VapoRub On Cotton Can Stop Earaches — Plus 10 More Health And Household Uses

As someone who hates being sick, my bathroom cabinet is full of everything from drugstore solutions to all-natural remedies.

I’m willing to try anything if it means keeping a cold away — like gargling a little bit of apple cider vinegar. So naturally, I’ve always kept a container of VapoRub around just in case.

I’ve always known that I could use it on my chest and throat to help a cough, but I thought that was all it was really good for… until now.

Not only is VapoRub useful for a surprising variety of health-related issues, but it can also be used to repel insects, battle stretch marks, and potty-train pets. I seriously had no idea.

Scroll through this exclusive list below to see just how many incredible uses there are for a simple container of VapoRub. I can’t wait to try some of these out myself!

Why VapoRub?

surprising uses for vaporub

It might surprise you to hear that VapoRub actually contains quite a few ingredients that are good for you: eucalyptus oil, menthol, cedar leaf oil, and nutmeg oil.

So naturally, these ingredients are perfect for fighting several health-related issues.

But VapoRub also gives off a very distinct smell that can be extremely useful in a variety of other situations.

Keep scrolling to see how you can use this shockingly helpful ointment to improve quite a few aspects of your life!

Use #1: Fight Migraines

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub on your temples and forehead.

To help stave off migraines, many people use VapoRub by rubbing a small amount on their foreheads.

According to DivineCaroline.com, “The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.”

Use #2: Eliminate Colds

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub on your feet, and cover them with socks.

Though there are plenty of naysayers out there, quite a number of moms swear by the method of rubbing VapoRub on their children’s feet before bed in order to fight cold and flu symptoms.

Though studies have yet to be conducted, Daily Mail writes: “An increasing number of Vicks fans are claiming the ointment works better for them when they put it on their feet… The unorthodox approach also involves putting on socks over gooed-up toes before slipping into bed.”

Use #3: Potty-Train Your Pet

surprising uses for vaporub

Open VapoRub in the part of your home where your pet likes to pee.

For some reason, cats and dogs do not enjoy the smell of VapoRub and will stay away from an open jar.

In fact, according to Livestrong.com: “Vets often recommend this to train indoor pets from eliminating in undesired locations. For example, if your pet has a habit of going in your closet, place the open jar at the entrance.”

However, because some animals can have adverse reactions, always make sure to consult your vet first!

Use #4: Heal Stretch Marks

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub on your stretch marks.

It might sound crazy, but people swear by this method of reducing stretch marks, thanks to VapoRub’s menthol and natural oil ingredients.

According to Dr. Doug Willen, “It really helps to accelerate not only the toning down of the bright colors of the stretch mark, but it helps finally have them fade, and usually heals them up totally.”

Use #5: Keep Bugs Away

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub behind your ears, on your neck, and on your arm and leg joints.

Rather than putting harsh chemical sprays on your body, you can simply use a dab of VapoRub on specific areas to keep the bugs away.

According to Livestrong.com, VapoRub is a great “eco-friendly insect-repellant.” In addition to placing on your body to deter pests, “you can also place opened jars of Vicks VapoRub on picnic tables to ward off flies.”

Use #6: Alleviate Muscle Pain

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub generously onto your sore muscles.

The soothing menthol contained within this ointment has long been used on sore and aching muscles.

According to Sand Springs Acupuncture, “Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid.”

Use #7: Eliminate Acne

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub directly onto your acne.

VapoRub has been said to effectively fight all types of unwanted acne, including painful cystic acne.

According to Glowpink.com: “In many cases, Vicks VapoRub has worked as a miracle. Just apply it on acne before going to bed, and when you wake up, the acne is gone… Vicks VapoRub is good for red spots and blemishes, too.”

Use #8: Stop Toenail Fungus

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub directly onto your affected toenails.

No one wants to walk around barefoot or put on a pair of flip-flops when they are sporting toenail fungus. Luckily, VapoRub is said to help kill the fungus, clearing up any unsightly discoloration.

According to Livestrong.com, you should “work the medicated Vicks salve into your infected toenails and the surrounding nail bed. Let your feet breathe uncovered.”

Use #9: Discourage Scratching

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub onto areas of your home that your cat likes to scratch.

For those pet owners whose cats love to scratch, VapoRub can act as a large deterrent. It can help them to steer clear of certain areas of the house, and even stop them from scratching you if they smell it on your arms or legs.

According to DivineCaroline.com, “To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to those areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear.”

Again though, make sure to consult your vet to avoid any potential adverse reactions to the VapoRub.

Use #10: Stop Earaches

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub onto a cotton ball and place it in your ear.

Earaches can absolutely ruin your day, so many swear by this method of placing VapoRub in the affected ear.

According to KSL.com: “For mild earaches, use a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on a cotton ball and put it in your ear for several hours, several times a day. This will help reduce the pain, but it will not clear up a possible infection.”

Use #11: Get A Tick Out

surprising uses for vaporub

Rub VapoRub directly onto the tick.

Getting a tick out can be one of the most annoying and painful processes. Fortunately, ticks absolutely hate VapoRub.

According to DivineCaroline.com, “If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.”

These alternative uses for VapoRub may be surprising, but they can be extremely helpful in these health and household situations!

As always, remember to consult your doctor for any health-related issues, and to see if VapoRub can be useful for you.

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