Vicks VapoRub is an institution as far as counter medicine is concerned, perhaps because it works differently than other types so natural remedies . While medicine these days is usually in pills or effervescent tablets form, vaporub treats its ailments with vapors.

It is said that camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol are the three most important ingredients in the VapoRub, which relieves congestion and coughing when inhaled and enters the airways. The product also works as a good topical analgesic for other ailments .

All this is quite common knowledge, but did you know about the other useful properties of Vaporub? There are a lot of home remedies out there for different types of problems that involve this fresh, strong vapor.

 

 

Natural Remedies with Vicks VaporRub

1. Headaches

For headaches, it’s suggested to apply some vaporub in your temporal lobes for fast pain relief. If you are suffering from a sinus headache, instead, put the ointment under your nose and then breathe slowly and deeply.

 

2. Muscle aches

You can perform a massage using vaporub on the muscles that are causing pain, then wrap them in a dry and warm towel for a while to give release to tense areas.

 

3. Soothe earaches

An earache can be a symptom of an ear infection , but can also be an effect of a common cold or labyrinthitis (inner ear issues). Even while following the doctor’s recommendation, care to combat the pain can make daily activities difficult, especially when going to sleep. A home remedy for this pain is a cotton ball with some Vicks VapoRub. Simply place the vaporrub in the ear all night or until the pain calms down.

4. For toenail fungus

The nails of the infected feet should be rubbed with VapoRub two or three times a day for as long as necessary, according to reports: The process can take several weeks or months, but this ointment ends fungi and helps the nail to grow healthy once more.

 

5. Cracked heels

Vaporub should be applied to the heels and calluses of the feet and then massage in the damaged areas. Do this at night, then sleep with socks so this remedy penetrates well. The next morning, rinse the product with warm water and exfoliate with a pumice stone.

 

6. Keep insects away

It is suggested to apply slight amounts of Vaporub to clothing and skin to ward off insects . If you get bitten anyway, try rubbing some ointment in that place for itch relief.

 

7. Keep animals away.

Cats will stay away from the furniture spread with vaporub, helping to keep the sofa, doors and curtains free of scratches.

 

8. Cure bruises and minor cuts

Apply a thin layer of salt Vaporub to bruises . The combination will help your blood flow faster and dissolve the bruise in shorter amount of time, it is also suggested to rub the ointment around small cuts to improve healing. However, be warned against applying this to open wounds and damaged skin.

 

9. Remove Acne

You might think that because of the oiliness of this ointment it should not be used to combat pimples.

However, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties resolve this problem and greatly reduce its appearance. Best of all, it gives the skin the extra moisture which helps to lessen scars.

How to use
Clean the affected area and apply a small amount of the ointment. Use twice daily for best results.

 

10. Reduces stretch marks

To reduce the visibility of unsightly stretch marks , instead of spending money on expensive creams and lotions, try using Vicks VapoRub.

Its content of methanol and eucalyptus oil helps to fade stretch marks naturally . Cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, camphor and turpentine oil helps to reduce the dryness of the skin that make the stretch marks more noticeable.

In addition, it has the anti-inflammatory property of eucalyptus, which helps lighten stretch marks, as well as other minor scars.

How to use
Rub a small amount of VapoRub on the skin where you have visible stretch marks. Massage in circular motions for one minute. Do it twice a day for a few weeks to get the best results. Stretch marks may not be entirely removed, with this method, but they will be much less noticeable

 

11. Moisturizer

Use Vicks vaporub as a moisturizer for the skin .

 

12. For chapped lips / cracked lips

Its minty effect improves circulation in the lips removing dry skin and soothing while moisturizing. Because of its ingredients, it gives a natural volume effect to your lips while protecting them from harha weather. This ointment is better than any commercial lip balm!

 

13. For tennis elbow syndrome

Vaporub contains menthol and camphor which will help you to calm the pain of the tennis elbow. Be sure to massage the affected area until the pain disappears.

 

14. Calm congestion and cough symptoms

All you need to do is apply it outside the throat and chest and relieve congestion and cough. Then cover with a napkin or scarf to avoid the cold.

Caution: Vicks vaporub should only be used for children over 2 years. This ointment is not for babies. There is an unmedicated type of this product called, (search at amazon “B00PRVLF6K” )Vicks Baby Rub, that can be used in babies from 3 months to 2 years old. But always consult your pediatrician before using it.

 

 

If you want to know other home remedies prepared with vaporub do not miss the following video: