Vicks VapoRub has long been a go-to remedy in American households, especially when it comes to easing symptoms associated with colds and congestion. While it’s typically rubbed onto the chest, throat, or back to help clear airways and reduce coughing, some folks have explored more unconventional methods of using this mentholated ointment. One curious method that’s gained attention involves placing a cotton ball dabbed with VapoRub near the ear.

Though not widely supported by the medical community, many individuals swear by this approach for temporary relief from minor ear discomfort and sinus congestion. The concept is rooted in the active ingredients that give VapoRub its signature scent and cooling sensation—camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. Camphor serves as a topical analgesic, offering a warming or cooling sensation that may help distract the brain from pain signals.

Menthol, a natural extract from peppermint oil, not only contributes to this sensation but is also known to promote clearer breathing by opening nasal passages. Eucalyptus oil, with its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, has been used for centuries in herbal remedies to alleviate respiratory issues. Combined, these ingredients can produce soothing effects when applied near sensitive areas like the ear, potentially offering comfort during periods of congestion or mild earaches. For those curious about trying this home remedy, the process is simple but should be done with care. Start by thoroughly washing your hands to avoid introducing any bacteria. Take a small amount of VapoRub and apply it to a cotton ball—just enough to coat the surface without soaking it. Gently place the cotton ball at the entrance of your ear canal, being careful not to insert it deeply.

The goal is not for the ointment to reach inside the ear but to allow the vapors to naturally rise and provide relief. Leave the cotton ball in place for about 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the mentholated vapors to take effect, and then remove and discard it. Wash your hands again afterward. When used this way, the vapors can create a pleasant warming or cooling sensation near the ear. Many people who try this method report reduced pressure or discomfort, particularly when experiencing sinus congestion or the kind of pressure-related earaches that often accompany a cold.

It’s important to emphasize that these benefits are mostly anecdotal, based on individual experiences rather than clinical research, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive for minor, short-term relief. While there’s limited scientific research on using VapoRub specifically for ear-related symptoms, the known benefits of its ingredients are well established. Menthol and eucalyptus oil are frequently included in over-the-counter products for their decongestant effects, while camphor has a long-standing reputation as a soothing analgesic. Still, researchers haven’t conducted in-depth studies to confirm the safety or efficacy of placing VapoRub near the ears in this manner, which means this should be treated as a complementary or experimental approach, not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Many users appreciate not only the soothing sensation but also the calming aroma. The smell alone can provide a comforting sense of wellness, especially when feeling under the weather. Some people even say the relaxing scent helps them fall asleep more easily when they’re stuffed up or dealing with sinus pressure. However, as with any remedy—especially those involving sensitive areas like the ears—it’s important to proceed with caution. Never push the cotton ball into the ear canal, as doing so can lead to injury or impact the eardrum. This method is not recommended for children, those with ear infections, or anyone with known sensitivities or allergies to the product’s ingredients. If you experience irritation, pain, or if symptoms worsen, stop immediately and seek medical advice. VapoRub’s uses don’t stop at ear-related remedies. People also use it for muscle pain relief, cough suppression by applying it to the feet, and even tension headache relief by dabbing it on their temples. These uses are mostly based on word of mouth and passed-down wisdom rather than hard science, but for many, they’ve become trusted parts of their at-home care routines. In summary, placing a cotton ball with VapoRub near the ear is one of those surprising home tricks that, while not medically proven, seems to bring comfort to many dealing with minor ear discomfort or congestion. The combination of warming vapors and soothing aromatics may help provide temporary relief, as long as it’s used carefully and sensibly. As with all home remedies, it’s best to listen to your body, use common sense, and consult a healthcare provider if you’re ever in doubt or dealing with persistent symptoms.