A popular method of treating many ailments are turpentine baths, which are obtained from the trunks and tar of conifers. It is a white to yellow liquid with a pungent odor. Turpentine baths are good for your health. The article refers to the valuable properties and contraindications of these procedures.
What it is?
Turpentine is a substance represented as a mixture of essential oils, which are obtained from different parts of conifers. According to the method of receipt, it is divided into:
- woody;
- gum;
- sulfate;
- extraction.
The first 3 types are technical. Woody is obtained from various parts of the tree - bark, branches, wood. Extraction is created by extraction of raw materials with gasoline. Sulphate is a by-product in the pulp and paper industry. It is created by heating wood pulp to elevated temperatures using sodium sulfate and many additional components. Technical turpentine is obtained during the initial treatment or made purified. Any kind cannot be treated.
Which is more effective?
In medicine, only gum turpentine is used. It is created on the basis of hardened tree sap - resin. Since it is secreted only in damaged areas, like a crust of dried blood on a person’s wound, its main purpose is healing. It clogs the area of damage, and protects against the penetration of pests and bacteria.
The resin used to be called resin. So there was an unusual name for therapeutic turpentine. Essential oils are created from gum by distillation using steam, which are present in the composition of the substance. In official medicine, turpentine is known as terpene oil, because from a chemical point of view it has terpenes and terpentines.
Benefit
Turpentine baths can cure many ailments. Terpentine is used in folk and official medicine. Even certified doctors recognize the therapeutic effect of the drug. Gum turpentine is present in pharmaceutical ointments, gels, balms. According to reviews of doctors, these funds are effective and affordable.
The benefits of turpentine baths are associated with the following properties of this substance:
- Terpentin accelerates skin regeneration and wound healing.
- A disinfecting effect is performed. Natural antiseptic and bactericide helps with violations of the integrity of the skin. This effect is useful for acne and acne.
- The product has a warming effect, therefore, blood circulation improves due to vasodilation.
- Composition with salicylic acid has an exfoliating effect. Therefore, during the procedure, there may be a slight or severe burning sensation, the degree of which is determined by the sensitivity of the skin.
- It has an antiseptic effect. This property is useful for people who have furunculosis.
- Turpentine baths perfectly relieve stress, as well as ordinary ones. Candles and music with therapy are poorly combined. But the sedative effect is more about internal healing of the body than general relaxation due to relaxation.
Appointment
According to reviews, turpentine baths, although useful, but it is better to consult a specialist before the procedures. They are not a panacea. This is a physiotherapeutic procedure that is part of a comprehensive treatment. They are used in the following cases:
- For weight loss. A turpentine bath is beneficial due to the normalization of metabolism. This property is related to the terpentine property. A turpentine bath for weight loss can speed up the burning of fat reserves. Still procedures are effective for rejuvenation. According to reviews, turpentine baths for weight loss have a quick effect. But still, before the procedure, it is better to consult with a specialist.
- For the joints. Turpentine baths treat arthrosis and arthritis. The course of therapy is 40 procedures and is carried out in 2 stages. After 20 procedures, a break of 1-2 weeks is required.
- For legs. Turpentine baths treat a heel spur. In this case, 2 turpentine baths are needed: with cold and hot water, in which turpentine is dissolved. Legs in turn lowered for 5 minutes.
- With osteochondrosis. Procedures activate internal processes that destroy salt accumulation. After treatment, the pain recedes. It is advisable to use the yellow composition of Zalmanov.
- From cellulite, to give the skin elasticity and a healthy color. The mechanism of action is based on the improvement of capillary circulation. Procedures clean clogged vessels, remove toxins.

In addition to these ailments, baths are effective for diseases of the stomach, intestines, pleurisy, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis. They are prescribed for the treatment of mastitis, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, varicose veins.
Types of procedures
Self-medication with turpentine baths can be harmful. Only a doctor can prescribe this therapy. He will explain what are the indications and contraindications for this treatment. The types of manipulations depend on the type of turpentine used:
- White turpentine. This emulsion is completely soluble in water. The procedures restore the capillaries, the walls of the vessels will be elastic. Normalization of pressure occurs, blood begins to flow to all parts of the body.
- Yellow turpentine. In addition to the main component, castor oil and oleic acid are included in this emulsion. After regular procedures, the aging process slows down, the metabolism normalizes, and the pressure decreases.
- Mixed baths. To obtain them, white and yellow emulsions are used. Another option is a white and yellow emulsion for preparing a Zalmanov bath. They are used for diseases of the cardiovascular system. Mixed baths help with diseases of the kidneys, respiratory system, skin ailments, neurological disorders.
Harm
Like all other medicines, if used improperly without medical advice, turpentine baths can harm. They can not be used when:
- arrhythmias and tachycardia;
- tuberculosis
- hypertension
- scabies or other dermatological ailments during an exacerbation;
- malignant formations;
- chronic ailments during exacerbation;
- individual intolerance to yellow or white compounds.
During pregnancy, you also can’t take such baths, so the procedure is postponed to the postpartum period. Children under 4 years old are also prohibited from using this type of treatment.
Turpentine baths are contraindicated for use without consulting a specialist. This procedure leads to some discomfort - burning, redness of the skin, which can be confused with allergies or side effects. If after the procedure you feel worse, you feel dizzy, feel sick, have a heartbeat, make tinnitus, then you need to complete it and consult a doctor.
Zalmanov Method
There are therapeutic baths with turpentine according to Zalmanov. This doctor proved the effectiveness of procedures that trigger self-regulation processes with self-cleaning, the development of their own hormones, enzymes, biological active substances, thanks to which the body copes with internal problems.
The basis of the technique is gum turpentine, with the help of which emulsions are created. They are used for prevention and treatment. Procedures are effective for:
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- respiratory problems;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- varicose veins, hemorrhoids;
- sweat gland inflammation;
- diseases of the central nervous system;
- joint ailments;
- diseases of the urinary system;
- skin problems;
- inflammation of the female reproductive system.
Also, baths help treat laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis. Also, the doctor can prescribe them for otitis media and neuritis of the auditory nerve.
1-2 weeks before the procedure, you need to go on a diet, removing fatty, spicy, salty, smoked, fried foods, reducing meat consumption. Vegetables and fruits should be added to the diet. It is advisable to drink plenty of clean water and control the intestines. Do not drink alcohol. After this cleaning, you can perform recovery.
Rules of Procedure
How to take a bath with turpentine? Procedures should not be performed immediately after eating. If you just had a meal, then the bathroom is put off for 2 hours. Turpentine baths are easily performed at home. The tank is filled with hot water to ½ part. It is important that the temperature of the liquid is no more than 37-39 degrees for a pearl emulsion, and about 40 for amber.
Turpentine is added at this stage in the amount of 15-20 g of substance per 1 liter of water. It must be stirred in advance with a small amount of liquid in a separate container, and then drained into the bath. If the procedure is performed without consulting a specialist, then it is advisable to use a gentle dosage of turpentine: 20 g of substance per bath.
When a person immerses in water, its temperature should be 37 degrees. After dipping, the temperature of the solution is raised to the required level and maintained at this level until the completion of the procedure. The duration of treatment should not be more than 20 minutes. According to reviews, some increase the time to 30 minutes if the procedure is used for cosmetic purposes and for weight loss.
Nuances
Experts believe that the extension is possible in the absence of contraindications. Starting a course is better with 5 minutes. Each time increase the time by 2-3 minutes until reaching a maximum. The procedure should be completed if there is perspiration on the face. After bathing, water can not be reused. Dry the body with a towel.
These are all the nuances of how to take baths with turpentine. The procedures must be performed according to 3 schemes:
- every 2nd day;
- everyday;
- 2 days in 1.
The course of therapy is better to interrupt for 1-2 weeks. A break should come after 20 procedures. The average course consists of 40-50 baths.
Dry baths
In addition to the usual traditional water procedures, there are dry turpentine baths. They don’t need water. During therapy, problem areas are rubbed with a special drug with resin. You can buy the substance in a pharmacy. Attached is an instruction.
Dry procedures can be performed in between baths Zalmanova. They are great in the absence of hot water. With them it turns out not to interrupt the treatment course during a long trip, during a stay in the country. Dry turpentine baths have a light texture and instant absorption. There will be no marks on the clothes. For this purpose, such means as Skipar and Skipofit are suitable.
Improving the effect of procedures
Turpentine baths allow you to treat many ailments. They are also suitable for face and body. But for some diseases, experts recommend adhering to special recipes. These include the following recommendations:
- With varicose veins, not only regular baths, but also dry baths are suitable to prepare a therapeutic composition. It will require resin and apple cider vinegar (1 tsp each), which are mixed with the yolk. Problem areas are rubbed every day for 3-4 months. Before procedures it is necessary to consult with the doctor. In the later stages of the disease, foot baths are contraindicated.
- With uterine fibroids, sedentary turpentine baths are needed. But they are used only in the initial stages. If the formation is large, the procedure is not performed. Water temperature should be 36 degrees. It is advisable to alternate white and yellow baths. The course of treatment lasts 10-15 days.
- Cold baths are effective . Strengthen the action will allow the addition of chamomile and other herbs to the water. It is advisable to choose a yellow emulsion that raises the temperature and removes harmful substances. Take a bath every day for 3-6 days.

Turpentine baths are often performed not for medical purposes, but for cosmetic purposes. For example, face sessions are in demand. The solution is used to wash or rub the skin. If the procedures are performed every day, the blood flow will improve, oxygen will be well absorbed. As a result, wrinkles are smoothed out, skin turgor is restored, and the aging process slows down.
Conclusion
Turpentine baths are preferably taken in specialized institutions, since the procedure requires maintaining the optimal temperature (39 degrees). If there is a special thermometer, it will turn out on its own to maintain the required temperature. Since the yellow emulsion leads to a strong burning sensation, it is advisable to treat sensitive areas with a nourishing cream for sensitive skin.