One staple item most households have in their medicine cupboard is Vicks VapoRub.
With flu and cold season upon us many people turn to the menthol rub to help relieve symptoms such as blocked noses and chesty coughs. Not long ago it was revealed it could aid the symptoms through the feet as well as being rubbed on the chest.
Each tub of salve contains a powerful blend of ingredients - camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil. These work together to loosen mucus meaning your airways can be cleared more effectively. They also have a cooling effect, which can bring relief to a sore nose.
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However, the handy tub of rub can actually be used all year around. Vicks actually has a whole array of uses that you may not be aware of including helping to train pets and keeping stretch marks at bay.
Getting rid of a migraine
One of the most common uses for Vicks is to relieve a headache or 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. The menthol can improve headache management because it activates receptors that produce a cooling sensation and soothe an overactive nervous system during an attack.
Stopping stretch marks
This VapoRub hack went viral on Pinterest, after users reported a reduced appearance of their stretch marks. Whilst it's not a 100% proven method, if you are looking to fade the appearance of stretch marks, apply some Vicks VapoRub to the area daily and see results within a couple of weeks.
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% 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.
Repelling insects and curing bites
Not only will Vicks VapoRub keep insects at bay, it will also help to relieve the itchiness of bites if they do manage to get you. The menthol works as a repellent but also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties meaning it helps speed up your recovery process. It can also take the swelling down and help to soothe any itching.
Getting rid of toenail fungus
Menthol has strong anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it effective at killing fungus, and preventing new fungus from growing. Camphor is also a natural nail fungus fighter, as is cedar leaf oil and thymol, both of which are contained in the Vicks VapoRub formula.
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.
Helping to train 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.
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