Do You Know? : 7 alternative uses for Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub is a bit of an institution as far as over-the-counter medicine is considered, perhaps because it functions so differently from other types of non-prescription treatments. Whereas medicine these days is usually contained in pills or effervescent tablets, Vicks treats your ailments with vapors. Bridie Cavanaugh at eHow says camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol, the three most important ingredients in Vicks, relieve congestion and coughing through breathing in. The product also works as a good topical analgesic for other issues.

All of this is fairly common knowledge, but did you know about Vicks' other useful properties? There are plenty of home remedies out there for different kinds of issues that involve the fresh, strong-smelling ointment. Here are a few of them:

1. Headaches

For standard headaches, AnswersVideo (in the video below) suggests applying some Vicks to your temples for quick pain relief. If you're suffering from a sinus headache instead, LiveStrong recommends putting ointment under your nose and breathing in slowly and deeply.

2. Muscle aches

Massage Vicks over the muscles that are causing pain, then wrap them in a dry, warm towel for a while, according to LiveStrong.

3. Toenail fungus

Infected toenails should be rubbed with VapoRub two to three times a day for as long as is needed, eHow reports. The process may take several weeks to months.

4. Cracked heels

Apply Vicks to the heels and balls of your feet, then massage it into the damaged areas. Do this in the evening, then sleep with socks on. The next morning, rinse the product off with warm water and exfoliate with a pumice stone, eHow suggests.

5. Repel bugs

AnswersVideo suggests applying light amounts of Vicks to clothing and skin to scare bugs away. If you get bitten anyway, try rubbing some ointment on that spot for itch relief.

6. Keep animals at bay

Cats will stay away from furniture dabbed with Vicks, helping you keep your couch, doors and curtains scratch-free.

7. Heal bruises and minor cuts

Apply a thin layer of Vicks and salt to bruises. The combination will help your blood circulate faster and dissolve the bruise mark in shorter amounts of time, according to eHow. AnswersVideo also suggests rubbing the ointment around small cuts to improve healing. However, eHow warns against applying the product to open wounds and damaged skin, so be careful with this one.

Watch the full list of uses below, and share this story if you've learned something about VapoRub today!