Recently, natural oils have become increasingly popular. Many of them have healing qualities and are used to treat certain pathologies. One of the most useful is turpentine oil. Its use in neuralgia and diseases of the musculoskeletal system shows good results. For many, this remedy is better known as "turpentine." This pine gum processing product has long been used in folk medicine. Knowing what properties this oil has, it is possible to treat many diseases with its help.
general characteristics
Terpentine oil is a herbal remedy. It is obtained by distillation and purification of pine resin. In another way it is called turpentine oil. It is a clear, slightly yellowish, oily liquid. It has a sharp specific smell and a burning pungent taste. Sold turpentine oil in dark glass bottles of 100 ml. You can buy it at a pharmacy at a price of 300-350 rubles.
The main active ingredient of this oil is terpene. It easily penetrates the surface layer of the epidermis, providing a healing effect on the body. For therapeutic purposes, use turpentine oil in its pure form or as an ointment. It can be done by mixing it with a greasy base, or you can buy ready-made turpentine ointment.
Beneficial features
The widespread use of refined turpentine oil in folk medicine is explained by its healing properties. It has an antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Penetrating through the skin, its main component irritates nerve endings. This action helps to reduce pain in the muscles and joints.
Under the influence of oil, biologically active substances begin to be produced. They cause vasodilation and activate blood circulation, which causes redness of the skin and slight swelling. The oil also stimulates the production of endorphins and enkephalins, which provide an analgesic effect.
In addition, it has a hemostatic effect and accelerates the healing of superficial wounds. With internal use, turpentine oil has an antibacterial and antiparasitic effect, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating its motility. If you inhale it, it activates the bronchi, providing an expectorant effect.
Indications
The use of turpentine oil or turpentine is widespread not only in traditional medicine. It is sometimes recommended by doctors, but only for external use. It is prescribed to rub into the skin, use for baths or inhalations. Studies have proven that the use of turpentine oil is effective in various pathologies. With its help you can treat:
- neuralgia;
- inflammatory joint diseases;
- myalgia or myositis;
- sciatica, lumbago, sciatica;
- rheumatism;
- acute or chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis;
- ARVI, tonsillitis, tonsillitis;
- herpes, periodontal disease;
- mastopathy
- helminthic infestations.
Often apply this oil when recovering from injuries or stroke. It is believed that it is especially effective for any pathologies that lead to a limitation of motor activity. But it is recommended to use it only as part of complex therapy. Self-studied tool is used as a restorative and healing.
The use of turpentine oil in traditional medicine
It is recommended to use this tool only externally. There are several treatments with turpentine oil:
- Rub it into the skin over a sore joint or in the area of injury. It is not recommended to warm this place.
- Warm baths. They should be used in courses, adding oil in a certain amount recommended by the doctor. Such procedures contribute to weight loss, improve blood circulation and metabolic processes, restore joint and spinal mobility, and normalize sleep.
- Steam inhalations with this oil are also widely used. 15 drops are added to a glass of hot water. Then they inhale these vapors, which help to facilitate breathing in bronchopulmonary pathologies.
- With helminthic infestations, several drops of oil are mixed with honey and taken orally.
- Use turpentine oil inside also as an expectorant and diuretic.
But any decision is best discussed with the doctor.
Instructions for use of turpentine oil
Do not use at random! Be sure to mix this oil with any base oil, go with water in a ratio of 1:10. It is in this form that it is used for rubbing into the skin, for baths or inhalations. After mixing with the oily base, apply oil to the skin and rub it in with light circular motions. It is recommended to do this massage within a few minutes.
Use turpentine oil after consulting a doctor. Only a specialist can determine whether a person can use it. It will also help you choose the right dosage and method of application.
Before using turpentine oil for the first time, it is imperative to conduct an individual sensitivity test. To do this, a small amount of oil is applied to the skin on the inner surface of the elbow. At the same time, the appearance of a short burning or tingling sensation is normal. If severe redness, swelling, rash or burning is very strong, this oil should not be used.
Contraindications and side effects
Do not use turpentine oil with hypersensitivity. It often causes allergic reactions or severe skin irritation. In such cases, treatment must be discontinued. And misuse of turpentine oil can even cause a burn. Especially often, negative reactions occur when using it for oral administration. Exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to gastroenteritis.
It is contraindicated to use this oil at elevated body temperature, as it has a vasodilating effect and leads to a local temperature increase. In addition, it should not be used by women during pregnancy. Studies have shown that turpentine oil increases the risk of miscarriage. Using it during lactation is also not recommended. With caution, it is worthwhile to carry out such treatment for people with kidney or liver failure, as well as for children. Therefore, you need to use turpentine oil only after consulting a doctor, strictly observing the recommended dosage.