Evelyn Romans | 

5 Unexpected Uses for Vicks VapoRub

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These Vicks VapoRub uses may sound like the stuff of old wives’ tales, but according to the web, they work! The next time you’re looking for an alternate, cost-effective solution to a common ailment like toenail fungus (!), try Vicks.

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What is Vicks VapoRub anyway?

Before we get into it, you probably want to know why Vicks? While the camphor and menthol found in Vicks is designed to relieve cough symptoms as well as minor muscle and joint aches and pains, the inactive ingredients found in this 125-year-old ointment can help you out in other ways too. Vicks VapoRub also contains:

  • Cedarleaf oil
  • Nutmeg oil
  • Petrolatum
  • Thymol
  • Turpentine oil

Don’t use these remedies on children under the age of two, and heating Vicks ointment is not recommended.

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1. Use Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus.

close up of someone putting vicks vapor rub on toes with qtip

No, seriously. A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found 15 out of the 18 participants experienced positive results from applying Vicks VapoRub to toenail fungus.

Got fungus? You may be interested in these nail polish deals too.

 

2. Moisturize dry, cracked heels by applying Vicks VapoRub on feet.

hand putting on vicks vaporub on cracked heels of feet

Apply a thick slather of Vicks VapoRub on feet, especially on cracked areas of your feet, cover with a pair of socks, and enjoy quick relief of dry, cracked skin.

The petroleum jelly found in Vicks will help deliver deep moisture. Then, remember to exfoliate your feet during your next bath or shower.

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3. Use Vicks VapoRub as an insect repellant.

little boy by flowers having vicks vaporub behind ear

Insects aren’t fans of Vicks’ medicated vapors. Apply a thin coat of Vicks VapoRub behind your ears, neck, and elbows before going outside to keep insects away! No more expensive Off! spray will be needed.

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4. Keep cats from destroying furniture.

woman putting vicks vaporub in cabinet away from cat

Cat repellent can cost up to $67 on Amazon! Need a cheaper solution? Cue in the Vicks VapoRub. Cats hate the smell of it and tend to stay away from areas if they get a whiff of it. If your cat loves scratching or worse, soiling furniture, try placing an open jar near the furniture in your home.

Note: It’s important to keep the jar out of reach from any pets, as Vicks contains camphor, which is toxic to animals if ingested.

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5. Some people swear by Vicks for bruises.

close up of person putting salt on a bruise covered with vicks vaporub

Does Vicks and salt help bruises? Some swear it does!

Applying an ice pack immediately after an injury will help prevent discoloration, but if you do end up with a bruise, some people recommend spreading Vicks VapoRub in a thin layer over a bruise, then adding salt. The combination is supposed to break down the blood in the bruise causing it to lighten the discoloration faster.

If your bruise doesn’t go away within a couple weeks or worsens, visit your doctor. It could be part of a bigger problem.

 

Have Vicks VapoRub uses you’d like to share? Please do in the comments below!

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