You probably know Vicks VapoRub as that little blue jar you rub on your chest when you have a cough or stuffy nose. I grew up with it—my mom always had it in the medicine cabinet. The smell alone brings back memories of being bundled in bed when I was sick.

But here’s the thing: Vicks can do a lot more than just help with colds. Over the years, I’ve learned some surprising ways you can use it around the house and even in your self-care routine. Some of these I’ve tried myself, and others I learned from nurses, friends, and even grandmas who seem to know all the tricks.

So let me walk you through 10 alternative uses for Vicks VapoRub. Some may surprise you!

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1. Rub It on Your Feet for a Nighttime Cough

This one sounds a little silly, but trust me—it works. If you have a cough that just won’t stop at night, try rubbing Vicks on the bottoms of your feet. Then put on socks before you go to bed.

I remember one winter when I couldn’t stop coughing. I was desperate for sleep, so I tried this trick. To my surprise, the cough calmed down, and I slept so much better. No one really knows why it works, but many people swear by it.

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2. Soothe Headaches

If you get a tension headache or sinus pressure, rub a little Vicks on your temples and forehead. The cooling menthol gives a tingly feeling that distracts your brain from the pain.

One time, I had a headache while working on my computer. I dabbed a tiny bit of Vicks on my temples, and within minutes I felt lighter. It doesn’t replace water, rest, or medicine when you need it, but it can give quick comfort.

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3. Keep Mosquitoes Away

Forget smelly bug spray—Vicks can help keep mosquitoes from biting. Just rub a little on your arms, legs, or ankles before going outside. The strong menthol smell seems to make bugs buzz off.

I tried this at a summer barbecue, and while everyone else was swatting, I barely got a bite. It’s a simple trick if you don’t have bug spray handy.

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4. Help Heal Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Vicks has ingredients like eucalyptus and menthol that can fight bacteria. When I scrape my knee or get a small cut, I sometimes dab a bit of Vicks on top after cleaning the wound. It helps keep germs away and speeds up healing.

But here’s a tip: don’t use it on deep cuts or serious wounds. For those, you need real medical care.

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5. Ease Sore Muscles

If you’ve been working out or just slept funny and your muscles ache, Vicks can act like a mini muscle rub. Massage a little into your sore spots, and the cooling effect will relax tight muscles.

After I tried a new workout last year, my legs were so sore I could barely walk. I rubbed Vicks on them, and it gave me that icy-hot relief that felt amazing.

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6. Clear Up Acne Spots

This one surprised me. A friend told me she used Vicks to dry up pimples. I tried it on a stubborn breakout, and by morning the redness was way down.

Because Vicks has antibacterial oils, it can help shrink pimples. Just dab a teeny bit on the spot before bed. Be careful, though—if your skin is super sensitive, test it first.

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7. Keep Pets From Chewing Furniture

If you have a puppy or cat who loves to chew on chairs, cords, or shoes, Vicks can help. Pets hate the smell. You can rub a tiny bit on the things they keep chewing, and they’ll usually stop.

I once had a foster pup who couldn’t leave my wooden table legs alone. A little Vicks fixed that right away!

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8. Relieve Dry, Cracked Heels

If your feet get dry and rough, especially in winter, Vicks can act like a foot cream. Rub it on your heels at night and wear socks to lock in the moisture. By morning, your feet will feel softer.

I did this for a week straight last winter, and my cracked heels healed faster than with fancy lotions.

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9. Stop Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is stubborn, but some people swear by Vicks. The menthol and oils fight the fungus over time. Put a little on the affected nail every day, and you may see improvement.

It’s slow, but I’ve heard stories of nails growing back healthier this way. If you struggle with nail issues, it’s worth a try.

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10. Freshen the Air

Here’s one I love: you can use Vicks to make your house smell fresh and clean. Just put a small dab in a bowl of hot water and let the steam fill the room. It clears the air and even helps open up your sinuses.

During cold season, I like to do this in my bedroom before bed. It makes the room feel calming and helps me breathe easier.

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A Few Things to Remember

• Don’t eat Vicks—it’s only for outside use.

• Keep it away from babies under two years old.

• Use just a little at a time.

Vicks is strong, so you don’t need much to get results.

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Surprising Cause of Foot Fungus (Are You Doing This After You Shower?)

Scientists from John Hopkins have recently revealed the #1 most common cause of irreversible foot fungus…

And get this, it’s NOT because of damp socks and shoes…

But it has to do with this apparently ‘harmless’ shower routine that most certainly you have too.

Research studies have revealed that if you use your towel like this, you increase your chances of fungus growth by a whopping 97%, making it impossible to ever get rid of it.

Visit the page below to find out all about it:

The Shower “Towel Routine” That Causes Fungus Infections