Vicks VapoRub has a unique position in over-the-counter medicine. Unlike most medicines that aim to cure ailments by going deep in your body in the form of pills or cough syrup, Vicks goes the vapor route. In fact, Vicks VapoRub’s primary ingredients are mainly activated just by simply breathing them in. While some of this is common knowledge, there’s still plenty of interesting uses for Vicks VapoRub that aren’t often discussed. With that in mind, here are just a few of the many uses for this miracle rub.
Headaches
Depending on the type of headache you’re suffering from, Vicks can be a soothing alternative to other medications. For the most common type of headache, simply apply some Vicks to each of your temples and let its curative properties do the rest. For those that are suffering from a different type of headache, like one involving your sinuses, it’s recommend to apply just a small amount of Vicks to the area beneath your nose, and then slowly and deeply inhale.
Earaches
This depends heavily on the nature of your earache, and you should still use medicine prescribed by a doctor to combat any infections, but Vicks can help alleviate some of the pain of earaches, especially when trying to sleep. To do so, simply take a cotton ball and apply a small amount of Vicks to it before placing it in your ear. You can rest with the cotton ball in your ear or remove it once you’ve felt the pain subside.
Heels
If you have cracked heels, Vicks can be applied to the area and massaged in, like you would with any other lotion. Once you’ve applied a fair amount to your heels, put some socks on and go to sleep. Rinse whatever remains off the following morning use a pumice stone to further exfoliate the cracked area.
Foot Fungus
If you find your toenail has been infected with foot fungus, try rubbing Vicks on it as many as two to three times per day. Unlike some of these other miracle cures, this one may take a little longer, with users reporting results up to several months after treatment began.
Muscle Cramps
If you find your muscles have been aching, try applying a generous amount of Vicks to the troubled spot and then wrap it tightly in a dry, warm towel.
Animal and Bug Repellent
For pets that like to scratch furniture, a dab of Vicks to any valuable items is a simple method of keeping them at bay. Along a similar vein, a dab of Vicks can also keep bugs away. Best of all, even if some bugs do manage to get through, Vicks is great at soothing bug bites.
Bruising and Cuts
Finally, Vicks can be used on bruises with a mixture of salt to greatly speed up healing by increasing blood circulation. While Vicks can be used on the outer area of cuts to promote the same increased healing, it is not recommended to be applied directly to open wounds under any circumstances.