Vicks VapoRub Hacks For All Seasons
If there is one smell we could all associate with our childhoods, it would probably be the minty scent of ‘Vicks.’ Some of us might remember it as the all-around balm our parents would use for our aches and pains, while for others, it’s comfortingly reminiscent of weekends at their grandparents’ homes. Either way, ‘Vicks VapoRub’ has been around for longer than we can remember, and it doesn’t seem to be waning in popularity anytime soon!
Although it commonly gets used to relieve body aches, who knew there were tons of other uses for this magical balm, some of which might even surprise us? So just grab that tub of ‘VapoRub’ we have all got on our nightstands, and let’s get started! From weight-loss hacks to shoe shining uses, it’s time to dive into this collated list of helpful ‘Vicks’ tips and tricks.
Weight Loss Solution
Trying to lose weight can be a tricky affair. With all the diets, meal plans, and exercises available, we never know what would be effective for us or not. For those of us who are in the process of losing weight, there’s a neat and simple hack we can add to our usual exercises.
We can make an excellent and effective homemade slimming cream by combining equal amounts of baking soda, rubbing alcohol, camphor powder, and ‘Vicks VapoRub’ in a large bowl. Just apply the mixture to our stomachs, arms, and thighs before a workout to unleash some extra calorie-busting power!
Relaxing Shower
Long, hot showers are a great way to relax and calm ourselves after a hard day of work, and it’s not a secret that most of our brilliant ideas come to mind during these luxurious baths. Aside from the steamy hot water and comforting aromas of our bathing products, there’s something else that can add a calming ambiance to our showers.
Using ‘Vicks VapoShower’ is an easy way to convert our boring old baths into a relaxing sauna. Put on some relaxing music, place a ‘Vicks’ tablet on the floor near our feet, and turn on the hot shower to activate. The disc releases soothing aromas that can help clear our tired minds and even decongest our sinuses.
Flu Relief
It’s near impossible to focus on work when we’re suffering from the flu. On days like these, we just want to curl up in bed and hide under the covers with a box of tissues beside us. Fortunately, there’s a simple remedy that can help us battle the symptoms of flu, and we probably have it in our nightstands.
A tub of ‘Vicks’ is a trusty helper for all those sick days. Just apply some of the ointment on our chest, in between the shoulder blades, and on our lower back for soothing relief. A dab of the balm under our nose can also be helpful in clarifying our nasal pathways.
Lubricating Locks
Locks can turn rusty and difficult to operate after several years of use, but it would not be practical or cheap to replace them every time that happens, so we’re stuck with harder-to-use padlocks. Lucky for us, there’s an ingenious way we can fix up these old tools.
Who knew, aside from using it on our bodies, ‘Vicks’ could also be helpful for instances such as this? The oily balm works great as a lubricant for rusty locks, just place a dollop on the key and slowly insert it into the keyhole, turning it as we go. The ointment will help dislodge the rust and have it working smoothly in no time.
Bye-Bye Stretch Marks
There are many possible reasons why stretch marks appear on our bodies, and some of the more common ones are usually caused by our skin stretching out with weight fluctuations or during pregnancy. Although it is totally normal for people to have stretch marks, there is an easy home remedy to help get rid of these lines on our skin.
Believe it or not, applying ‘Vicks VapoRub’ on the affected areas can help minimize such visible marks. Since the abundance of oil in the balm traps moisture within the skin and makes it extra hydrated, the appearance of stretch marks diminishes over time, giving us smooth and soft-looking skin.
Skincare Must-Have
Skincare is steadily turning into a booming industry—and with good reason. People are now more aware of how they should be taking care of their skin to keep it looking fresh and youthful. Still, with all the various products in the market, it might not be easy at times to pick and choose the right ones for us.
Fortunately, there’s a simple product that does wonders for our skin, and we probably already have it somewhere in the house. ‘Vicks VapoRub’ can be used as a facial moisturizer after our regular cleansing soap. We can simply apply the ointment while our face is still damp so it can lock in the necessary moisture.
Minty Cleanser
After a long day of work or shopping, we can sometimes be too exhausted to bother with removing our makeup before bed, which is one of the major no-nos when it comes to skincare. Fortunately, we won’t need anything fancy for this hack; just a tub of ‘Vicks’ will do the trick.
The minty ointment works great as a makeup remover for those lazy nights. Just place a dollop of the balm on a cotton pad and get to work gently massaging the makeup from our faces, starting from the jawline and working up. Our visage will be clean and makeup-free in no time!
Comfort For Chest Pain
Aside from being painful to experience, chest congestions can also make it difficult for us to breathe and speak. The accumulation of mucus in our lungs can be hard to remove, and most of the time, we must resort to heavy coughing and wheezing to try and ease the discomfort.
For those who suffer from these symptoms, grabbing a tub of ‘Vicks VapoRub’ can possibly be a lifesaver. Spreading the ointment over the upper chest area can help relieve the discomfort and decongest our pathways to make breathing easier. A bit of the balm under our noses can also help with clearing mucus from our sinuses.
Ringworm Remedy
The thought of contracting ringworm may be scary to some, but contrary to popular belief, ringworm does not get caused by worms living underneath our skin. It is actually a relatively common fungal infection that feeds on the shedding skin found on our hair and nails.
Although it’s not as dangerous as having live worms inside our bodies, it is still uncomfortable, itchy, and can be unsightly to look at. Good thing we don’t need anything more than a dab of ‘Vicks’ on the affected areas to do the trick. Aside from helping get rid of the ringworm, the balm also helps lessen the itchiness and leaves a cool, minty feeling on our skin.
Ditch The Itch
No matter the cause of our itching, we should never scratch our skin. Of course, lightly doing so is acceptable, but we could damage the skin’s protective layer once it becomes excessive. When that happens, we are exposing ourselves to possible infections and scarring.
When the sensation gets too much, and we cannot stop ourselves from scratching, we could put ‘Vicks Vaporub’ for relief. What helps the irritation is one of the balm’s main ingredients – menthol. The said compound has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that soothe the irritated area. On top of that, the mentholated ointment can also help heal insect bites, another common source of itching.
Say Goodbye To Sore Muscles
When we feel muscle or joint pains, we usually reach for our bottles of pain reliever. Of course, we would want instant relief so we could go on with our day as if nothing’s aching at all. Yet, despite the convenience over-the-counter pain medications offer, it could take a toll on our livers.
So, as much as possible, we should settle for natural remedies for our body aches. Some people do not know that a quick fix for muscle distress is ‘Vicks Vaporub.’ We won’t need to drink analgesics if we have the medicated cream handy. Instead, we simply rub the affected area and take a short rest; we’re good as new the following day.
Infection Shield
Sadly, there are so many things that irritate our skin. Additionally, some people risk impairing the integrity of their skin by unknowingly scratching vigorously for so long. Once the protective barrier breaks, a wound develops, which is a way for infection to start.
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to drink when we get such infections, which isn’t always beneficial for our bodies. For those unaware, antibacterial medicines destroy both good and bad bacteria in our system. As it happened, there is a way to protect the impaired area with the help of ‘Vicks Vaporub.’ After cleaning the lesion, apply a small amount of ‘Vicks’ to protect the skin from unwanted germs and bacteria.
Balm The Wart Away
Warts are like mushrooms – both seem to sprout out of nowhere. Nevertheless, the skin condition, in reality, does not just grow out of the blue. When we get them, we likely got exposed to surfaces that people with warts came in contact with.
Once we see this infection growing on our skin, it’s advisable to stop it from spreading. For those who do not have ointments for this condition, ‘Vicks Vaporub’ can work as an alternative. First, apply the cream on the growths and cover with cloth; then, after a day, they will disappear. There’s another trick that some people say works – instead of putting a piece of fabric over it, use duct tape instead.
Mask The Funk
We cannot avoid smelling body odor now and then. Whether we like it or not, we encounter people who think taking a bath is something that should be done only once or twice a week. There are also some who don’t believe in the use of deodorants, no matter how pungent their presence becomes.
Anyone who takes public transportation would agree how difficult it is to sit with foul-smelling individuals. Because we need to get to where we’re going, we must endure the scent of our seatmate. Still, the ride doesn’t have to be so arduous since ‘Vicks Vaporub’ can mask foul odors. We only need to dab some outside our nose, and we have an instant deodorizer.
Super Swipe That Lipstick Easily
Women would agree that removing matte lipstick could sometimes be challenging. They are not like glossy or sheer ones that would only take a simple swipe of tissue to take off. One fast way to remove a matte stain is by using petroleum jelly. In case the all-around balm is not available, ‘Vicks Vaporub’ is a suitable replacement.
For those who do not know, the famous mentholated ointment has petroleum jelly in it. So, one only needs to apply a small amount on the lips and wipe with a tissue or cotton ball. An added benefit is the salve could also work as a lip moisturizer.
The Migraine Hack We All Need
Unlike the typical headaches, migraines can prevent sufferers from doing a lot of things. In fact, some people who have them miss work during episodes. Over-the-counter drugs don’t usually work, so a stronger doctor-prescribed medication is necessary. Aside from pain relievers, applying ointments can give migraine patients relief.
One remedy that people swear works is ‘Vicks Vaporub’ because of its menthol ingredients. Studies have proven that applying mentholated creams or ointments at the base of a migraine sufferer’s skull could ease the pain. Of course, since ‘Vicks Vaporub’ only contains a small amount of menthol, one must apply a liberal amount of the balm.
Tennis Elbow Remedy
We do not need to be a Serena or Venus Williams to get tennis elbow; as long as we often play the sport, it’s possible to suffer from it. For those who are wondering what the condition is, it’s when we experience intense pain around the elbow area brought about by overuse.
Its scientific name is lateral epicondylitis, but it is generally called differently because most people afflicted are tennis players. A home remedy for the condition is an application of ‘Vicks Vaporub’ and subsequent rubbing of the affected area. The balm’s menthol and camphor ingredients work wonders for the soreness, although, of course, a much-needed rest of the body part is necessary.
Sunburn Relief That Works
When summer arrives, we sometimes get so overexcited at being outdoors that we forget how damaging too much exposure to the sun can be. We soak in the beach or pool for hours and sunbathe like there’s no tomorrow. Before we even realize it, our skin is the color of lobsters!
If we are not ready to treat sunburn, we must endure the pain and make do with ice and water. Nevertheless, there’s a hack for people who always carry with them ‘Vicks Vaporub’ everywhere they go. The salve is excellent for treating sunburned skin, plus its menthol components can help alleviate the pain by keeping it moisturized and cool.
Age-Old Cough Remedy
The balm wouldn’t be what it is today if it could not work as an alternative cough remedy. After all, it was marketed as a ‘Croup and Pneumonia Salve’ when it first came out in the late 1800s. So, it’s always good to have ‘Vicks Vaporub’ around the house because we can never tell when we would catch the cough or cold virus.
One of the many ways the concoction could help with respiratory problems is by applying it on the chest and back. Then, there’s also adding ‘Vicks’ with water as we steam. Lastly, some people swear that their condition improved by putting the salve on their feet and covering them with socks.
Speedy Healing
We have known that ‘Vicks’ has a wide array of uses for a while, but this one is a tad unexpected. Many people say that if a person has a minor cut, they can apply the balm, and soon enough, the wound will heal. Well, considering the ingredients in the ointment, we bet the hack actually works.
Just dab a small amount on the affected area, then cover it with a band-aid for better results. While it might sting a bit immediately after application, the balm will eliminate any bacteria and keep infections away until healing gets done. This is also quite an inexpensive way to treat inflammations.
Homemade Candles
The scent of Vicks is so therapeutic and refreshing that someone thought of putting it into a candle. While the commercially available aromatic candles can be a bit pricey, how about making some at home, with cotton wool and some of the magic ointment?
Place the cotton in a container full of Vicks, or better yet, pass it through the drilled lid, and voila! We’ve got ourselves a candle, with the cotton serving as a wick. Every time a person lights that combo, their home will be full of the relaxing minty scent, and anyone visiting would think they were at a swanky spa.
Scalp Repair
Anyone who has long hair knows how frustrating having an itchy scalp can be, and worse still if they have dandruff. While scratching the scalp can bring temporary relief, one still has to handle the falling skin flakes, which can be embarrassing, to say the least.
If this has become a common nuisance, worry not, we have a Vicks hack that can be of help. Apply the balm on the scalp, and soon, the itch will stop, which will also mean no more flakes on our clothes. It might sound a bit unorthodox, but how about trying it out and thanking us later?
Office Shoes Maintenance
Dress shoes require some work to keep them in tip-top shape, and while polishing them helps keep the shine on, sometimes they need some TLC to keep them going. That is where Vaporub comes in. Yes, that ointment everyone has in their homes.
So just dab a blob of the balm atop the shoe, and using a sponge, rub it downwards towards the heel. The result will be a pair of shiny footwear, which also looks unblemished and smell heavenly! One can also use a toothbrush to evenly get the salve in all areas and get rid of any scratches. Who knew the popular ‘Vicks’ could be a substitute for shoe polish?
Healing Athlete’s Foot
Many of us have dealt with Athlete’s Foot. It’s a condition caused by sweating and chafing of skin in places where the shoe gets in contact with the socks and the foot. After a long day of activity, it’s possible that bacteria starts thriving inside our footwear, and to handle that, we have a multipurpose ointment.
We recommend immediately applying some ‘Vicks’ onto the affected area to prevent the fungal infection from spreading further. Whether they’re an athlete or someone who is always on the move, this trusty ointment can come in handy to heal the condition, saving them a trip to the doctor’s office.
Let The Waters Flow
If an acting job needs a crying scene and those tears refuse to come, or there is a need to pretend to cry to get out of a jam, we recommend Vaporub. All that needs to be done is to purchase one from a nearby pharmacy, open it and rub it on the cheeks to stimulate those lacrimal glands.
Things do not have to be so hard because we understand that not everyone is an A-list actress like Viola Davis, who can cry on command. Oh, and lest we forget, do not rub the ointment on the eyes, just the cheeks; no freebie or acting job is worth hurting one’s eyesight.
Fungus Be Gone!
Fungal infections can affect anyone, and it does not even need to be a case of being dirty; these things just happen. In fact, according to experts, approximately 3 million Americans have nail fungus yearly but worry not Vaporub is here to save the day as usual.
‘Vicks’ can be used in cases like this because a study done in 2011 has proven that applying it at least once every day can help clear such infections. All one needs to do is use it and clean the area thoroughly while maintaining pristine hygiene, and soon the fungus will be no more—it really is as simple as that.