8 Unusual Uses for Vicks VapoRub — What’s Actually Safe?

Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil. Its officially labeled uses are mainly temporary cough relief and relief of minor muscle and joint aches.

You may hear about many other household uses online, but evidence for some of them is limited.

8 commonly claimed uses

1. Soothe minor muscle aches — this is an actual labeled use.
2. Help with a cough from a cold — apply to the chest and throat as directed.
3. Create a cooling sensation on sore muscles — from menthol, although this doesn’t treat the underlying injury.
4. Freshen unpleasant odors — the strong menthol/eucalyptus scent can temporarily mask odors, but this isn’t a medical treatment.
5. Massage into tired feet — it may provide a cooling sensation, but claims that it treats circulation problems aren’t established.
6. Use as a nighttime chest rub — this is consistent with its labeled cough-relief directions.
7. Soothe minor joint discomfort — another labeled topical use.
8. Use in a massage routine for minor aches — provided it’s applied only to intact skin and according to the label.