How to Put Vapor Rub on Feet

Although its effectiveness is debated, there are people who say applying Vicks VapoRub to your feet can stop nighttime coughing. People also use it to treat severely cracked skin and to ease muscle pain. Your body heat evaporates the ointment, which releases the vapors of its active ingredients: eucalyptus oil, menthol and camphor. The remedy is inexpensive, and parents who are reluctant to give their children store-bought medicine may prefer the topical application to soothe coughing.

Things You'll Need

• Jar of Vicks VapoRub
• Two pairs of old socks

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Instructions

For Coughing

• 1

  Before you go to bed, spread a solid layer of Vicks VapoRub over the bottoms of your feet, from the base of the toes to the end of your heels.

• 2

  Put on two pairs of old socks to keep from getting it on your bedsheets.

• 3

  Reapply the ointment each night until the coughing stops or until your skin heals.

Ease Muscle Pain

• 4

  Spread a solid layer of Vicks VapoRub over the bottoms of your feet, from the base of the toes to the end of your heels.

• 5

  Put on two pairs of old socks to keep from getting it on your floors or slippers.

• 6

  Sit with your feet propped up for a few hours to let the ointment evaporate and to rest your feet. You can also go to bed and let the salve work overnight.