It usually happened when you had a really bad cough or cold. “Trae el vaporú!” For many of us, we didn’t even know it was an official brand name until we got older. A lot older.
Latinos have used Vick’s VapoRub, or vi vaporú, for what feels like centuries. From helping you breathe better at night to helping rid you of the common cough, it seemed like it was the holy grail of all home remedies.
So here we are, as adults, still using it and we’re about to give you some more uses for it. Have your vaporú handy, here are 11 ways to benefit from the fun-smelling ointment.
1. As a Decongestant
“Te vamos a poner el vaporú,” was probably the most common phrase in the home when a child got sick with congestion and cough. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms. Ya sabían eso, right? Ok, moving on.
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2. On Your Feet
You might have heard that rubbing alcohol helps with this as well. Applying Vick’s to your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Your cough will subside and your loved one will be able to get some sleep… Finally.
3. Muscles Aches
Good day at the gym? Have a nice long run? Vick’s relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid.
4. Ridding of Nail Fungus
Éste te dará asco, pero it works! Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark. 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. Stop Your Cat from Tearing Up The Furniture
To prevent your gatito from ruining your home, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell. Vaporú can also be applied to your arms and legs if your cat is prone to scratching you.
6. Pet Pee-Pee Deterrent
By putting VapoRub on the areas where your animals like to pee, the smell will discourage them from marking their territory and leaving a fuchi-smelling home.
7. Headaches Relief
By massaging your temples and forehead with a bit of vaporú, you will find that the scent we all love so much will release the pressure and help with headache pain.
8. Humidify Your Sleep
Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Make sure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using it. The humidifier will circulate Vick’s throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.
9. Paper Cuts and Splinters
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vick’s on any small cut or splinter.
10. Ticks and Bugs
If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vick’s immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you. This will help on your travels, especially to the homelands.
11. Mosquito Repellent
Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will leave you alone! If you do get bitten, apply your vaporú to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.