40 Ingenious Ways You Can Reuse Silica Gel Packets

Let’s say you’re walking around outside, and it suddenly starts pouring. Or maybe you go out to play in the snow in your regular shoes. Either way, you come home and your footwear is damp. Before putting your boots and sneakers away, slide silica packets inside them to remove any moisture. That way, there’ll be no musty smell, either!

Okay, so sometimes you only want a few potato chips – not the whole bag. Next time you sneak to the pantry, though, what do you find? Stale chips! Save your munchies in the future by taping a silica pack inside the bag before you hide it away. Oh, and while silica packets aren’t dangerous, you obviously shouldn’t eat them – so watch out when you dig in.

You may scour the globe for its rarest coins. Or perhaps you’ve been gathering baseball cards since childhood, and you have some pretty valuable players in your cache. No matter what you collect, though, you can keep your haul in pristine condition with the help of – guess what? – silica gel! Simply slide some packets into your storage binders or containers, and the gel should do the rest.

Your car might have a built-in setting that defogs your windshield on humid or cold days. But if you want to hit the road faster, line your dashboard with silica packets. They’ll help reduce condensation when the air gets a bit too moist.

Life in the laundry room can turn powder detergent into a container full of clumps. Eww! But if you’re bored of sieving the stuff – talk about a tedious task! – then take note. You can keep your detergent smooth and dry by tossing a few silica packets into the box. Awesome.

It’s a total nightmare. That bottle of water in your bag? It’s gone everywhere. And if there’s one thing your laptop doesn’t like, it’s liquid. If you’re toting your portable computer or tablet around with you, then, line the case with silica packets. They’re great at sucking up moisture – and that includes coffee spills...

Yeah, so that trusty salt shaker you bring out for every meal gets, well, a bit lumpy from time to time. Shaking it doesn’t budge the clumps, either, so what to do? Just grab a small silica packet and pop it into the container. That’ll stop any lumps from forming from now on.

If you’re the organized type, you’ll wrap your Christmas ornaments in paper and store them in boxes so they don’t break. But how do you stop them from tarnishing or, worse yet, getting moldy while in storage? Easy! Just pick up some silica gel packets and use them to line your ornament boxes for safekeeping until next year’s holiday season.

Camping may mean rustic conditions, but they don’t have to be moldy or musty. So, after your next trek into the wilderness, pack up your gear in a way that’ll keep stench-causing moisture at bay. Yep, you guessed it: wrapping up your tents and sleeping bags with some large silica packets will do the trick.

No one wants to wear a wet swimsuit home from the beach. But if you change, you may forget to grab your duds out of the bag and hang them as soon as you get back to base. No problem, though! Avoid a stinky suit by putting some silica packets into your beach tote. They’ll start drying your gear on the way home.

When your smartphone slips out of your grasp and into the toilet, what do you do? Apart from scream, of course... Well, if your answer was to gently fish it out and put it into rice, we have a better option. Keep silica gel packets on hand and use them in such a do-or-die situation. Surround your cell with the packets and let the beads draw out the moisture before turning the phone back on a day later. Disaster averted!

A wet incense stick definitely won’t give you the aromatic smoke you seek. Before you throw the whole pack out, though, put a sachet of silica gel into the incense box. Then wait a little while, and your sticks will be dry and ready to burn – just as they’re designed.

All those dirty clothes in your laundry basket? No wonder the container starts to stink after a while! But when you can’t just put the basket itself into the machine, a large silica packet can help. Simply pop one into the bottom of your laundry holder, and it’ll soak up all of those foul odors you don’t want wafting into your home.

If you tote your toolbox to an outside job, you open up your supplies to the elements. Keeping your wrenches and hammers in the garage can be a problem, too, as it’s often humid in there. Basically, your metal tools may start to oxidize and rust. But the solution? Silica gel, of course! Pop a pair of packets in each drawer of your toolbox to keep everything shiny and dry.

Self-proclaimed “avid fisherman” Tim gave a very handy silica-related tip to Popular Mechanic. He explained, “I crush or ground the silica into powder form, then place it in a film canister. When my fly becomes waterlogged, I place it into the canister, put the cap on, shake it for a bit, and voilà – my fly is dry again.” Thanks, Tim!

You may not know what a geocache is, but think of it this way: it’s the treasure of an explorer’s treasure hunt. And you can imagine the disappointment of searching for this hidden bounty only to find that it’s been totally destroyed by water. When you next stumble across a geocache, then, try putting some silica packets in there. That way, the goodies will be dry for the next person uncovering them.

A case protects your cell from drops, cracks and scratches, but water damage? Not so much. Well, guess what? You can keep your device dry with the help of a silica packet. Stick one in the case, then slide your phone back into position. That way, you’ll help safeguard its inner workings.

Your underwater camera? It’s captured some incredible images. But taking it into the sea or pool means that water can get behind the glass and leave spots behind. To dry up this H2O before it does any damage, then, slip some silica packets into your camera bag. That’ll help keep the lens clear, too.

Silver’s such a beautiful metal – until it starts to tarnish, that is, and turn an unbecoming shade of brown. That’s likely to happen, too, when you store your silverware out in the air. But you can at least stall the process by storing your jewelry, cutlery and other precious belongings with silica packets. Good to know!

Storing pill containers and vitamin bottles in your bathroom makes sense. You’ll see them first thing in the morning, after all, and remember to take them! But there’s a problem. All those hot showers and baths can make your medications damp. That means they may break down. Placing silica packets in with your pills can solve this problem, though – and it’s all thanks to the gel’s ability to suck up moisture.

Okay, so you don’t watch films on video anymore. But you’re holding onto your tape collection anyway, and you want to make sure that their ribbons don’t warp over time. Well, guess what? Silica gel can help with this, too! To protect your home movies, slide a few packets into their storage container or between their cases on the shelf.

You use your shaving razor once, put it in the cabinet, pull it out a few days later, and the blade’s covered in rust. Talk about a total bummer! So make a habit of dabbing the blades with a silica packet to keep them dry. Put one into the container where you keep your replacement razors, too, so that moisture doesn’t ruin them.

Just consider what you’d do if your precious family photos were destroyed. Doesn’t bear thinking about, does it? Well, that’s what could happen if the snaps are somewhere humid. But by now, you should know what to do to avoid that nightmare! Line your albums or storage containers with silica packets so that your photos stay in perfect condition.

Those spare packets of seeds hanging around? There’s a way of ensuring you can use them again next planting season. And, yes, yet again it involves silica gel! Place a packet or two inside any open seed envelopes to keep damp and mold at bay.

Imagine pulling a favorite book off the shelves, cracking it open and then being hit in the face by a musty scent. Gross! To prevent your precious library from getting a little moldy, however, all you need to do is to slide packets of silica gel between the pages to soak up any lingering moisture.

Sometimes we love our plants a little too much. And by that, we mean overwatering them – which can be as bad as leaving them dry... If you find you’ve flooded your pots, though, take them outside into the sunlight. Then line the top of the soil with silica packets. The sun and the silica together will draw out the excess moisture and salvage your greens.

Most of our tips tell you how to reuse your silica packets as a drying device. But if you’re feeling crafty, you can take out the beads for a quick and easy DIY project. Cut open the containers and pour out the spheres into a bowl. Then douse them with essential oils, and you’ve got a cheap and refillable potpourri. It looks pretty, too!

When creativity strikes, you gotta make a beeline for your craft kit. But when you want to stitch, stick or appliqué, it’s a real bummer to find your supplies looking soggy or rusted. Well, silica gel packets can safely absorb the moisture that ruins the must-haves for any project. We’re talking about everything from your beading gear to sewing needles. Good to know!

That guitar you got? Cost a lot, didn’t it? So you do all you can to preserve your investment, storing it in a cushioned case and dusting it regularly. You should add another step to your maintenance regimen while you’re at it. Slide silica packets inside your instrument to keep it dry and prevent it from warping. Now all you need to do is learn how to play the thing...

Kibble doesn’t always come in small containers. And by the time you reach the bottom of the bag, you may notice that your pet’s food is, well, less than fresh. Fix that by storing your furry friend’s chow in a bin or other lidded storage container. Then line the top with silica packets to prevent the bits from going stale before you get to the bottom. It’ll keep your pet happy, at the very least!

While you’re hard at work over a hot stove, the last thing you want to find is clumps in your spices. So, keep your selection of seasonings dry by lining your spice rack or cabinet with silica packets. They’ll wick away moisture and keep the consistency of your ingredients smooth.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, you’ve certainly experienced the frustration of taking pictures in the cold, rain or mist. That fogged-up lens can ruin all of your shots! But we have a handy solution. Simply store a few silica packets in your camera bag to help suck any dampness away.

That gorgeous wedding bouquet is just too good to throw away. But you can keep your big-day blooms forever, as silica gel can help you dry them out at warp speed. Just store the flowers in a few packets’ worth of the gel. Think of the show-and-tell opportunities with the grandkids!

You swore you closed that foundation tube tightly, but your makeup bag looks like a Jackson Pollock painting. Argh! When you’ve got everything clean, try loading a few silica packets into the bag. They’ll soak up any future spills and keep the rest of your makeup staples clean and dry.

You probably store your most important documents in a filing folder or cabinet. What happens if that container gets exposed to moisture, though? Your papers could go crinkly or even start to bleed. And, yeah, that wouldn’t be good. Get into the habit, then, of slipping silica packets in with these must-have pages to protect and preserve them.

You don’t want to wear your athletic gear post-workout because, well, it smells. But you don’t want to get your gym bag stinky either. A way out of this conundrum? Silica gel, of course! Place a few packets into the bag to wick away the musty odor of your clothes.

You spend so much time carving a cute or creepy face into your Halloween pumpkin. That’s why it’s so upsetting to see the fruit start to mold and crumble fairly rapidly. But guess what? Silica packets can help extend the life of your seasonal creations. Just place a few of them into a glass bowl, then put the bowl inside of your jack-o-lantern. Now you can frighten the kids at Christmas, too!

Your most prized pieces of clothing may not be the ones you wear every day. That stunning coat is only good for winter, after all. So, pop some silica packets into the pockets of your cherished garments to help them maintain their condition. The same goes for shoes, handbags and leather goods. Keep them dry, and you have a better chance of them lasting forever.

You may have a treasured vintage car in your garage – one that you only drive on special occasions. Or maybe you have an airplane that you get to fly every so often. No matter what kind of vehicle it is, you can use silica gel to keep the engine rust-free and to stop bearings from pitting. Yes, really!

Your silica packets have tons of uses, but what happens when the beads fill up with water? Well, luckily, you can dry them out and put them back into action! Pop the beads into a 200-degree oven for about two hours, then keep them in an airtight container till it’s time to safeguard your stuff again. If it’s health and beauty hacks you’re after, though, then you’re going to need to dig out your Vicks VapoRub. The stuff is incredible — seriously. Here are 30 amazing uses you’ll be itching to try...

Earache is an extremely common ailment and is usually nothing to worry about. That being said, it’s always best to check with a doctor that the discomfort is not being caused by anything too serious. If the pain isn’t a symptom of an underlying problem, then it’s possible to treat it at home. And yep, you guessed it, VapoRub may well be the perfect product.

If you want to keep earache at bay, simply apply some VapoRub onto a cotton ball and place it into the opening of your ear. Those who swear by the tip recommend leaving it there for a few hours in order to ease the pain. Plus, you can repeat the process until the discomfort subsides. And the extra piece of good news is that the lotion will also help to prevent infection. What a bonus!

The American Academy of Dermatology claims that as many as 50 million people in the U.S. deal with acne each year – and they’re not all teenagers, either. Many of us have pimples well into adulthood, and we yearn for that magic bullet to get rid of them once and for all. If that sounds like you, then perhaps you should try Vicks VapoRub.

VapoRub’s ingredient list includes camphor and eucalyptus, which both have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they can soothe your skin, calm inflammation and neutralize an unclear complexion. Though you should be cautious if you try this tip, as for some VapoRub causes more breakouts. That’s because it contains petroleum jelly – a product meant to keep skin moisturized.

According to the family medicine specialist Pauline Jose, MD, VapoRub can be used as a painkiller on aching joints. In November 2020 she told the beauty website Byrdie, “It works as an analgesic as it works on the nerve endings.” And to feel its effects, it seems all you have to do is rub it onto the areas that are causing you trouble.

One common condition that VapoRub is known to ease is “tennis elbow.” Yes, the menthol and camphor in the lotion work wonders at soothing pain. But while the seemingly magic ointment may temporarily put the injury to the back of your mind, it’s still best to seek medical advice for a more long-term solution. It can prove problematic if left alone, you see!

Some eye makeup can be pretty stubborn to remove. But fear not, because VapoRub makes light work of it! Just place some on a cotton pad and gently wipe across your skin to leave it feeling fresh and clean. We do have a word of warning, though. Take care to avoid the eye itself, as the solution can sometimes cause stinging in sensitive areas.

To err on the side of caution, make sure you apply only a small amount of VapoRub to your pad. And if some does come into contact with your eye, rinse it thoroughly with a saline solution or some clean water. Given the risks, then, this hack is probably best left for emergencies only!

Lots of people use humidifiers to prevent their rooms from becoming too dry – a problem that can cause irritation to the throat, skin, lips and nose. But did you know that these nifty devices can also be used to help relieve the symptoms of a common cold? And guess what? Adding some VapoRub can enhance their effectiveness!

To tap into this hack, first find out whether your humidifier comes with an aromatherapy compartment. If it does, simply pop a scoop of Vicks into the chamber and voila! Now you’ll be able to breathe easily throughout the day and night without lifting a finger. And....relax.

Believe it or not, but the cool menthol action of VapoRub helps soothe itchy skin, too. And according to anecdotes online, the wonder product can even be used to remedy prickles from poison ivy. If applied to the affected area, VapoRub apparently settles irritation and reduces redness after just a few hours.

We know what you’re wondering: what’s in VapoRub that makes it so good at clearing up a reaction to poison ivy? Well, the camphor and menthol that it contains actually work to stimulate the nerves in the skin. The powerful ingredients overload the receptors, causing them to temporarily shut down. And just like that, the itching sensation is numbed. Pretty smart stuff if you ask us!

There are few things more annoying in life than getting a painful splinter that’s seemingly impossible to remove. But there’s good news. You can put down those tweezers and avoid causing damage to your skin. Instead, why not try this VapoRub hack to coax the pesky fragment out from where it’s burrowed?

What’s most impressive about this splinter-removing hack is that it requires very little effort on your part. Simply clean the affected area before rubbing in some VapoRub and covering with a bandaid. Leave the lotion to work its magic, and after a few hours, the foreign body should have worked itself free. You can thank us later.

As we all know, some of life’s bad smells are simply unavoidable. Take a baby’s diaper, for example. Or taking out the trash. While you may not be able to banish unpleasant odors like these completely, you can mask them. Just reach for your trusty tub of Vicks VapoRub, of course!

Yes, this hack is especially perfect for those who have an extra-sensitive sense of smell – or gag reflex, for that matter. Simply smother a helping of VapoRub under your nose until you’re out the way of the foul stench. Problem solved! Plus, if you can’t get enough of Vicks’ fragrance, you could even try making your own air freshener.

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of cooking up a feast when you brush your arm on a hot pan. The searing pain goes right through you, and you run straight for the cold tap. But there’s another step you can take to help soothe the pain for longer. Simply apply a layer of Vicks VapoRub.

Using VapoRub on minor kitchen burns after running them under cold water will help to soothe the sting. It can then be applied twice a day to the affected area, as the ointment’s anti-inflammatory properties will help with the healing process. That said, always seek medical help if you think that your burn is more serious.

You’ve probably never thought to use VapoRub as a facial moisturizer. But the product can apparently work wonders on chapped or dry skin! And it can be particularly effective in the winter months when our complexions need an extra boost. Yes, the wonder product should leave your skin feeling soft and smelling fresh.

There are some skin types that may react badly to a layer of VapoRub, though. If you’re more prone to spots or clogged pores, for instance, doctors advise against applying the ointment. Speaking to Healthline, Dr. Mitchell Manway said the product “isn’t appropriate to be used on the face due to the thick, greasy vehicle that can easily clog pores and promote the cascade of further acne.” So, be sure to tread cautiously before slathering it on your skin.

Perhaps you’re having a bad reaction to a new shampoo, or maybe you’re just getting older. Regardless of the reason, you have a dry scalp, which isn’t just uncomfortable, but also aesthetically displeasing. No one wants flakes of dead skin appearing on their head, after all.

Luckily, you can quench a dry scalp with the help of Vicks VapoRub, as the petroleum and eucalyptus contained within the ointment help make it an effective salve. Shortly before bed, simply work a thin layer of VapoRub over the driest areas of your head, then sleep with it in place.

Did you know that it typically takes about two weeks for a bruise to fade away? We certainly didn’t! But you’ll no doubt remember how your last bruise seemed to go through all the colors of the rainbow as it healed. That’s because blood is slowly being reabsorbed into your body, although the process doesn’t always look pretty.

So, if you don’t want to wait around and watch your bruise turn a gross hue, turn to Vicks VapoRub. The product’s menthol will both cool down the area and help with the pain that came with your initial injury. Neat! The camphor in the VapoRub will tamp down the inflammation, too. And, altogether, these effects speed up the healing process. Can’t say better than that.

Ever wondered how your skin looks so moisturized and plump – even when you’ve been out in the sun all summer long? Well, it’s all because of oil glands. These aren’t contained in your lips, though, and this explains why wintery weather and sun exposure can cause your kisser to get chapped or dry. But don’t spend your hard-earned cash on fancy balms or lotions! Just rummage inside your medicine cabinet and reach for Vicks VapoRub.

A very thin coating of VapoRub can give your lips the hydration they need to plump back up. You can also use the menthol-rich salve to soothe painful or split areas. Regardless of why you’re applying the ointment, though, be sure to use only a tiny amount. Also, avoid eating any of it – even if you think it tastes delish.

It’s not often you suffer from a sizable cut that needs bandages or stitches. But small scrapes, splinters and other scratches? Those happen all of the time. And while you may leave them to close up on their own, you can use Vicks VapoRub to help the process go even more smoothly.

For one thing, VapoRub has antiseptic qualities, meaning it can clean out your wound and keep infections at bay. It should also help speed up the healing process, and anyone who’s had a painful paper cut will know that hastening its disappearance is ideal.

Sadly, our nails tend to get drier and more brittle as we age, and any cracks that appear as a result can allow fungus to intrude. This in turn leads to some unpleasant side effects: nails may become thicker, turn yellowish-brown, change shape or even give off an off-putting scent. But if this has happened to you – regardless of how old you are – reach for a jar of Vicks VapoRub.

After you’ve scooped up some VapoRub, apply it to the affected area. You may notice that your nail goes dark afterward, but that’s actually a good thing. It means the VapoRub – or more specifically, its antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredient thymol – has killed off the fungus. And from then on, you should hopefully have no more problems.

Perhaps you’re a marathon runner who trains intensively; maybe, on the other hand, you sit in a less-than-ergonomic desk chair for eight hours a day. Either way, you come home and your muscles ache. To dull some of the pain, then, you should reach for your trusted jar of Vicks VapoRub.

Applying VapoRub to the affected area will quickly soothe your pain as it promotes circulation, which gets the muscles back to normal. The rub – complete with the active ingredients camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol – has even been proven to relieve moderate cases of myalgia and could potentially work for arthritis. And there’s yet another added benefit: the eucalyptus contained within the product may assist in boosting your immune system!

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 33 percent of Americans claim to get sunburn each year – and if you’re among them, you know just how aggravating the condition can be. Your skin aches, pulsates and can even feel hot to the touch. But while you may be tempted to reach for the aloe for relief, just know that VapoRub does the job, too.

Applying a layer of VapoRub will have the same effect as aloe, in fact, as you’ll be able to feel how it quickly cools the surface of your skin. And if that’s not enough, the ointment can also neutralize the redness. So, slather VapoRub on this time, and be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen in the future.

According to a 2004 survey by Mintel, more than 80 percent of women in America sport lipstick – many on a daily basis. But as any make-up aficionado will know, a long-lasting formula that stays put through drinking and eating can be tough to take off before you head to bed.

Let’s say you’ve wiped off your lipstick, but a hint of the color still lingers. If that’s the case, then slather a thin layer of VapoRub over the unwanted stain and leave it in place for five minutes. After that, you should be able to wipe off your make-up with ease. And as an added bonus, you’ll have moisturized your pout, too.

Slimming creams are designed to help the body burn excess fat – alongside exercise, of course. But did you know that Vicks VapoRub can be used in a similar way to over-the-counter weight-loss lotions? Mind you, there is a little more preparation involved. Simply slathering it onto your skin won’t do you any favors. Trust.

Here’s what you need to do instead. First, combine a tablespoon of crushed camphor tablets with the same amount of baking soda and alcohol. After that, add around half a jar of VapoRub and stir to make a paste. Next time you’re getting ready to workout, rub some on your tummy and cover with plastic wrap. Then when you are done, rehydrate your cells by simply rinsing off the solution with plenty of water. Easy when you know how, eh?

While your skin may have come in contact with the virus responsible for causing warts many months ago, that doesn’t matter. This is because a bump can still form on your skin even after that much time has passed. And once a wart appears, it can take years to vanish on its own without any intervention.

Yet Vicks VapoRub aficionados swear by the stuff as DIY wart relief. And if you want to follow in their lead, simply apply a touch of the ointment to the affected area, then cover it with a bandage. But proceed with caution, as experts have yet to weigh in on this remedy – and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for help, either.

Summer may be the season that beckons us all outdoors, but it’s not a pleasant experience when we have to deal with bugs – especially mosquitoes. If you feel like you’ve tried every insect repellent on the shelves without any relief from bites and stings, however, then dab a bit of VapoRub onto yourself before leaving the house.

VapoRub works wonders as an insect repellent as it contains cedar leaf oil – something that many pests can’t stand. So, put a bit of the product on your legs, arms, neck, ankles and other exposed skin before returning to enjoying life outside in summer and beyond.

Hemorrhoids hurt, and sometimes you may not have the right remedy on hand to soothe such a sensitive spot. Just know, though, that you can always reach for Vicks VapoRub for relief. Take a generous dab of the menthol-laden ointment and layer it over the area to dull the pain and itchiness you feel.

But however effective it may be, VapoRub is only a temporary solution and won’t get rid of the discomfort in the long term. So, if you’ve been persistently annoyed by hemorrhoids, a visit to the doctor’s office may be required for more professional and personalized treatment.

It’s no secret that skincare products can cost a lot of money – with no guarantee that they’ll live up to the hype. And then there’s Vicks VapoRub, which costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a fancy face cream and makes zero promises about its wrinkle-fighting abilities.

Yet VapoRub can make skin brighter and tighter after just a night’s wear – especially on the fine lines that appear on your neck and chest. And while speaking to the Daily Mail in 2009, pharmacist Shabir Daya explained why the ointment works so well. She revealed, “It is the combination of menthol and camphor that have a tightening effect on the skin.”

Stretch marks are part of life and often mark an incredible milestone – carrying a baby, anyone? Still, you may want to soften the look of these jagged lines, and you can do so with a helping of Vicks VapoRub. According to a 2016 article in the Daily Mail, some who’ve slathered the product onto their skin have reported that their marks diminished by 60 to 100 percent after just a week of usage.

But maybe that shouldn’t come as a surprise, as VapoRub has a slew of ingredients that work together to mute stretch marks’ appearance. The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum and turpentine oil softens the skin and makes it seem less dry – a boon if you want to wave goodbye to those tell-tale scars.

As you know, Vicks VapoRub is a great tool in the fight against congestion. You also may be aware that breathing in hot shower steam can help relieve the sensation of stuffiness. So, just imagine how good it’d feel to combine these two remedies – and get to work on a DIY shower bomb to make it happen.

To make this sinus-clearing wonder, you only need three tablespoons of VapoRub, a half-cup of cornstarch and two tablespoons of water. Firstly, put the ointment into a bowl, then add the cornstarch and, finally, the water. After that, form the resulting paste into balls and leave these out overnight to harden. Then pop one of these balls onto the shower floor and let the whole chamber fill with soothing fumes.

Any Vicks VapoRub aficionado can tell you that the stuff helps to soothe coughs and colds. You just have to rub some onto your chest and breathe in deeply, right? Well, that’s true enough, but some pioneering users have come to realize that it’s not just an upper-body-only remedy.

When you next have an irritating cough, then, try applying VapoRub to the bottoms of your feet before sliding into socks. And while that idea may sound a little odd, don’t rule it out completely. According to some people, slathering the ointment on this part of the body still tells your throat to stop tickling. Apparently, your chest will loosen up a bit, too.

We know that Vicks VapoRub can quell some of your acne breakouts and redness. But that’s not the only inflammation your skin can face – as you’ll know if you’ve been diagnosed with eczema or rosacea. Luckily, you can use the over-the-counter remedy to clear up these skin conditions, too.

VapoRub’s eucalyptus and camphor are, of course, both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The salve’s ingredients also improve the skin’s appearance and dull any discomfort you may feel from rosacea or eczema. Though you should apply the VapoRub to only a small section of the skin at first to ensure that it doesn’t react badly. Then, if you’re good to go, feel free to layer the product onto your face and experience the relief.

Four of Vicks VapoRub’s ingredients are said to promote hair growth. Lavender apparently boosts blood flow around the follicles, as does eucalyptus, which also fights a dry scalp. At the same time, menthol rids the scalp of irritants, while camphor boosts circulation – thus helping stronger strands to grow.

As such, some people swear by VapoRub to give their locks a helping hand. Yet while experts do acknowledge that bettering blood flow to the head can, indeed, inspire improved hair growth, VapoRub is apparently pretty unlikely to make a substantial difference.

Your feet can dry out for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps you’ve taken a lot of hot baths, for instance, or spent too much time in a humidity-free environment. You may even have athlete’s foot – a fungal infection that can cause skin to get sore, flaky and, yes, dehydrated.

Fortunately, you can rely on VapoRub to help you. As the ointment’s formula includes petroleum jelly, applying it to the skin should help lock in moisture. VapoRub even includes antimicrobials that can kill off the bacteria responsible for your athlete’s foot.

Do you look to VapoRub to get rid of colds and congestion? Well, you’re definitely not alone! Vicks markets the stuff as a quick remedy for these ailments, in fact. But there’s another long-touted benefit of VapoRub you may not be aware of. Basically, it can help treat headaches and even migraines, which is good news for plenty of folks up and down the U.S.

If you struggle with migraines, then, you’ve probably popped more than a few Advil in your time. You may even have had shots, used nasal sprays or resorted to Botox injections – all just to keep that horrific pain at bay. What you may not have tried, however, is VapoRub. That’s right! The household staple can apparently help banish migraines when they come on. Just take a dollop of Vicks and massage it into your temples. The ointment’s soothing menthol scent and lovely coolness will battle against your head pressure and dull that pain.