moisture help draw out the splinter.
Cover Up Bad Smells
Sometimes there are some bad and unpleasant smells that get around the house. You can help cover up these nasty smells by placing some VapoRub under your nose until you can deal with eliminating the bad smell from your house for good.
Relieve Cooking Burns
A lot of times while you’re cooking a bit of oil can splatter or a moment of not paying attention by the oven will result in a burn. While many of these are minor, they can still really hurt. Place the affected spot under cool water and then apply some VapoRub to help relieve the pain.
Use As A Moisturizer
If you ever realize that you’re suddenly out of moisturizer but do have VapoRub on hand then you can use it in a pinch. It help prevent skin from drying out and it especially helpful in the winter months when skin gets dehydrated quickly.
Test It Out First
Before applying VapoRub on large patches of skin, make sure you test it out. You can apply it to a small area and make sure that it does not cause any irritation. Some people’s skin does not react well to ointments, so it’s always better to test out a small patch of skin first.
Get Rid Of Dry Scalp
If you have an issue with dry and flaky scalp, then VapoRub can step in to help once again. Apply a thin layer of VapoRub directly onto your scalp, making sure to cover up the parts that are the driest. Wash it out in the morning and repeat the process as needed.
Help Heal Bruise
While bruises take up to two weeks in order to fully heal, you can help speed up the process a bit and also relive inflammation by applying some VapoRub onto it. It can also help relieve any pain from serious bruises.
Soothe Chapped Lips
Having chapped lips is one of the most frustrating things to deal with. While you might have tried out chapsticks or balms to help, but often these are not effective and can sometimes even make things worse. VapoRub is a great option, especially with soothing cracked and split lips. Apply a small amount to your lips.
Use As Antiseptic
For general scrapes and scratches, VapoRub can be used as an antiseptic to help keep cuts clean and also prevent infections. After thoroughly cleaning the affected area with alcohol or soap and water, apply VapoRub onto the area.
No More Nail Fungus
For those with dry and brittle nails, it’s important to make sure you avoid getting nail fungus. If it does end up happening anyway, VapoRub can be applied to the afffected area. If it gets darker, you don’t need to panic because it means the fungus is being dried out. Do this for two to three weeks until the fungus is fully killed off.
Relieve Muscle Pain
If you’re experiencing from sore muscles, especially due to workouts, you can use VapoRub as a muscle balm to help alleviate the pain. Add the ointment onto the sore area and let it soothe your pain.
Sunburn Relief
Getting a sunburn, no matter how minor can cause a lot of discomfort which can include pulsation and a warm sensation. Apply VapoRub onto the sunburn to help soothe the discomfort and cool down the skin. Next time make sure you apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun!
Remove Lipstick
There are a lot of long-lasting lipsticks out there, which are great when you’re out and about, but can be quite tricky when trying to remove. You can use VapoRub to help you remove the most stubborn lipstick, especially the kind that leaves behind some residue. The ointment will also keep your lips moisturized.
Acne Medication
This one won’t necessarily work for everyone, so it’s important to test it out. You can spot test by applying the ointment onto an affected spot and see if it helps with reducing redness and blemishes. If it does work, then continue using it regularly.
Wart Relief
Anyone who has dealt with a wart knows just how annoying they are to get rid of, but you can actually use to some VapoRub to help speed up the process. Apply VapoRub onto the wart and then cover up the area with a bandage. If the wart still persists, it’s time to get to a doctor.
Insect Repellant
Another fantastic use for VapoRub is as an insect repellant. Most pests do not like the smell of menthol, which is why it’s great as a repellant as they’ll keep away. Before heading out on an outdoors trip, apply some onto your legs, arms, ankles, and neck.
Tighten And Brighten Skin
Those who want to keep their skin tight and bright into old age need to ensure that they’re keeping their skin very moisturized. VapoRub can help out, especially in those areas with fine lines and crevices like around the eyes. Apply some at night and try to make it a habit.
Helps With Stretch Marks
If you’re looking to reduce stretch marks, you can apply VapoRub onto the area directly. It will help fade stretch marks while moisturizing and softening the skin of the affected area.
DIY Bath Bomb
Make your own aromatherapy bath bomb with just a few simple ingredients. Combine three tablespoons of VapoRub, two tablespoons of water, and half a cup of cornstarch. Mix it all together until it has formed a paste that’s uniform. Place the paste into molds or form it into balls and then allow the mixture to set overnight. Then you can simply pop one into the bath and enjoy.
Potential New Method
A lot of people say that this is a method they swear by but it is not confirmed by doctors so keep that in mind. Some people say that by rubbing VapoRub to the bottom of their feet before putting socks on it helps them with congestion relief.
Helps With Rosacea & Eczema
People dealing with rosacea and eczema deal with skins that dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. You can apply VapoRub onto the affected skin as it contains eucalyptus and camphor that helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. It’s always a good idea to test a small patch of skin before applying all over in order to make sure that your skin doesn’t react poorly.
Relieve Dry Feet
Experiencing dry feet it one of the most uncomfortable things you can go through. Crack skin often occurs when you’re in an area with low humidity. You can help prevent this by applying VapoRub onto your feet. After applying, put socks on and head to bed — you’ll feel the effects by the next day.
Migraine Relief
Some people have said that they’ve used VapoRub on their temples and massaged it in order to help reduce pain from migraines. Perhaps the menthol in the ointment helps soothe some of the tension.
Aloe Is Also Fantastic
While Vicks VapoRub is a fantastic ointment with many uses, another incredible natural salve is aloe vera. It can help you with many more of life’s annoying ailments in addition to treating sunburns. Here are some great ways to use aloe vera.
Natural Shaving Cream
For those who don’t love to use chemical-laden shaving cream, using aloe vera is a great natural alternative. It’s great for sensitive skin since it’s so gentle and it also keeps your skin moisturized. It’s also great for small nicks, since it has natural antiseptic properties.
Exfoliate Skin
It’s important to get rid of dead skin cells by exfoliating your skin so you can keep it clear of oil, dirt, and grime. Aloe is great for exfoliating your skin without damaging it with any harsh ingredients.
Nourishing Hair Mask
Mix together three teaspoons of fresh aloe vera gel with two teaspoons of yogurt, one teaspoon of honey, and one teaspoon of olive oil. This will create an incredible natural hair mask. Apply it generously onto your hair and scalp, allow it to sit for 30 minutes, and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it out.
Eyebrow Gel
Ever found yourself out of eyebrow gel? You can use aloe which is also a great natural alternative. Swipe it on with a mascara wand or cotton swab and see how your eyebrows stay in place for hours.
Improves Digestive Health
Aloe is known for helping out with digestion as it contains enzymes that help break down fats and sugars. It also helps reduce irritates tummies. Drink natural and unsweetened aloe vera juice to reap the benefits.
Heartburn Relief
Aloe vera juice is also a fantastic natural alternative for finding heartburn relief. It has compounds that help prevent acid secretion inside the stomach and has even sometimes been found to help fight gastric ulcers.
Mouthwash Alternative
To make a natural mouthwash, mix together 1/2 cup aloe vera juice, 1/2 cup distilled water, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 3 drops of any essential oil of your choosing. Keep your mouth clean and fresh.
Lower Blood Sugar
Help keep your blood sugar low by taking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice every day. Blood sugar levels were found to be lowered when patients did this, so there’s a chance that aloe could be huge with diabetes treatments in the future.
Natural Laxative
Aloe vera is great when used as a natural laxative. A study found that aloe vera gel from plants helped people deal with constipation. However, the Mayo Clinic said that this should be done sparingly, and should definitely be avoided if you have Crohn’s disease. Always consult with a doctor before trying anything new.
Fight Dandruff
Some studies have found that aloe vera can help sebhorric dematitis, which causes dandruff. Patients that applied aloe vera onto their scalp found a reduction in scaliness and itchiness in the area that was impacted by dandruff.
Treat Skin Abrasions
Aloe vera has long been known for its medicinal properties, especially when it comes to skin issues. It can be used to treat sin abrasions, but always consult with a dermatologist before. This is especially true if you’re facing a serious wound.