Vaseline oil: composition, properties and applications
Vaseline oil is a mineral transparent substance, viscous in consistency, odorless, tasteless and colorless. It is also called liquid paraffin. It is obtained by processing oil fractions, such as kerosene. The famous chemist Robert Chesbrough synthesized it, and then used it as a remedy that heals wounds. The oil is unique in that it is used in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetology, as well as in industrial production.
Compound
Medical vaseline oil has many different properties. In order to understand why it is so useful, it is worth considering its composition.
The main substance of the oil is wax-like paraffin, which is saturated with saturated hydrocarbons. The oil passes the best degree of purification, which is why it does not contain impurities that can adversely affect the human body. The composition of the oil combines only various mixtures of hydrocarbons.
Beneficial features
The benefits of this valuable substance have been proven in practice. It has many positive effects on the human body.
- Antimicrobial action. Vaseline has an excellent effect on the bacterial membrane, paralyzes and destroys it.
- Rejuvenating property. The oil has a beneficial effect on the skin, relieves wrinkles and normalizes the natural water-lipid balance.
- Healing effect. In the event of minor injuries on the skin and mucous membranes, liquid paraffin “patches” wounds due to its hydrocarbon composition.
- Stimulating action. It is actively used in case of insufficient secretion of one or another organ of the abdominal cavity.
- Everyone knows the laxative properties of oils. Chemicals irritate the receptors of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing intestinal motility and facilitating the process of bowel movement.
- Antitoxic action. Hydrocarbons, which are part of the oil, interact with toxic substances and remove them from the body.
- Cleansing and softening effect. Vaseline easily cleans pores from impurities, making the skin more tender.
- Anti-inflammatory property. The oil can reduce swelling in the area of inflammation.
Harm
Of course, vaseline oil, like other dosage forms, can only be used if there are no contraindications. Otherwise, the use of this substance may cause health problems.
- Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from using this oil. It acts on the receptors in such a way that the nerve endings are irritated. The muscles of the uterus begin to contract, which leads to the premature onset of labor.
- Intestinal patency. With this acute surgical pathology, intestinal motility cannot be increased. When taking vaseline oil, a quick bowel movement occurs, which is strictly prohibited in this disease.
- Inflammatory processes of the abdominal organs, such as pancreatitis, gastritis, hepatitis, peritonitis, cholecystitis. In such cases, you can not use this medication, as it stimulates the production of secrets.During the period of inflammation, the organs should be at rest, which is why replacement therapy is usually used in the treatment.
- Fever. It is especially forbidden to use the product at temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius.
- allergic reactions for the drug.
How is it used in medicine?
Vaseline oil is actively used in various fields of medical activity - dermatology, proctology, gynecology and others.
- Chronic constipation - This is an urgent problem that occurs due to malnutrition, pregnancy, physical inactivity, abuse of laxatives, as well as diseases of the rectum. Paraffin oil is an excellent helper for this ailment. It is not absorbed into the vascular bed of the digestive tract, but envelops the intestinal wall, irritating the receptors. This increases intestinal motility and also softens hard feces, which helps prevent constipation.
- From the above "follows" another disease - hemorrhoids. It occurs with increased intra-abdominal pressure. During the act of defecation, a complication of this disease may develop in the form of bleeding from dilated veins. In this case, mineral oil is used, which allows you to gently empty the intestines without traumatizing the vessels of the rectum.
- With a runny nose, you can bury medical oil in your nose. This method is especially relevant for children who try to clean their nasal passages from dried mucus with their fingers. In this case, liquid paraffin softens the crusts, softens the mucous membranes, facilitating nasal breathing.
- When breastfeeding, young mothers develop cracks in the nipples due to the fact that they have time to coarsen. Vaseline will help with this ailment.With its help, wounds heal much faster, and the feeding process becomes less painful.
- If there are congestion in the breast during lactation, then it is worth applying compresses with mineral oil, which will increase the influx of a new portion of milk and improve its discharge.
During pregnancy, vaseline oil is best used only externally. Internal use may cause premature uterine contractions. Lubricating the stomach when stretch marks appear is not prohibited, but even encouraged. The skin will become more elastic, which will prevent the formation of white and brown stretch marks.
Use in cosmetology
An important advantage of Vaseline is that it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Therefore, it is convenient to use it as a basis for creating cosmetics for the face and hair. In addition, due to the special combination of hydrocarbons, the product has valuable properties that allow it to be used independently.
- Cosmetologists actively use oil for massage. It creates a good glide of the hands, has a beneficial effect on the skin, is not absorbed and is easily removed after the procedure.
- If liquid paraffin is applied to the skin, a film is formed that will prevent moisture loss. That is why this remedy is best used for dry, rough skin. You can also add it to your favorite cosmetics.
- This tool is actively used in the creation of hygienic lipsticks. When peeling the delicate skin of the lips, it becomes a great way to moisturize and protect them from bad weather conditions.
- You can apply oil to the ends of your hair. This will help to get rid of the section and prevent brittleness.
On curly hair, a couple of drops of medical oil will help to model curls.Also, this product can make strands more manageable and shiny.
How to take inside?
It is important to remember that vaseline oil is a medical preparation. That is why it must be used according to the doctor's prescription or instructions. Do not use the product uncontrollably, it is important to adhere to the indicated dosages. Then the result will be positive.
With constipation in adults, the action of liquid paraffin occurs 5 hours after ingestion. This remedy is recommended to be used no more than 5 days in a row. You need to drink it 2 tablespoons 1 time per day or 1 tablespoon 2 times a day between meals.
For children with constipation, a different dose is used. A child under the age of 3 years is given half a dessert spoon once a day. Older children are given 1 teaspoon.
With hemorrhoids, it is best to use candles. You should empty your bowels regularly, so at the usual time (it is desirable that it does not coincide with a meal), a candle is administered once. If you urge to go to the toilet immediately after the introduction, the result will be ineffective. That is why it is recommended to wait for the complete dissolution of the drug within 30 minutes.
To clear the nasal passages, it is necessary to instill slightly warmed oil into the nose. For adults - 2 drops in each nostril, 2 times a day. Children - 1 drop in each nasal passage.
With diaper rash, you can lubricate the skin with oil several times a day. Experienced pediatricians advise this tool for the constant care of the skin of newborns.
When losing weight, it is important to use petroleum jelly very carefully, as excessive and uncontrolled use can lead to dehydration and diarrhea.
That's why you need to drink 1 tablespoon 2 times a day.The course of admission is 3-5 days. After this, you should take a week break, and then repeat the medication.
Vaseline oil is used by many. It has become so popular because of its immediate effect, availability and low cost. According to the reviews of Internet users, we can conclude that vaseline oil is a universal remedy, the correct use of which can cure many ailments.
On the properties of vaseline oils, see below.