Vicks VapoRub – time tested and people’s choice

Vicks VapoRub has been around for over a century, and it can now be found in many households across the globe and is undoubtedly the most commonly sold over the counter medicine. Lunsford Richardson developed the formula way back in 1894 when he created a salve for his children, after travelling to France.This Salve, with its combination of menthol, camphor, and other ingredients, which include oils of eucalyptus and nutmeg, cools and soothes at the same time. Individually, these ingredients have specific uses such as pain relief, itch reduction, increasing circulation, acne fighting and anti-fungal. Therefore, with all these combined properties, it's not surprising that it can be used as more than just a decongestant.

A Vicks VapoRub advertizement
dating back to 1922

Richardson-Vicks was sold to Procter & Gamble in 1985 and is now known as Vicks. VapoRub is also currently manufactured and packaged in India and Mexico. In German-speaking countries (the exception of Switzerland) it is sold under the name Wick VapoRub. VapoRub continues to be Vicks's flagship product internationally, and the Vicks brand name is often used synonymously with the VapoRub product. My love affair with this product was initiated by my mother but later on in our Industrial Chemistry class in Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow, when my charismatic Chemistry teacher Mr. Shamiulla taught me how to make this product, I was absolutely hooked on ti it!

In India, Vicks VapoRub is made by Procter & Gamble (P&G). The formulation is almost the same as the one stated above. P&G states Vicks Vaporub to be an Ayurvedic Medicine, which is indicated on the package.

The ingredients (per 100 g of product) are stated as follows:

Ingredient	English	Amount
Pudinah ke phool	Menthol	2.82 g
Karpoor	Camphor	5.25 g
Ajowan ke phool	Thymol	0.10 g
Tarpin ka tel	Turpentine oil	5.57 ml
Nilgiri tel	Eucalyptol	1.49 ml
Jatiphal tel	Nutmeg oil	0.54 ml

Like me, many Indian children have been brought up by mothers who would double up as family doctors too and for them medicines like Vicks, Amritanjan, Ajwain ka arak, and Nux Vomica or Brionia would cure nine out of ten problems.  You probably have this very useful medical ointment Vicks sitting at home right now in one of your cabinets. So let us take a look at some of the unique and clever ways that Vicks can be used in everyday life.

1. Decongest Chest 
The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms. 

2. Headaches

VapoRub can be inhaled with hot steam. Since VapoRub ointment is an oil-based medication, it should not be used under or inside the nose or inside the mouth, and it should not be swallowed. Any oil-based product can get into the lungs if used improperly. If you're suffering from a sinus headache, inhaling the vapors can help open your clogged airways to relieve the pressure. All you have to do is rub a small bit of Vicks under your nose. If you're suffering from a non-sinus headache, try rubbing a small amount of Vicks onto your temples - this is supposed to relieve the pressure you can feel from your headache. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.

3. Humidify Your Sleep
Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Ensure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.

4. Nail Fungus

Many of the compounds that make up Vicks VapoRub are anti-fungal and, as a result, it can prevent the growth of fungus on your nails. Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.

5. Itch and Sting/Bite Relief

Mothers and grandmas across the globe have been using Vicks to stop itching and pain from outdoor encounters for many years. Simply rub it into the affected area and let those magical ingredients do their thing. If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.

6. Nausea 

Mint has always been a popular go-to for people suffering from nausea. To combat nausea, either rub some Vicks under your nose, or create a facial steam to inhale.

7. Achy Breaky Muscles
Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it all over the aching area.

8. Bruises

Vicks, thanks to the camphor and menthol present in it, is able to help heal bruises faster. This is because the aforementioned ingredients help increase circulation. Simply rub some ointment onto the bruise to help it heal.

9. Burns

A minor burn can be soothed by using Vicks. This is because the camphor, along with some of the other ingredients present in this ointment, have the ability to heal burns and numb the pain.

9. Paper Cuts and Splinters
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.

10. Reduces stretch marks

Rub some Vicks VapoRub on your stretch marks, and in just 2 weeks you will see that they gradually become less visible.

11. Relieves earache

Put a small cotton ball with Vicks VapoRub in your ear, and leave it there for a few hours until you see your doctor. Remember: although this method does help relieve ear pain, it doesn’t cure the infection itself. So it’s very important that you consult your health professional as soon as possible.

12. Pimple Buster

Got a huge spot on your face that you think everyone is looking at? Dab some Vicks on it to dry it out and make it disappear.

13. Takes good care of your feet

Before going to bed, apply some Vicks to your heels, especially to the cracked and dry areas, and put your socks on. Make sure you’re using old socks because the next day they will have a super strong menthol smell. In the morning, wash your feet with cold water, use a pumice stone to scrub away dead skin, and then apply your regular foot care product. Keep doing so every night, and soon you’ll see some noticeable results.

14. On Your Tootsies
Applying Vicks on your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Within moments your cough will subside—in the morning you’ll wake up a new, hacking-free person.

15. Belly fat – helps get rid of it

Mix one tablespoon of crushed tablet camphor, one tablespoon of alcohol, one tablespoon of baking soda, and half a jar of Vicks VapoRub until you get a paste. Before doing your physical exercises, apply this paste to your abdomen or to the area that you plan to work on, and wrap yourself with plastic wrap. When you finish your workout, rinse with plenty of water.

Having the same effect as those expensive slimming creams, such homemade applications, performed 2-3 times a week, can make a real difference.

16. Stop Your Cat from Scratching
Cats are notorious for scratching every hard surface they get their claws on. To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.

17. Pet Pee Deterrent
If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.

18. Reek-free Racehorses
Professional racers smother VapoRub under the nostrils of racehorses on race day. The strong stench deters the stallions from the alluring odor of the female pony and keeps them focused on the race.

19. Go Away Mosquitoes
Vicks wards off mosquitoes. Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will steer clear. If you do get bitten, apply Vicks to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.

20. Creaky Doors

If you have a really annoying creaky door, but can't get your hands on some oil or WD40, then try rubbing a bit of Vicks on the creaky hinges.

According to WebMD, there have been a few complications in children when Vicks is used inappropriately. A few children reacted negatively and ended up hospitalized when Vicks was applied directly under the nose. Though this is extremely rare and only happens to those who are sensitive to Vicks, consumers should use caution when applying it to the face or on young children.

Even though its strong stench may cost me a few friendships, I am definitely heading to the nearest drugstore to stock up on this little blue smelly bottle. After all, I never know the next time I’ll have a headache, or am heading to the racetrack or decide to do something about my pot belly.