Vicks VapoRub cream is a go-to when it comes to relieving cough and cold symptoms, and not long ago it was revealed that it could aid the symptoms through the feet. But over the past few years, others have found an array of other surprising uses for the cream that have absolutely nothing to do with cold and flu relief.
From acne treatment to an alternative to insect repellent, thousands have found ways to make use of the menthol cream once their illness has passed.
1. GET RID OF A MIGRAINE
One of the most common uses for Vicks is to relieve a headache or a migraine. But what many people don’t realise is that this is actually one of the proven purposes for the product and something the brand actually promotes.
According to the Vicks website it can be ‘massaged’ in to soothe headaches and body aches, with many choosing to softly rub the cream into their temples as the mentholated scent can release pressure in the head and relieve pain.
2. STOP STRETCH MARKS
Believe it or not, countless reviews of Vicks say that it is like a magic eraser of stretch marks or loose skin after pregnancy. While the makers of Vicks Vaporub do not claim that its product can actually reduce stretch marks or recommend its use as a treatment for skin conditions or scarring, the product has the anti-inflammatory property of eucalyptus, with women saying that within a week of using it, their stretch marks were 60 to 100 per cent gone.
Because Vicks VapoRub contains a combination of eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, camphor and turpentine oil, these oils combine and make overly stretched skin feel softer, while also reducing that dry appearance that makes stretch marks stand out.
3. REPEL INSECTS DAY AND NIGHT
Scared of bugs getting into your room at night or day? Merely, rub some Vicks on to your skin when you are going somewhere where you expect there to be insects. The product will work as a repellent, meaning you’ll be bite free.
4. CLEAR UP ACNE AND ROSACEA
It might sound mad, but a little Vicks VapoRub can work miracles in clearing up all sorts of skin conditions.
Apply it to a face riddled with acne several times a day to soothe it and simultaneously dry it out, or alternatively, use it to treat eczema and rosacea. A small amount of the product with help the look and discomfort of these skin conditions, and generally help to clear your skin.
5. SORT A TOENAIL FUNGUS
If you have an unsightly toenail fungus you need to get rid of, Vicks VapoRub is the thing you need.
Simply take some, rub it on your nail bed and toenail, and it will kill the fungus, turning it dark black.
This all serves to grow out the fungus until your toenail is healthy again, and is thanks to the ingredient, thymol, in Vicks – a derivative of the herb thyme, which is effective at inhibiting the growth of the fungus possibly due to its antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
6. COMMON PROBLEM CURE
Bruise easily? Have a cut or splinter? Vicks helps to break down the blood in a bruise when you use it mixed with salt on the skin. It can also be useful as an antiseptic for a cut or splinter. Simply, put some onto your cut and splinter and it will help to relieve both.
7. PET TRAINING AID
Who knew that a little bit of Vicks can act as a way to train your pets? If you’ve got a problematic cat who just won’t stop scratching you, rub a bit of Vicks on the scratch and it will deter your feline from attacking you again. Meanwhile, for dog owners whose pets are yet to learn where the toilet is, teach them not to pee in the wrong place by putting Vicks on the floor in and around the area they just won’t stop using.
8. COUGH RELIEF THROUGH YOUR FEET
It might typically be for cough relief, but this is a rather different way to send a message to your dry, tickly throat.
Instead of massaging the product, as per normal, simply rub some Vicks all over your feet and put night socks on when you go to bed.This will help your cough to be soothed over the night and relieve your chest in tandem
9. SOOTHE ACHING MUSCLES
For any runners out there, Vicks is a godsend.It can soothe your aching muscles easily, by improving your circulation.Just do the usual and apply the Vicks to your problem area – the pain relief is unrivalled