8 alternative uses for Vicks VapoRub

Apply Vicks to the heels and balls of your feet, then massage it into the damaged areas. Do this in the evening, then sleep with socks on. The next morning, rinse the product off with warm water and exfoliate with a pumice stone, Livestrong suggests.

6. Repel bugs
AnswersVideo suggests applying light amounts of Vicks to clothing and skin to scare bugs away. If you get bitten anyway, try rubbing some ointment on that spot for itch relief.

7. Keep animals at bay
Cats will stay away from furniture dabbed with Vicks, helping you keep your couch, doors and curtains scratch-free.

8. Heal bruises and minor cuts
Apply a thin layer of Vicks and salt to bruises. The combination will help your blood circulate faster and dissolve the bruise mark in shorter amounts of time, according to Livestrong. AnswersVideo also suggests rubbing the ointment around small cuts to improve healing. However, eHow warns against applying the product to open wounds and damaged skin, so be careful with this one.

Watch the full list of uses below, and share this story if you've learned something about VapoRub today!