Not so long ago, in a medicine cabinet, every family could definitely find such a remedy as turpentine ointment. It was actively used as a means to combat pain in the back and joints, as a warming compress for viral diseases (colds, flu) and was a “cure” for excess weight. Modern drugs quickly took the place of this universal "folk" remedy for many ailments. How much it is deserved, we will try to figure it out.
What is turpentine
Terpentin (aka turpentine) is a product of the processing of resin from conifers, usually the pine family. The main component is gum - pine resin, which has been distilled with steam. Today turpentine is presented in two varieties, each of which is used for specific purposes. Terpentin can be technical or essential oil, which is actively used for cosmetic purposes.
Essential oil is a component of a considerable number of medicinal preparations, one of the most known to us is turpentine ointment. This tool is used to treat rheumatism, myositis, neuralgia. It is recommended as a pain medication. In addition, turpentine ointment irritates the skin, which in turn improves blood circulation and acts as an antiseptic.
Recycled resin is endowed with strong antimicrobial properties. This quality did not go unnoticed by many healers and seems to be a rather effective wound healing agent, which, in addition to accelerating the healing process of wounds, is also able to rid the skin of trophic ulcers. In addition, healers quite often recommend taking turpentine oil inside, but this method of application carries a rather strong health risk and is excluded by classical medicine. In this regard, the question often arises: is turpentine ointment harmful in general? How effective is its use?
From a number of recommendations, one can also distinguish such a product as turpentine ointment for weight loss. The harm from its use is very conditional. The fact is that rubbing itself is practically unable to lead to negative consequences. It's all about the intensity of its use. As you know, after applying the product, the treated part of the body should be covered for 15-20 minutes or tied with a warm scarf. With longer and more frequent use turpentine ointment can cause severe irritation. You need to be extremely attentive to this and remember that everything is good in moderation.
The same consequences await those for whom turpentine ointment has become the main means to combat ARVI and bronchitis. It is forbidden to apply ointment to the area of the heart and the place of burns. Also, to combat viral diseases, you can add a few drops to a container of warm water for steaming your legs, but only in cases where there is no fever.
Quite often turpentine ointment for weight loss and turpentine baths (with white-yellow or mixed emulsion) help to quickly cope with cellulite. But, like any other folk remedy, such an application can carry serious side effects. White emulsion increases pressure, yellow - vice versa. The mixed composition is used only by those people who have normal blood pressure .
Turpentine ointment for lice occupies a special place. An effective and inexpensive tool has proven itself more than 100 years ago. But it should be used with extreme caution. Incorrect use will provide you with a direct route to the dermatologist. Due to its composition, such a drug causes burning of the skin, and if the precautionary rules are not followed, you can get rid of not only parasites, but also a considerable amount of hair, plus damage to the integrity of the epidermis is possible.
Turpentine ointment for lice, as well as essential oil, is ideally used after consultation with a doctor. Remember, self-medication is an accessible, but extremely unsafe hobby. Be healthy!