Thanks to P&G Everyday for sponsoring this post and bringing back childhood memories.
A funny thing happened when I shared my post about my mom’s obsession with Vick’s VapoRub on Facebook.
Not only did tons of readers share their own memories with me but many of them got all nostalgic and mushy and started waxing poetic about its distinctive smell and telling me some of the more interesting ways they remembered their own moms using Vick’s on them.
One woman said, “When I was growing up Vick’s was a cure all! When we were sick Mom would put it on our chest, back, feet and neck (with one of Daddy’s old socks pinned around our neck). She’d also put it in our ear for ear aches. I have used it on my own kids and have never been without it in my home.”
Another woman said, “I use it on my aching knees = no surgery here! I have the original glass jar from years and years ago! I love Vicks!!!”
Then there was this: “It also works for coughs if you rub it on the arch of your foot and put socks on, and also on toenails when they look wonky (I think it kills the fungus stuff). I use it every night behind my ears and sometimes put a small dab on a cotton ball in my ears when they ache.”
I know Vicks® VapoRub™ Topical Cough Suppressant is the #1-selling branded children’s cough cold product* appropriate for ages two and up (although it works just as well for adults) but it’s apparently so much more!
Based on everything I’ve read, I decided to try it on some of my own aches and pains – like my always-hurting toes.
I can’t really explain why but they definitely felt a little better – and any bit of better is welcome.
So, yes, I have become as obsessed with Vick’s as my mom.
I’m keeping my eye on P&G Everyday’s “Empty Nest, Full Life” for coupons so I can stock up on it. This fantastic resource has become my go-to for exclusive P&G coupons, recipes and tips for both home and health. It’s free, and I suggest you go sign up now.
I also suggest you go out and buy at least one jar of Vick’s. As one of my Facebook friends said, “Vick’s is right up there with Duct Tape and WD40!”
Yes, it’s a classic.
Hi Lois! My husband and I are big fans of Vicks to use on our feet. We were told that something in it counteracts infection (at least on the feet) and when ever I have a hangnail on my toes that is what I do have cleaning it up. It ALWAYS helps. Weird I know. And my husband has an ongoing toenail thing and he also uses it. Not sure about everything else it can do but on the feet it is amazing! ~Kathy
That’s so good to know since I walk a lot and after a while, my feet start to ache even with new shoes. I’ll have to try it.
I hope it helps you like it’s helped me.
It really does make me feel so much better! I know it’ll help my family sleep better when they’re congested. Having products I can trust that have been around year after year makes me feel like I can tackle all the viruses and bugs life throws at us.
Those are some very interesting uses for Vicks! I didn’t really think to use it for anything other than what it was intended for.
It’s amazing how many things Vicks is good for. I only remember my mom using it when we had a bad cold but I have heard so many good things about the other uses people use it for.
I’m Hispanic and my Abuela and Tias used this on us kids for every ailment under the Sun growing up… LOL… sore throat…Vick’s! Fever… Vick’s! Sore muscles… Vick’s ! 🙂
Wow..what a great product. I love this. I totally want to try it out too.
This is one of the best products out there. It makes me feel like I am actually helping my kids feel better.
It is also amazing for dry skin, cracked lips (it also plumps them) and it takes the itch out of a bug bite! I use it for everything..
We have always been a Vick’s family! Although sometimes it was Mentholatum, which I think is off the market now.
My great aunt would always EAT a small bit nightly! She lived well into her 90’s!i am pretty sure this is not a recommended use, however…
OMG! I am crying laughing! Do NOT try this at home, readers!!
We love the versatility of Vicks! It is seriously a life saver with little kids.
We can’t live without Vicks during the cold season. Vick’s VapoRub is something we always have in hand and I really like how it does an amazing job with most of the cold symptoms.
I’m a big fan of Vicks – we couldn’t live without it in winter! I’ve always got a tub in the medicine cabinet!