Vicks VapoRub is not just for colds. It has a variety of uses around your house and for your health. But did you know it can help you lose water weight?
Rumor has it a homemade slimming wrap that uses mentholated ointment, such as Vicks VapoRub, can have temporary slimming effects. Here is a look at the different elements of this method and how each one of them works.
The Wrap
According to WebMD, wrap therapy has been around for decades, but it gained popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Originally referred to as “herbal wraps” for relaxation and skin-softening treatments, these wraps have recently been touted as weight-loss solutions by many sellers.
Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi suggests that wraps can cause sweating in the treated area, resulting in the loss of water weight. Although this means the weight-loss effect is temporary, it could be helpful for shedding a pound or two right before special events or photo opportunities.
Because of their rising popularity, the costs of therapeutic wraps are increasing. This can deter people from seeking out pricey professional wrap therapy. However, the use of a homemade wrap is an easy, affordable option. You can just use plastic wrap, easily found for cheap at your local grocery or drugstore.
Homemade Slimming Cream
While most wraps use herbs, clays, and oils to soothe your skin and promote tightness, a surprising ingredient that may give you extra bang for your buck is Vicks Vapo-Rub.
One of the active ingredients in ointments like Vicks is Menthol. Menthol activates skin sensors that respond to cold. When nerve endings sense that the outside temperature is dropping, your body works overtime to keep your core temperature within a healthy range. Scientists are studying the effects of cold temperatures on weight loss, and their studies suggest that cooling things down really does burn fat.
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.
There is already a small amount of camphor in the ointment, but more is needed when using menthol in large doses. The skin responds to camphor as gentle warmth, balancing out the cool of the menthol. Baking soda and rubbing alcohol can help to dilute the mixture further.
For a DIY temporary weight loss solution that leaves you feeling soft, refreshed, and maybe even a bit lighter, blend the heating power of a wrap with the cooling power of menthol.
Mix your homemade slimming cream, apply liberally to the area you would like to treat and wrap it all up in several layers of plastic wrap. If you want to follow the techniques of professional wrap therapists, leave the wrap on for about 30 minutes before unwrapping, rinsing, and moisturizing.
Hopefully, like a butterfly unfurling from its cocoon, your newly tightened skin will look as beautiful as it feels!
Remember, water weight loss is only temporary. To achieve permanent weight loss, it is important to keep a healthy, balanced diet and a daily workout regimen.
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Sources: [Shareably, WebMD, WebMD, Scientific American, Wired Magazine]
