You’ve probably seen the familiar blue tub of goo at your local stores and may have even used it before. If you experience congestion or a stuffy nose, Vicks VapoRub is one of the best solutions. It’s natural, there are no bad chemicals, and it’s a great all-around product.
The menthol topical ointment can soothe coughs and is a good alternative to cough medications. However, you might not realize that there are so many other reasons to use Vicks VapoRub other than for cough relief. Continue reading to learn just how versatile that tub of ointment can actually be!
Relieve Earaches
If you need relief from an earache, just put a little VapoRub on a cotton swab or ball. Then, rub it around the ear. The good news is you can reapply it as necessary to alleviate the pain and discomfort you feel!
Relieve Joint Pain
VapoRub actually works as an analgesic on the nerve endings. Therefore, you can relieve joint pain and aches. The menthol and camphor in this ointment are the “magical” ingredients. While it does offer relief, this is only temporary, so talk to a doctor about persistent pain.
Remove Eye Makeup
Sometimes, eye makeup is hard to remove. Though there are tons of products designed specifically for removal, they are expensive. Just use a bit of VapoRub and a cotton pad to get the makeup off. Please don’t get it in your eyes!
Aromatherapy through a Humidifier
If you’ve got a humidifier with an aromatherapy compartment, use VapoRub! Your home doesn’t get dry, and you get the soothing effects of the menthol. Just place some ointment in the right area and enjoy!
Relieve Itchy Skin
VapoRub works well for those with itchy skin, especially from poison ivy and other irritating plants. Apply some of the product to the affected area and reduce the itchy sensation and redness!
Remove Splinters
Sometimes, you might get a splinter in your foot or hand. Though tweezers can help, it might be lodged in there. Use VapoRub; just apply it to the area, and the moisture draws out the splinter with time.
Cover Up Smells
Often, you can’t avoid unpleasant odors around the house. To cover them up for a bit, rub some VapoRub under your nose until you can deal with the issue.
Relieve Burns from Cooking
When cooking, you might end up with a burn from the stovetop or oven. This might come from carelessness, but the good news is you can use VapoRub! Run the burn under cold water and use VapoRub on it. Apply twice daily until the burn heals!
Use as Moisturizer
If you accidentally run out of lotion or can’t find any at the store, just use VapoRub! It can help with dry skin, which is great during the winter months when you might notice it more.
Test It First
Before using VapoRub on your face, test a small patch of skin first. That way, you can be sure it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. Those who are prone to acne might not want a greasy and thick ointment on their face.
Deal with Dry Scalp
If you have a dry or flaky scalp, VapoRub can help. Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of this ointment on the scalp, making sure to get the driest spots. Wash it out in the morning and repeat as often as necessary!
Help Heal Bruises
Bruises often take two weeks to heal fully, but you can speed up the process a bit. Just apply some VapoRub on the area. It reduces inflammation to help expedite the healing process!
Chapped Lips
Many people are prone to chapped lips. If you’ve tried tons of balms and chapstick products to no avail, VapoRub is an alternative. The menthol soothes painful dry lips. Just use a small amount to get the effects.
Antiseptic
Do you often get small scrapes and scratches? If so, VapoRub is a great antiseptic to keep wounds clean and reduce the risk of infection. Clean your cut thoroughly with water and soap or alcohol. Then, just apply VapoRub with a cotton ball.
Get Rid of Nail Fungus
For those with brittle and dry nails, you must be careful, or you might wind up with nail fungus. If that happens, VapoRub can help. Apply it to the affected area a few times a day for about two to three weeks. Just don’t get worried if the nails get darker; that means it works!
Reduce Muscle Pain
If you experience muscle pain or soreness, VapoRub is a great therapeutic muscle balm. Just rub the ointment onto the sore muscles and wait so that it can work its magic!
Sunburn Relief
You know sunburns often come with that uncomfortable warm sensation, pain, and pulsation. Just apply VapoRub to the sunburn to soothe and cool immediately. It’s similar to aloe vera!
Remove Your Lipstick
After you apply lipstick, it can be a challenge to fully remove it. Most of the color comes off, but there’s some residue left. If that happens, apply a thin layer of your VapoRub to the lips and wait a few minutes. Wipe it off, and the lipstick is gone!
Acne Medication
This solution might not work for everyone, but if you suffer from acne, it’s worth a shot. Spot test the area first. Then, apply some VapoRub to the affected areas and see if it reduces your blemishes. If it does, use it regularly!
Wart Relief
Dealing with a wart is frustrating. However, VapoRub might expedite your healing process. Just apply the ointment to the wart and cover it with a bandage. If it doesn’t work, you might have to visit your doctor for other solutions.
Insect Repellant
VapoRub works great as an insect repellant if you don’t want to buy various products. Most pests can’t stand its smell! Just dab some ointment on the arms, legs, ankles, and neck before going outside!
Brighten and Tighten Skin
To ensure that your skin stays taut and beautiful, it must be moisturized. Make sure that your skin gets all the moisture it wants, especially where fine lines and crevices tend to be. Just use VapoRub on those areas at night!
Stretch Marks
Do you have stretch marks? If you do, it might be wise to put some VapoRub on the area. The ointment helps with the fading process because it moisturizes and softens the skin.
DIY Bath Bomb
Make your own bath bombs by combining three tablespoons of VapoRub, two tablespoons of water, and 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Just mix everything until it becomes a smooth paste. Form that into balls, let them harden, and then drop one in your bathwater!
New Method
Most people rub VapoRub on their chests to relieve congestion, but others feel that it works better if you put the ointment on the bottoms of your feet. Then, put socks on and get all the relief you need!
Eczema and Rosacea
Eczema and Rosacea are skin conditions that cause discomfort, dryness, and irritation. VapoRub helps with inflammation because of the eucalyptus and camphor. Just make sure you test a small area first to ensure there are no skin reactions.
Relieve Dry Feet
Dry feet are a big problem for many people, and you might find cracked skin, especially in areas with low humidity. Keep your feet moisturized by using VapoRub. Rub it into the feet, put on socks, and get some sleep!
Migraine Relief
Some people apply VapoRub to their temples and massage it into their skin to help with migraine pain. The ointment can reduce the pain because it contains menthol, which also eases the tension you feel.
Aloe Is Good Too
Vicks VapoRub is a great ointment that can help with many issues. However, aloe vera is another natural salve that can help with frustrating and annoying ailments. Here are some great uses for aloe!
Natural Shaving Cream
Many people prefer to utilize natural products as much as possible. If you don’t like canned shaving cream, then aloe vera is the perfect solution. This is gentle and works well for those who have sensitive skin. Plus, it moisturizes while you shave!
Skin Exfoliation
You should exfoliate your skin periodically to remove dead skin cells. That helps your pores stay clean and free of grime, oil, and dirt. Aloe has cleansing properties, so it’s a gentle and natural product for the job.
Hair Mask
To get a great hair mask, use three teaspoons aloe gel, one teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of yogurt, and a teaspoon of olive oil. Mix them all together and apply it to your hair/scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes.
Eyebrow Gel
When you run out of your eyebrow gel, or you like to use natural products, swap it out with some aloe vera gel. Just use a cotton swab or mascara wand to swipe some onto the brow and ensure that they stay in place.
Improve Digestive Health
Aloe vera can help with digestion because it has enzymes to break down fats and sugars. Plus, it reduces stomach irritation. Just drink some natural aloe vera juice, but make sure it’s unsweet to get the most from it.
Heartburn Relief
Aloe vera water Can help neutralize free radicals Contributes to aging. And help strengthen the immune system as well. Aloe vera juice can help you relieve the discomfort of heartburn. It contains various compounds that control the acid secretion within the stomach. If you’re prone to gastric ulcers, it can benefit you, too!
Alternative to Mouthwash
Create some natural mouthwash that keeps your mouth fresh and clean without harsh ingredients. Just mix 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/2 cup distilled water, 1/2 cup aloe vera juice, and three drops of essential oil!
Lower Your Blood Sugar
You can lower your blood sugar when you ingest two tablespoons of aloe vera juice each day. One study showed that patients lowered their blood sugar levels when they did this. Therefore, it could be a great natural diabetes treatment.
Natural Laxative
Aloe vera is great as a natural laxative. One study showed that the aloe vera gel directly from the plant can relieve constipation. However, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you do this sparingly and don’t try it if you suffer from Crohn’s Disease.
Fight Dandruff
If you have seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), aloe vera might be able to help. One study indicates that patients who treated their scalps with it had less itchiness and scaliness.
Treat Skin Abrasions
Ultimately, aloe vera has been known to have medicinal properties for a while. This applies to wound care for the skin. You can treat skin abrasions with it, but make sure to talk to a dermatologist first for serious wounds.