Vicks has been around for what seems like donkey’s years, and it’s no wonder. Although it’s marketed as a cough, cold and flu remedy, there are so many other uses for Vicks VapoRub that make it a must-have product in every home.
Vicks' main ingredients - camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus - are extremely beneficial for a whole range of things. Discover how your little pot of Vicks can be used for your health, beauty and even pets today!
Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in January 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in November 2018.
Health uses for Vicks
Believe it or not, your little pot of Vicks Vaporub can actually be used to benefit your health! Discover why you should always have a tub in your first aid kit today.
1. Weight loss
Want to lose weight? Then you’re going to love this clever tip. Many people claim that using Vicks VapoRub can melt away belly fat and cellulite – sounds good, right? Vicks can decrease localised fat by stimulating fat-burning.
For even more ways to lose weight, read our other blog post.
2. Ease muscle pain
Overdone it in the gym? Or perhaps your old office chair's giving you an awful backache.
Muscle pain is no fun at all. Don't suffer unnecessarily - ease yours using Vicks! Rub Vicks into sore muscles and the tingling sensation with soon have you feeling ready to put your trainers on again.
3. Headache remedy
Thump, thump, thump - don't suffer from sore head. One of our favourite uses for Vicks is as a headache remedy.
Want relief, fast?
Rub a small amount of Vicks into the centre of your forehead and onto temples. Massage it in, and the mentholated scent will work to reduce tension and ease the pain.
4. Treat toenail fungus
Are your feet looking rather worse for wear?
Vicks may have been invented for colds, but hopefully, our uses for Vicks are opening your eyes to its true potential! Next on our impressive list? Treating toenail fungus.
Vicks contains many natural ingredients, some of which have antifungal properties which are thought to treat toenail fungus.
Want to get rid of your toenail fungus using Vicks?
Apply a generous dollop of Vicks to dry toenails every evening and leave overnight to work its magic.
TOP TIP: Keep toenails cut short so that the Vicks can penetrate as deep as possible into the nail bed.
5. Heal cuts FAST
Ouch! If you've caught your finger on the table and have a nasty splinter or cut, you'll need some antiseptic. If you don't have any to hand, your trusty jar of Vicks can step in until you do.
One of the best things about Vicks is its antiseptic properties. Rub a small amount onto cuts to create a barrier to keep them clean.
6. Stop earaches
An achy ear can be extremely unpleasant, and make even the smallest everyday task impossible.
Turns out, Vicks can also be used to solve this problem. While it won't cure an ear infection, it will reduce pain and discomfort to help you get on with the task in hand.
To try it, rub some Vicks onto a ball of cotton wool and place it in your ear.
7. Reduce the appearance of bruises
Had a nasty fall? Don't let shades of purple, green and yellow get you down. You can get rid of bruises using your handy jar of Vicks.
Want to try it?
Rub a thin layer of Vicks onto the bruise and add a sprinkling of salt. This strange combination will help distribute the concentrated blood beneath the bruise, resulting in a lighter, less discoloured patch of skin.
Beauty uses for Vicks
No need to purchase expensive beauty products - there's loads of jobs your trusty pot of Vick can do just as well. Check them out below.
8. Moisturise dry skin
If you suffer from dry skin, Vicks could be the budget beauty product you've been looking for. Vicks is extremely rich and nourishing and will soothe skin to improve the appearance of dry skin on elbows, knees and more.
9. Reduce the appearance of stretch marks
Stretch marks are certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but if you would like to try and reduce them, Vicks could well be the answer.
Many people claim to have experienced excellent results using Vicks as a treatment for stretch marks. Although there is little evidence to support this, it's thought the cream works to moisturise and soften the skin, making them less prominent.
Now, check out one of the best medical uses for Vicks...
10. Get rid of acne
Acne. We've all had it at some point in our lives - some of us worse than others. There are hundreds of treatments on the market that claim to treat it, ranging from the cheap and cheerful to the extreme and expensive.
What if all you really needed to get rid of acne had been hiding in your cupboard all along?
Vicks VapoRub's three main active ingredients - eucalyptus, camphor and menthol - eliminate bacteria and have a cooling effect on the skin.
These ingredients help diminish and soothe acne in just a matter of days. Rub a small amount onto troubled areas to try this acne cure for yourself.
There are still a few more uses for Vicks you definitely don't want to miss...
11. Use Vicks to get soft feet
Last but by no means least on our list of uses for Vicks is to soften feet. Hard, dry, cracked feet need deep nourishment and there's nothing better (or cheaper) than Vicks.
Next time you're giving your feet some TLC, skip the expensive foot cream and try rubbing Vicks into cracked heels instead. You'll be so impressed by what this household product can do!
Household uses for Vicks
Just before we go, we wanted to share a few last bizarre uses for Vicks with you. Time to see what we've got in store.
12. How to potty train your pets
Puppies may be cute, but training them not to pee on your carpet can be very tricky and time-consuming.
If you want a helping hand, try Vicks. Although most humans find the mentholated smell very pleasant, the same cannot be said for our furry friends. This makes it an ideal deterrent and can be used in 'pee-prone' areas to dissuade your pets from leaving their mark in your home.
13. DIY Insect repellent using Vicks
Buzz, buzz – don’t let insects ruin your fun! If you have a jar of Vicks at home, you’re in luck.
Many people have found that Vicks is an extremely effective insect repellent. The only problem may be the tingling sensation it produces – whether or not this is a worthwhile sacrifice for bite-free skin only you can decide.
14. Dog chewing deterrent
Does your furry friend have a thing for your furniture? Vicks can be used as a solution to this common pet-problem.
Even a small taste of Vicks will deter pets. Rub Vicks on table legs, cupboard doors, sideboards and anything else they may have taken to their liking and they'll never go scratching or biting near them again.
Do you love Vicks, too? Tell us how YOU like to use it in the comments below.
I have always used Vick’s as an aid to sleeping well! A little Vick’s put up each nostril at night, is a must fo me! Not sure if it stops snoring!!!
Hi June. Glad to hear you love Vicks as much as we do. I don't think it's a snoring-stopper, sadly (that really would be too good to be true!) Thanks for stopping by :)
When flying, put a little Vicks around your nostrils - it'll prevent other people's bug entering your system. I always use it a a mosquito repellent - a little dabbed onto exposed skin helps stop them biting.
Hi Judith. Germs while travelling can be a real issue - the last thing you want is to arrive on your holiday sick! This is a fab tip, thanks a lot for sharing! :)
Always have Vicks in cubord
I have also used Vick for many years for blocked up nose when I have a cold, but reading all the other uses I tried it on the toenail for fungus treatment & it really works. So pleased, thank you for all the advise.
Hi Chrissy, We're so happy we were able to introduce you to some new uses for Vicks. We hope you enjoy all the new ways to use this great household product. :)
If have used it behind the ears to open the ears and it really works
Thanks for sharing! It's important to note that using Vicks VapoRub in this way has not been scientifically proven and should be done cautiously.
Best thing ever to get rid of Athletes foot, it worked for me. No it doesn't sting when you put it on.
Hi Rosie. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with us - Vicks sure is great hey!
I'm never without Vicks, it healed bruises after I had a blood test, keeps my feet soft, and is helping tighten my skin on my arms ( bingo wings lol) love Vicks
Hi Dawn, Great to hear you love Vicks just as much as we do! It really is a great product and SO versatile too. Thanks for stopping by :)
I have an open pot near my radiator in bedroom all the way through winter the warm scented air helps soothe me and reduces cold symptoms
Hi Skit. We absolutely love this tip! Thanks a lot for sharing :)
Does Vick help grow hair?
Hi Ilham. We've never heard of this use for Vicks before so couldn't advise. Sorry.
Would it help with spider veins? I put it on the bottom of my feet lately and I sleep so good.
Hi Deni, Vicks is great for Varicose veins. We're glad it's helping you sleep too!
Will it take the vains away
Funny after reading all this, on the actual instructions from the bottle of Vicks vaporub it said not to use on broken skin, open wound or mucous membranes. It even said do not use directly on nostrils, eyes, mouth, or face?? Whereas on here it says you can? I'm confused....
Hi there, Jade! We'd suggest you always follow the instructions on the packaging to be safe and follow your GP's guidance. It's been said that it's good on small cuts and minor splinters if you don't have an antiseptic to hand, but we'd never recommend using on open wounds.
A smear around the casing of the home cctv camera will deter spiders from leaving webs and obscuring the view
Great tip, Anne! Thanks for letting us know.
i use vicks as a mosquito repelant and it works
That sounds like a great idea, Anna!
My respiratory consultant told me akthough Vicks is great on your feet to help colds it wirks Better and Faster if you PUT IT ON THE FEET AT NIGHT WITH SOCKS ON ut apparently help get into your system better
Hi Sharon! We've heard this too. Thanks for sharing!
Put Vicks on bottom of feet and then put on white socks before going to bed. Helps with nightime coughing and of course on your chest for congestion.
Great tip, Deardra!
I used it twice a day for 3 days to get rid of an unusual case of ringworm. My doctor wasnt even sure of what my "rash" was.
That's interesting, Ericka!
I had an itchy rash on the front of my leg put Vicks on it itch stopped immediately also rubbed it into my index finger which was getting arthritic worked I can now move it about ,also nettle rash works immediately
Great idea, Ann!
I used Vicks on my very chapped lips before going to bed. Instant relief and my lips were smooth and soft by morning. What a great product. -Aunt Iris
Thanks for sharing, Iris!
My fav way to use Vicks is for soothing and helping to heal sunburned skin - works wonders with it's cooling properties
Hi Aileen! It does work wonders!
Hi I am just happy to find something totally different to try on my feet so tonight will be the first night of putting vicks on feet and soaks and hopefully my feet will be like iv just had a pedicure so thanks for the advice
Fingers crossed it works for you, Tracy!
My husband has terrible plaque psoriasis. He uses Vics on his knees, where it is worse, and it is going away after only a few days! Truly amazing!
That's incredible, Jackie!
Can you use Vicks for fingernail fungus
Hi Jeanne! Vicks does have antifungal qualities, so it would be worth a try.
I use vick for tooth aches,rub ouside where hurts and will go away
Great idea!
Vicks is amazing product. Trying not to use medication for things. Muscle aches @ pains, rub on ur skin at the sore area, helps so well. Also I have asthma n when it's not good, rub vicks on my throat n chest n can sleep w no cough:) Headache remedies, helps too.
It's amazing stuff!
Can vicks help with chin and lip numbness from teeth implants
Hi Janette! I don't think that vicks would help with numbing,
I rub vickrub on my numb left arm and the next morning it wasn't numb " so I continued to put it on the Elbow bone and it barely numb' my mom said it a old remedy that's good for a lot of ailments '
While Vicks VapoRub may have mild analgesic properties and could alleviate certain types of discomfort, it is not specifically formulated to treat numbness or other ailments. Therefore, if you are experiencing persistent numbness or other concerning symptoms, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
After months of using a prescription topical treatment for toenail fungus to no avail I started using Vicks, after a couple of weeks I have noticed a marked improvement, all signs of fungus has disappeared, I am wrapt with the results
That's great to hear, Peter!
When a Vicks jar is almost empty ,hold it up to a light and look inside .so pretty .
I've not tried this, Bonnie! Will have to give it a go.
Will vicks run spiders 🕷 from crawling in ur bed if I rub it on the sheets and covers.
Hi there! I wouldn't recommend this, as it could make a real mess of your sheets, but you could give it a try.
Is vicks good for cellulite on thighs
Hi there! Vicks is supposedly really good for reducing cellulite on your belly. I'm sure that the same method would also work well on your thighs.
Could Vicks be used as a type of tattoo too?
Hi Dave! Please could you explain what you mean by this?
Would it help on wrinkles? It helps in scars just thought I would ask thanks
Hi Tina! Vicks will help to moisturise the skin, which will help prevent and reduce wrinkles as a result.
Thank you I will try it !
Can vicks reduces belly fat??
Hi Cyrus! Apparently so - check the article and you'll find we've covered this. :)
Great hacks, I use it for my feet and legs after running
Thanks for the feedback, Susan!
As a natural deodorant under arms. Use on hair ends like frizzy ease. Nourish leather shoes
Great ideas!
Vicks fantastic for cold sores just tab on ,, clears up quickly ,,
Thanks for sharing!
I have used Vicks on toenail fungus and it works!
That's excellent!
Works to stop chilblains itching and reduces them forming
While some people use Vicks Vapor Rub to relieve itching and inflammation associated with chilblains, little scientific evidence supports its effectiveness. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before using any new treatment for a medical condition.
i use vicks vapor rub on my scalp it helped with the terriable itching ...... the soothing feels really great and i also uses it on my feet my feet are really soft BIG THANKS TO VICKS VAPOR RUB
We're glad you love it!
Cae n you use vicks on a toothac
Apparently, it does help tooth ache when applied to the outside of your upper and lower jaw - just don't put it inside your mouth!