Vaseline oil: composition, properties and use
Vaseline oil is a mineral transparent substance, viscous in consistency, odorless, tasteless and colorless.Also called liquid paraffin. It is obtained by refining oil fractions, such as kerosene. The famous chemist Robert Chezbro synthesized it, and then used it in the form of a tool that heals wounds. The oil is unique in that it is used in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetology, as well as in industrial production.
Composition
Medical vaseline oil has many different properties. In order to understand why it is so useful, it is worth considering its composition.
The base oil is wax-like paraffin, which is saturated with saturated hydrocarbon. The oil undergoes 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 different mixtures of hydrocarbons.
Beneficial features
The benefits of this valuable substance are proven in practice. It has a multilateral positive effect on the human body.
- Antimicrobial action. Vaseline has a great effect on the bacterial membrane, paralyzes and destroys it.
- Rejuvenating property. Oil has a beneficial effect on the skin, eliminates wrinkles and normalizes the natural water-lipid balance.
- Healing effect. At occurrence of minor injuries on the skin and mucous membranes, liquid paraffin “patches” wounds due to its hydrocarbon composition.
- Stimulating action. It is actively used with insufficient secretion of an organ of the abdominal cavity.
- The laxative properties of oils are well known. Chemicals irritate the receptors of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing intestinal motility and facilitating the process of excrement.
- Antitoxic action. Hydrocarbons, which are part of the oil, interact with toxic substances and remove them from the body.
- Cleansing and softening effect. Petroleum jelly easily cleans pores from impurities, making the skin more tender.
- Anti-inflammatory property. The oil can reduce puffiness in the area of inflammation.
Harm
Of course, liquid paraffin, as well as other dosage forms, can be used only if there are no contraindications. Otherwise, the use of this substance may cause health problems.
- Pregnant women are strictly forbidden to use this oil. It acts on the receptors in such a way that nerve endings are irritated. Muscles of the uterus begin to contract, which leads to premature onset of labor.
- Intestinal permeability. With this acute surgical pathology, intestinal peristalsis cannot be strengthened. When you receive vaseline oil, a quick bowel movement occurs, which is strictly prohibited for 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 treatment.
- Fever. It is especially prohibited to use the product at temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius.
- Allergic reactions on the drug.
How is it used in medicine?
Vaseline oil is actively used in various fields of medical practice - 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 a great help for this ailment. It is not absorbed into the vascular bed of the digestive tract, and envelops the intestinal wall, irritating the receptors. This increases intestinal motility, and also softens hard stools, which helps prevent constipation.
- From the above, another disease “ensues” - hemorrhoids. It occurs with increased intra-abdominal pressure. During a bowel movement, a complication of this disease may develop in the form of bleeding from the dilated veins. At the same time, mineral oil is used, which allows gently emptying the intestines without injuring the vessels of the rectum.
- With a cold, you can bury medical oil in the nose. This method is especially relevant for children who are trying to clean the nasal passages of dried mucus with their fingers. In this case, liquid paraffin softens the crusts, softens the mucous membranes, facilitating nasal breathing.
- When breastfeeding in young mothers appear cracks in the nipples due to the fact that they have time to harden. Vaseline can help with this ailment. With it, wounds heal much faster, and the feeding process becomes less painful.
- If there are congestion in the chest during lactationit 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 applied only externally. Internal use may cause premature uterine contraction. Lubricate the stomach with the appearance of stretch marks is not prohibited, and even welcome. The skin will become more elastic, which will prevent the formation of white and brown striae.
Use in cosmetology
An important advantage of Vaseline is that it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Therefore, it is convenient to use 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 its independent use.
- Beauticians are actively using oil for massage. It creates a good glide of the hands, favorably affects 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 such a tool is better to use for dry, hardened skin. You can also add it to your favorite cosmetics.
- Actively use this tool in creating hygienic lipstick. 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 on the ends of the hair. This will help get rid of the section and prevent brittleness.
On frizzy hair, a couple drops of medical oil will help to model the curls. Also this product can make strands more docile and shiny.
How to take orally?
It is important to remember that petroleum jelly is a medicine. That is why it should be used according to the doctor’s prescription or instructions. Do not use the tool uncontrollably, it is important to adhere to these dosages. Then the result will be positive.
With constipation in adults, the action of liquid paraffin occurs 5 hours after administration. This tool is recommended to use no more than 5 days in a row. Drink it to 2 tablespoons 1 time per day or 1 tablespoon 2 times a day between meals.
For children with constipation, use a different dose. A child under the age of 3 years old is given half a dessert spoon once a day. Older children are given 1 teaspoon.
When hemorrhoids are best used candles. Empty the intestines should be regularly, so at the usual time (it is desirable that it does not coincide with the meal), inject a candle once. When the urge to toilet immediately after the introduction of the result will be ineffective. That is why it is recommended to wait for the drug to completely dissolve within 30 minutes.
To clear the nasal passages, it is necessary to bury a slightly warmed oil in the nose. For adults - 2 drops in each nostril, can be 2 times a day. Children - 1 drop in each nasal passage.
When diaper rash can be oiled skin several times a day.Experienced pediatricians advise this tool for constant care of the skin of newborn children.
When losing weight, it is important to use petroleum jelly very carefully, as excessive and uncontrolled use can lead to dehydration and diarrhea.
therefore you need to drink 1 tablespoon 2 times a day. The course of reception is 3-5 days. After that, you should take a week break and then repeat the medication.
Vaseline oil is used by many. It has become so popular because of the immediate effect, availability and low cost. According to reviews of Internet users, we can conclude that petroleum jelly is a universal remedy, the correct use of which can cure many ailments.
On the properties of petroleum jelly, see below.