Turpentine ointment: instruction for use

Turpentine, or turpentine oil, is a natural product - the result of distillation of gum (wood resin of coniferous trees) with water vapor. Gum is collected by making several cuts on the bark of the tree. This viscous transparent liquid is rich in useful substances - in particular, essential oils. Turpentine contained about 18% of it.

Purified turpentine oil was used in medicine many centuries ago - for grinding and preparing turpentine baths. This substance with a characteristic sharp odor is insoluble in water and forms a thin film on its surface, having a direct effect on the skin. Special turpentine bath preparations called "white" or "yellow emulsion" can be purchased at pharmacies and specialized online stores. In the pharmacy is sold and turpentine ointment: it is available in tubes of 25 or 30 g and in banks of dark glass for 20 or 25 g.

Ointment based on turpentine refers to a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It has a noticeable analgesic (analgesic) effect - mainly due to irritation of the skin, which is a distraction. Turpentine ointment (the instruction explains this) has an anti-inflammatory effect, providing blood flow and warming up the painful area. It is also an antiseptic, since its main active substance, turpentine, is a mixture of essential oils that have antimicrobial properties.

Turpentine ointment (the instruction describes the indications for its use) is used for exacerbation of joint diseases and muscular pains - arthralgia, myalgia, rheumatism, as well as with radiculitis, neuralgia and neuritis of various nature. Its use in acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract also brings considerable relief. So, turpentine ointment when coughing is applied to the chest (excluding the heart and nipples area) and back. For sensitive skin, it can be diluted with any refined oil in a ratio of 2: 1. With a strong cold turpentine ointment rubbed and feet, and then put on warm socks. In addition, this tool is used for inhalation: it softens the dry cough and exerts an expectorant effect.

Turpentine ointment (the instruction draws special attention to this!) Is not applied to the damaged skin, therefore, its use is prohibited not only with abrasions or cuts, but also with most skin diseases, including allergic conditions. It, like other warming ointments, should not be used at elevated body temperature. This remedy is contraindicated in diseases of the liver and kidneys. In addition, turpentine ointment (the instruction mentions this) is not used when the patient is hypersensitive to terpentine oil because of the risk of allergic reactions. If there is a severe burning or allergy after applying it, it is necessary to remove the remnants of the ointment with a paper napkin, soaking the skin with it. If necessary, it is worthwhile to see a doctor for prescribing antihistamines. If, after applying turpentine ointment, dizziness, palpitations or a drop in blood pressure are noted, you should call an ambulance: these are signs of an individual drug intolerance that are dangerous to the health of the patient.

Turpentine ointment during pregnancy and lactation is also contraindicated, since relevant clinical trials have never been conducted, and information about whether it penetrates into breast milk and through the placental barrier is not available today. It should not be used for the treatment of children, although many parents ignore this recommendation. It is easy to burn delicate baby skin with this remedy, therefore it is better to use other warming compositions for the appropriate treatment in childhood.