20 Startling Ways Vicks VapoRub Can Solve Your Health And Beauty Problems

In the 1880s Lunsford Richardson must have known that he’d come up with something noteworthy. It was a cold-fighting salve, and the pharmacist named it after his brother-in-law Dr. Joshua Vick. Nowadays, of course, we slather that same formula onto our chest to help us beat colds. But Vicks VapoRub has more than one use. In fact, you might be shocked by the 20 other ways you can use the menthol-rich formula.

20. Relieves Headaches And Migraines

Most people look to Vicks for cold and congestion relief. After all, the product markets itself as a remedy for these ailments. But the brand has long touted another benefit to its menthol-laden product. It provides proven relief for headaches and even migraines, the latter of which can be a debilitating condition.

Cool And Calming

In fact, a quarter of U.S. households contain an adult who deals with migraines. To alleviate their pounding heads, they can take a dollop of Vicks and massage it into their temples. Then, the menthol scent and coolness can start to assuage the head pressure and dull the migraine or headache.

19. Tackles Nail Fungus

Older adults’ nails tend to get drier and more brittle than their younger counterparts. These cracks in the nails allow fungus to intrude, which can cause a slew of different symptoms. Nails may become thicker, turn yellowish-brown, change shape or even give off an off-putting scent. If this has happened to you – regardless of your age – reach for a jar of Vicks VapoRub.

Antimicrobial Properties

Take a dab of Vicks and rub it onto the affected nail bed and over the nail itself. You might notice that your nail goes dark afterward – and that’s a good thing. That means the Vicks – or more specifically, its antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredient thymol – has killed off the fungus. Your nail should start to grow out healthily without it.