An age-old remedy for the common cold, menthol ointments such as Vicks Vaporub has been a medicine cabinet staple for decades. But beyond rubbing it onto the chest, back and throat, it turns out that there are a whole lot more uses for the minty topical ointment.
Keep mozzies at bay
Nobody likes mosquitos, but it’s not always appealing to slather yourself in DEET. For a natural solution that isn’t loaded with chemicals, try rubbing a little menthol rub on your skin and clothes. The scent will keep mozzies at bay, and if you do happen to get bitten you can use menthol ointment to soothe your sting.
Stifle bad smells
Apparently, Menthol rub is used in ambulances to stifle bad smells, and by forensic crime scene detectives when they’re first on the scene. Whether you’re changing your grandchildren’s nappies or spreading blood and bone on your garden, just dab a bit of menthol ointment under your nose and you’ll be able to breathe easy.
Cure headaches
Want instant relief from a headache but aren’t keen on the idea of painkillers? Whip out the menthol rub and dot a little onto your temples, forehead and wrists. The menthol scent will release pressure, and help clear your head in minutes.
Rise and shine
Find it difficult to drag yourself out of bed in the morning? Keep a tub of menthol rub by your bed and gently inhale the scent when your eyes flutter open in the morning. The minty aroma will invigorate your senses, and switch you to ‘wake up’ mode.
Banish ticks
If you don’t like the idea of burning ticks of the skin, keep a tub of menthol rub handy and use it to banish the little bloodsuckers. Turns out they hate the smell and just drop right off. From kids to pets, it’s a camping essential!
Farewell to nail fungus
Needless to say, fungus on your finger and toenails can be seriously unpleasant. But apparently, rubbing menthol rub on your problems spots will kill bacteria and get rid of fungus in a matter of weeks. Don’t worry if your nails turn black, that’s a sign that it’s working!
Protect furniture from felines
They may be cute, but cats can wreak havoc on your furniture. But like mosquitos and ticks, they hate the smell of Menthol rub. Protect your favourite furniture by dotting a bit of menthol rub on the areas your kitty loves to claw.
Heal bruises
From gardening and sports to slips, trips and falls, bruises aren’t pretty. Rather than wait for them to heal themselves, why not try mixing menthol rub with a sprinkling of salt and smoothing it over your bruise? Supposedly it reduces inflammation and swelling, increases blood flow to the tissue and speeds up the overall healing process.
Soothe burns
Burnt your fingers taking a tray of muffins out the oven? Head straight to the bathroom and slather your burn in a thin layer of menthol rub. It’ll soothe the pain, and help fast-track the healing process.
Did we miss your favourite way to use Menthol rub? Give us a shout, we’d love to hear about it!
DIY Menthol Rub
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil
- 2 level tablespoons of beeswax pastilles
- 20 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 20 drops peppermint oil
- 10 drops rosemary oil
- 10 drops cinnamon or clove oil
Note: Not suitable for young children or babies
Method:
- Melt beeswax with oil of choice in a double boiler until just melted.
- Add the essential oils (use half the amount for a baby version or dilute with coconut oil before using)
- Stir until well mixed and pour into some type of container with a lid to store. Small tins work well, as do little jars. I also always make a few in lip chap sticks to keep in my purse or to use on baby feet.
- Use as needed to help reduce coughing and congestion.
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