Vicks VapoRub has a cult following among moms everywhere. Hey, we know our moms used the stuff anytime one of us had a cold or cough. Many of them swore it was a miracle! My mom even used to rub it on the bottoms of my feet when I wasn’t feeling well!
While Vicks has been there to save the day on many a sneeze-filled night, it turns out that this miracle product is much more of a superhero than we originally thought. There are actually plenty of different uses for Vicks that we bet you haven’t heard of; we were certainly surprised by some of them! From helping to make stubborn cellulite a thing of the past to repelling pesky insects, our beloved Vicks is there to help make life less of a pain. Scroll down for all the genius uses for Vicks that you never knew about.
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Vicks For Dry Feet
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to get silky smooth feet.
Are your shoes rough on your feet? Vicks can help if dry skin and cracked heels are a problem for you. Just rub some Vicks on the bottoms of your feet before you go to sleep and, if desired, sleep with a pair of socks on. In the morning, you’ll be greeted with fresh, silky, smooth feet.
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Vicks For Headache
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to banish a headache.
Vicks can help ease a stubborn headache because of it’s anti-inflammatory agents. To use Vicks for headaches, take a small amount onto your finger and massage it into the forehead, and/or on the temples. Alternatively, simply inhaling the smell of the Vicks can also relieve a headache.
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Vicks For Bruises
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to heal bruises.
Vicks is also a powerful remedy for bruises. Gently massage a small amount of Vicks directly onto the bruise once or twice daily until it is faded.
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Vicks For Acne
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to treat acne and blemishes.
Vicks' anti-inflammatory properties save the day once more if you’ve got a breakout that needs to be dealt with — and fast. To use Vicks for acne, dab a small amount onto the affected area once or twice daily. You should see the blemish start to dry out and heal quickly.
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Vicks For Muscles
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to relieve tense or sore muscles.
If you sit at a desk for long hours or are on your feet all day, chances are you’ve dealt with some muscular discomfort. The menthol and eucalyptus in Vicks, when combined with heat, make a wonderful remedy for wound-up muscles. To use Vicks for your muscles, massage some of the ointment onto the affected area. Then, rest a heating pad or warm compress on the area, and allow the pain to melt away. Ah, sweet relief.
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Vicks For Toe Fungus
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to kill toenail and foot fungus.
Toenail and foot fungus is no fun, we know. But luckily, you can kill that stubborn fungus with Vicks since its ingredients contain antifungal properties. To use Vicks for toenail fungus, wash and clean your feet thoroughly. Then, apply the Vicks to the affected areas, being sure to get the gel into any creases or cracks in your toenails. Then, wrap the area in an adhesive bandage to prevent it from rubbing off. For best results, do this daily for a minimum of 10 days.
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Vicks For Dry Skin
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to moisturize dry skin.
In the drier winter months, sometimes your regular body lotion just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to keeping your skin moisturized. Luckily, the Vicks formula is penetrating enough to moisturize the roughest of dry winter skin. To use Vicks as a moisturizer, simply massage small amounts into the skin before or after a shower. Remember, a little goes a long way!
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Vicks Insect Repellent
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub as a handy insect repellent.
Bug bites be gone! Some of the ingredients in Vicks act as a natural insect repellent. Simply slather some on your exposed skin before going out, and kiss pesky bug bites goodbye.
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Vicks For Pet Training
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub for pet training.
Since our pet’s sense if smell is so much stronger than ours, imagine what it feels like to them to take a whiff of some Vicks? Vicks should never be applied directly to a dog or cat’s skin because it can be poisonous, but you can use Vicks to train your companion to use the bathroom where you’d like him to, or to stop chewing on your furniture. To use Vicks for pet training, rub a very small amount of the ointment onto any areas or belongings you want them to avoid.
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Vicks For Stretch Marks
Getty Images Use Vicks VapoRub to fade stretch marks.
The combination of menthol, thick oils, and other anti-inflammatory ingredients is perfect for reducing the appearance of stubborn stretch marks. To use Vicks for stretch marks, simply rub Vicks directly onto your stretch marks one to two times daily. Some even say that rubbing Vicks onto your stretch marks, wrapping the area (such as your stomach or thigh area) in plastic wrap, and leaving the wrap on overnight makes the marks go away even faster!