Vicks VapoRub is a menthol-aromatic ointment that is effective in treating nostril congestion and cough. You can also rub it topically over your chest for an instant breathing relief.
This ointment is composed of 3 active ingredients, which are:
1. Camphor
2. Eucalyptus oil
3. Menthol
These powerful ingredients have been used for centuries to treat common cold complaints, mostly in combination with other powerful ingredients like cedar leaf and lemon. Besides being used as a decongestant, Vicks VapoRub is also beneficial for treating other complications as outlined below:
1. VICKS VAPORUB CAN EASE HEADACHES
When it comes to headaches with sinus origin or migraines, repeated use of Vicks VapoRub can bring instant relief, allowing you to continue with your daily tasks. If you feel some tension in your head, just take some Vicks with your fingertips and rub it gently on the temples. You can also massage it on the forehead with gentle pressure.
2. VICKS VAPORUB ELIMINATES MUSCLE PAINS
Frequent aches in your muscles are normally due to poor blood circulation. The menthol in Vicks VapoRub is the ideal booster for this condition.
Simply rub a thin layer of the ointment all over the painful muscle area for 5-10 minutes. Once the ointment has completely soaked in, place a piece of cloth over it to keep it supple and warm. You also need to rest for a while to allow the ointment to penetrate into the affected muscle tissues and heal them.
3. VICKS VAPORUB HEALS INSECT WOUNDS
Biting insects like mosquitoes can leave serious itchy-and-scratchy bites on your skin. Vicks VapoRub is more effective than any other pharmaceutical remedy when it comes to treating this problem.
To heal an insect-bitten skin, you should first wash the skin with water and then smear a thin layer of Vicks VapoRub over the affected area. The menthol will cool down the burning sensation in a matter of seconds!
4. VICKS VAPORUB CAN EFFECTIVELY FIGHT THE UGLY FUNGUS ON YOUR TOENAIL
The thymol in Vicks VapoRub acts as an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent in the cases of fungus. As such, treating that recurring fungus with Vicks VapoRub will make your toenails look so much healthier and prettier.
Simply rub the ointment on the affected nail and then cover it with a gauze before putting on your stockings. After a couple of generous applications of Vicks VapoRub, you’ll literally feel “foot-loose” due to the elimination of the fungus bacteria.
5. VICKS VAPORUB IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST ACNE
Vicks VapoRub is one of the most effective home remedies for this teenager’s or adolescent’s nightmare. The menthol in the ointment will do a thorough cleaning and cooling work on your swollen acne.
Simply cover the acne with a thin layer of Vicks VapoRub and then leave it to work for 30 minutes. Afterward, wash the affected area with warm water. Repeat this treatment daily until your skin condition improves.
6. VICKS VAPORUB IS BENEFICIAL FOR CRACKED-AND-RACKED HEELS
Sometimes, heels can get unsightly cracked, and this can be especially embarrassing for ladies. Vicks VapoRub contains turpentine oil, which is known to be effective in nourishing ruptured heels. Hence, if you have this problem, you should definitely try Vicks VapoRub instead of using the often ineffective gels or other over-the-counter remedies.
Start with soaking your feet in warm water for around 10 minutes. Then, scrub your cracked heels to get rid of dead skin. Afterward, wash them and then apply the ointment once your heels are dry. Massage Vicks VapoRub until it completely soaks in. You can wear socks to protect the heels from drying too soon.
7. VICKS VAPORUB IS AN EXCELLENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY INSECT REPELLENT
If pesky insects like mosquitoes are a nuisance in your home, you can drive them away using Vicks VapoRub. Simply rub some Vicks on any exposed skin area, such as legs, arms, neck, and cheeks.
8. VICKS VAPORUB CAN HELP REMOVE WARTS
The thymol and menthol in Vicks VapRub can effective get rid of the virus that causes warts. They actually shrink and dry out the wart. Just rub the ointment directly on the wart and then cover it with a sterile gauze. Wait for several hours before washing the wart. Repeat this treatment every day until the wart falls off by itself.
9. VICKS VAPORUB IS LIKE A PET TRAINER
Vicks VapoRub has been found to be an excellent potty-trainer for undisciplined pets. Simply cover the surfaces that your pet likes to scratch and unintentionally damage. The strong smell of menthol and eucalyptus in Vicks VapoRub will literally ‘freeze’ the animal the moment it comes nearby the protected surface!
10. Vicks VapoRub can make your stretch marks ‘invisible’
While pregnancy is blissful for all mothers- to-be, the stretch marks it leaves on the mother’s stomach skin after delivery are certainly not!
Fortunately, Vicks VapoRub has the ability to fade away these ugly skin marks. Simply rub the ointment gently into the skin, through circular massaging. You should see results within a month if you apply it twice a day.
11. Vicks VapoRub can treat minor chest and throat infections
Just apply this ointment topically on your chest and throat. It will temporarily relieve throat and bronchial irritations related to common cold.
HOMEMADE NATURAL VAPOR RUB RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 20 drops of Eucalyptus Oil (use only 4 drops for use on young children)
- 20 drops of Peppermint Oil (use 4 drops for use on babies and small children)
- 10 drops of Rosemary Oil (don’t use on babies and small children)
- 10 drops cinnamon or clove oil (optional for use on babies or small children)
- ½ cup of coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil
- 2 level tablespoons of beeswax pastilles
Directions:
- Melt the beeswax with preferred oil until it’s well dissolved.
- Stir in the essential oils
- Swirl until well-mixed. Transfer into a container with an air-tight lid. Consider using a little jar that you can keep in your purse for use on your baby’s feet.
- Use this remedy as desired to sooth a cough and congestion.
It is advisable to consult a medical professional before using essential oils and herbs on infants.
Sources:
http://www.jabfm.org/content/24/1/69.full
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine