One common household item can act as a bug repellent, pain reliever, and more. Do you know what it is?

It’s Vick’s VapoRub, and most of us have a jar in our house. Typically, this topical cream is used to treat congestion caused by the common cold. Of course, this is a go-to use, but keep reading–you’ll want to buy it in bulk.

Vick’s VapoRub has far more uses than meets the eye. Made of eucalyptus oil, menthol, camphor, and other calming agents, Vick’s VapoRub can treat a variety of problems.

Below are 40 different ways Vick’s can be applied to everyday life.

1. Neosporin replacement

If you run out of Neosporin, use VapoRub as a replacement. Spread a thin layer around the wounded area (splinters, cuts, etc.) to help accelerate the healing process. It also helps protect against germs and bacteria. It may sting for just a moment but that should fade quickly.

2. Train your pets

If you have a problem with your pet marking its territory around the house, just grab an open container of Vicks VapoRub and place it in an area that your pet often tries to mark.

The strong scent will help to deter them from the area and help them learn not to use the bathroom inside! This is a great gentle teaching alternative compared to other house-training methods. Plus, your house will have that lovely camphor smell!

3. Treat acne

You can put some VapoRub on your pimples, acne, or other blemishes and leave it on overnight. When you wash it off in the morning your blemish should be gone.

Try this remedy when you’ve found that other skin treatments aren’t working for you. You’ll be surprised how great your skin looks and feels.

4. Use as an acting tool

Need to bring out the waterworks? Rub a little VapoRub underneath your eye to help you shed some tears. This is great if you have acting as a hobby or profession. Or, just impress your friends with your on-command crying skills.

5. Treat psoriasis and eczema

With the summer sun shining, don’t hide your skin away. Using VapoRub on your eczema will reduce your inflammation and itchiness from the condition. Not only will your skin look amazingly better, but it will feel nice and cool as well.

6. Relieve earaches

Use Vicks VapoRub to stop painful earaches. All you need to do is put a small amount of VapoRub on a cotton ball and put it in your ear for several hours, several times a day. Do this until the pain fades away. It will not only reduce the pain but also prevent a potential infection.

7. Relieve headaches

If you ever have headaches or migraines often, Vicks can be a great way to help provide some relief to the pain. The menthol in Vicks VapoRub helps to cool off your temples and relieve pressure if you rub some onto it. Be sure to keep it around, but if your migraines are occurring frequently, it would be a good idea to see a doctor.

8. Fight against stretch marks

Stretch marks are one of the worst symptoms of aging. And for those experiencing pregnancy, finding ways to keep your skin looking young is crucial. It turns out though, that Vicks VapoRub is a great way to fight against stretch marks from developing.

Some of the primary ingredients in Vicks, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, camphor, and turpentine oil, all combine to help stretched skin both feel softer and increase moisture. This will help to keep stretch marks from standing out.

9. Soothe sunburns

Now that summer is here, sunburn is here with it. The cool feeling you get by rubbing on Vicks is perfect for some nice relief from that annoying stinging sensation. Just rub some of it on the affected area and you’ll be feeling better in no time! Not only does it help the redness go away, but it will make your skin feel extra cool.

10. Relieve sore muscles

The menthol in Vicks can help to not only offer a refreshing cool to your skin, but it can also help to improve your blood circulation. After physical activity, just grab some Vicks and rub it onto any areas that are experiencing soreness. This should provide relief and comfort to any painful areas. Be sure to keep an extra jar of Vick’s in your gym bag from now on.

11. Fight toenail fungus

Thymol is one of the main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub and is great for blocking the growth of fungus because of its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. All you have to do is rub some of it on the bed of your nail and toenail to get rid of the fungus. Repeat this process until the fungus has gone away.

12. Bug repellent

Apply a thin layer of VapoRub to exposed skin, and it will repel annoying insects like mosquitoes. This is perfect for camping or when traveling through humid areas. The strong scent will deter bugs from coming your way and the ingredients will make your skin feel nice and cool during warm summer nights.

13. Relieve bruises

If you have skin that bruises easily, Vicks can be your best friend when it comes to healing them. Just mix a pinch of salt into some a dab of Vicks and rub it onto any areas of skin that are bruised. It will help to dissolve the bruise and your skin will return to normal in no time! Just repeat the process until you no longer see the bruise.

14. Soothe chapped lips

If your lips get dry often, apply some Vicks VapoRub to them. This is a great home remedy to moisturize and soften them up. It might not have the best taste in the world, but it’s really effective for when the chapping is unbearable.

15. Repair cracked heels

Do you wish you had soft heels but are stuck with skin that dries and cracks? Just grab some Vicks and apply it to your heels and feet. Wear cotton socks on top and be sure to wash your feet with warm water.

Use the Vicks nightly and you can also rub a pumice stone onto your heels to help exfoliate and further soften your skin. You’ll have those baby soft heels that you dream of in no time.

16. Remove your eye makeup

If you’re all out of makeup remover you can use VapoRub in a pinch. Use a cotton ball to wipe the tops of your eyelids and around your eye. Make sure you avoid wiping it directly on your eye or eyelashes because it could sting. If you get it in your eyes, rinse with water or some saline solution.

17. Burn fat

Want to get rid of fat and cellulite? Apply some VapoRub mixed with camphor, baking soda, and a little bit of alcohol. Rub this mixture on the area you want to slim down and cover it with plastic wrap. You can find more details on this method here.

18. Heal cuts and splinters

No one is a fan of splinters or minor cuts. Speed up the healing process by applying some VapoRub on your cuts or splinters. Let the soothing VapoRub relieve the sting and heal your skin much faster than it would on its own. Again, it may sting for a bit but it will fade quickly.

19. Keep your horse focused

If you ride horses, listen up. You can keep a horse from getting distracted by the scent of female horses by applying some VapoRub under his nose. No need to let mating season stop you from going on a ride. This has been a secret of the equestrian trade for many years.

20. Relieve itchiness

Itchiness is one of the most irritating skin conditions to deal with. Apply some VapoRub on bug bites or dry skin to prevent itchiness. Sitting through a meeting or class without having to scratch will feel like heaven. No more flaky, embarrassing skin to deal with.

21. Apply as a skin moisturizer

VapoRub works a fantastic skin moisturizer, especially on chapped skin. Just like with chapped lips, VapRub will restore the moisture to dry, cracked skin. Plus, that cooling sensation feels oh-so-good! New skin, new you.

22. Prevent skin infections

Burns and other skin wounds can become infected if you don’t take proper precautions. Apply some VapoRub to the area to prevent infection. But if the condition worsens, be sure to see your doctor. If you’ve been battling with the infection for a while, check with your doctor before using.

23. Remove stubborn lipstick

If you’ve ever applied matte, red or other bold colored lipstick before you’ll know how hard it is to take off. But not with some VapoRub. Apply a thin layer of VapoRub on your stained lip and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it off completely. Your lips are instantly returned to their natural pink and bare state. So be bold with those colors!

24. Save your furniture from your cat’s claws

Have you ever come home to find that your cat has completely macerated the end of your couch? You can stop your cat from scratching up items in your home by applying a little bit of VapoRub on it. Your cat will want to avoid the smell at all costs. No more buying furniture covers for your sofas or chairs!

25. Relieve tennis elbow

Even if you’re not a superstar tennis player, you can get tennis elbow. Relieve the pain with some Vicks! Massage your elbow with VapoRub until the camphor and menthol in it soothes the pain. Let your arm rest until you’re ready to swing again.

26. Get rid of warts

Have a nasty wart that suddenly appeared? No problem. Apply VapoRub to your warts and cover with some gauze. Repeat this process two times a day for two weeks or until the wart disappears. No need to go to the doctor to painfully freeze it off.

27. Homemade slimming cream for your stomach

If you want to increase the weight-loss potential of a home therapy wrap, just create a homemade slimming cream using Vicks Vapo-Rub, camphor, baking soda, and a little rubbing alcohol. Although you could technically slather on some Vicks by itself, too much menthol can irritate or burn the skin, so it is a better idea to add camphor powder.

28. Apply to feet to relieve night coughs

Have a cold and can’t sleep at night? It might sound strange but applying Vicks on your feet before bed provides nighttime cough relief. Rub a generous amount of VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks for a good night’s sleep. No more coughing, just like that!

29. As a bedtime humidifier

Special types of humidifiers and vaporizers can allow a secret edition of Vick’s VapoRub. Make sure to check that your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.

30. Silence a squeaky door

Speaking of headaches, squeaky doors can lead to them if they’re not oiled up. If you have a door that squeaks when it opens or closes, try using Vick’s VapoRub. It acts as a good emergency replacement for oil when you’re in a pinch.

31. Relieve a congested chest

Probably the most classic uses of Vick’s VapoRub. When applied to the upper chest, it provides fantastic relief of cough and congestion symptoms. Make sure to stock up on Vick’s for winter season or whenever you’re feeling a little under the weather.

32. Hide bad smells

Everyday life can build up into some bad smells. Whether it’s from a baby’s diaper or taking out the trash, relieve the bad smell by making your own Vick’s air freshener or applying some under your nose. Your sinuses will thank you until you have time to nip the real problem in the bud.

33. Shower bomb

You might have heard of bath bombs, but shower bombs are another way to get relaxation during a quick rinse. Some products called “shower disks” contain Vick’s VapoRub. After placing the disk in the shower, the vapor will dissolve into the air. That vapor paired with the steam from the shower will instantly clear up any clogged sinuses.

34. Heal athlete’s foot

Suffer from athlete’s foot? No problem. Put a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your foot two times a day to combat athlete’s foot. Continue this process daily until the symptoms subside. Now you can get back on the court or field with ease.

35. Treat hemorrhoids

Hopefully you won’t have to use Vick’s VapoRub for this reason. But fun fact, for small, itchy hemorrhoids, apply Vick’s on there and let the menthol drown out the itch. But make sure to know if you can tolerate the burn first by testing Vick’s on another part of your body, like the palm of your hand.

36. Treat ringworm

Dr. Peter H. Gott’s staff and Jared Zeiman, M.D write: “Vicks, as well as store and other generic forms of mentholated chest rubs, has been used successfully by many of my readers for a variety of conditions, including nail fungus, plaque psoriasis, seborrheic keratoses, ringworm, neuropathy pain and more.” If you do have a case of ringworm, apply Vicks two to three times a day. If it persists, you’ll want to schedule a doctor’s visit.

37. Treat a dry scalp

Treat the affected area by taking a thin layer of Vick’s and rubbing it onto the dry parts of your scalp. Try doing this home remedy right before you go to bed or after you take a shower. The oil from the eucalyptus and the petroleum work together as a salve for your scalp. No more itching and no more embarrassing flakes. You can wear black without worry!

38. Clear up rosacea

A small amount of Vick’s with help the look and discomfort of rosacea. It also helps promotes clear skin. Whether it’s acne, rosacea, or both, Vick’s can work as a treatment for many skin conditions. Seriously though–is there anything that Vick’s can’t do?!

39. Promote hair growth

Take a small amount of Vick’s and apply it to your scalp. The benefits? 1: Stimulates blood flow to the scalp. 2: Kills scalp bacteria. 3: Tingling sensation means “it’s working.” Repeat these steps a few times a week and be amazed at the results.

40. Heal cooking burns

If you’re channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen and accidentally burn yourself, fear not. After running the burn after some cold water, apply Vick’s to the injury. The remedy should soothe the sting of the burn. Once again, Vicks to the rescue for skin ailments!

Can you believe one household item can have so many uses? Don’t forget to apply Vick’s VapoRub in accurate doses to get the best results. More is not always better. I hope these tips help you with any ailments you may have!