Surprising Uses of Vicks VapoRub You Probably Didn’t Know About
Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment commonly used to relieve cough associated with the common cold. It contains ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil, depending on the formulation.
Some of its lesser-known uses are supported by limited evidence, while others are popular home remedies that have not been scientifically established.
7 surprising uses of Vicks VapoRub
This is one of its established uses. Applying it to the chest and throat can temporarily relieve coughing associated with the common cold. It may also make breathing feel more comfortable, but it does not cure the cold.
Menthol and camphor create cooling and warming sensations that can temporarily reduce the perception of minor muscle and joint pain. Apply only to intact skin and follow the package directions.
A small study involving 18 people found some improvement after prolonged use of a mentholated ointment. However, complete clearance occurred in only a minority. Vicks is not an approved toenail-fungus treatment, and proven antifungal treatments are more reliable.
Some people apply mentholated rub to their temples, but evidence for Vicks specifically is lacking. Do not apply it near your eyes, and avoid the face because it can irritate sensitive skin. Better-studied headache treatments are preferable.
Vicks contains a petroleum-based ointment that can help seal moisture into the skin. However, ordinary petroleum jelly or a foot cream containing urea is generally a more suitable choice. Vicks has not been established as a treatment for cracked heels.
Although some people use Vicks for itchy bites, reliable evidence that it treats bites or repels mosquitoes is lacking. Fragrances and essential oils may irritate the skin. Use an established insect repellent to prevent bites.
Its ointment base may help reduce moisture loss from rough skin, but fragrance and other ingredients can cause irritation. A fragrance-free moisturizer is usually a better option, particularly for eczema-prone or sensitive skin.
The lesser-known uses above are not all equally supported by research. The cough and minor muscle-pain uses are on the product label; most of the other uses are based on limited research or anecdotal reports.
Important safety precautions
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Never swallow Vicks VapoRub. Camphor can cause serious poisoning, including seizures.
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Do not put it inside your nostrils, in your eyes, or on wounds or damaged skin.
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Do not heat it or add it to hot water. This can cause burns.
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Do not use regular VapoRub on children under 2 years old; check the label for your particular product.
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use.DailyMed+1
The bottom line
Vicks VapoRub can be useful for temporary relief of cold-related coughs and minor muscle aches. Claims that it cures nail fungus, removes headaches, heals cracked heels, or repels mosquitoes should be treated cautiously.
For more details, see the official Vicks product guidance and the published evidence review from Healthline .
