Jackie Gower - Surprising uses for Vick's Vaporub

At this time of year, I always keep a jar of good old Vick’s Vaporub in the medicine cupboard to ease chest and nasal congestion when colds and flu strike.  Little did I know however that there are many other uses for that little blue jar which can save you money all year round!  Check out some of these!


1.    Blitz those zits.  Did you know VapoRub is well known as ultimate emergency treatment for pimples? Just put a little onto a cotton ball or bud and apply to the affected areas at night. In the morning they'll be instantly gone!

2.    Ease sore muscles.  VapoRub is perfect for soothing sore muscles after an intense workout or sports (my boys swear by it after their rugby games).  The relief is almost instant and it increases circulation at the same time!

3.    Heal burns and cuts fast.  Keep a jar of VapoRub in the kitchen for next time you burn yourself while cooking.  Simply massage into the affected area and let it work its magic. You can also apply a little Vick’s to small cuts or splinters to speed up healing and prevent infection.

4.    Get rid of headaches.  For super-fast relief from headaches, rub a little VapoRub onto your forehead and temples.  The menthol actually releases pressure in your head and relieves the pain.

5.    Bugs be gone!  VapoRub can be used to both prevent insect bites and treat them as well.  Apply small dabs to the skin to keep mozzies away, or to treat an existing bite, pop on some Vick’s and cover with a plaster to soothe itching.

6.    Silence creaky doors.  Putting a little VapoRub on the hinges of creaking doors works instantly to prevent sticking and noise.  Who would have thought!

7.    Toilet train your pet!  Amazing as it sounds, VapoRub can actually help!  Next time Fido goes to mark his territory where you would rather he didn’t, place an open jar of VapoRub in the area.  They hate the smell and, all going to plan will choose a more suitable spot!

8.    Cat scratching deterrent.  If your cat is prone to scratching up your furniture, rub the affected area with VapoRub.  They hate the smell and will steer clear.  You can also apply Vick’s to your skin to stop them scratching you too!

9.    Quieten that cough.  This has been a popular remedy for years, but in case you didn’t know, VapoRub is brilliant for providing relief from troublesome coughs.  All you need to do is rub it generously over your feet, then cover with socks.  Your cough will disappear and you can breathe easy!