Pine is used to obtain two types of essential oils: pine and turpentine. Pine oil is used as a warming agent for bathing or massage, but it is used medicinally for inhalation. Due to its refreshing effect, it can be a component of scented candles and cosmetics. Turpentine oil is mainly used as a solvent and substance for removing tough stains.
Pine oilimproves the body's immunity and has a warming effect, so in case of a cold it is worth taking a hot bath with a few drops of pine oil, or a warming massage. Inhalations with pine oil are used in sinusitis and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Essential oils in fragrant candles, by releasing the fragrance, have a stimulating and refreshing effect.
Properties of turpentine oil
The use of turpentine oil in medicine has been limited. Formerly it was used for the production of ointments. Today it is most often used by artists, e.g. as a solvent for gilding products. It is also used as:
- paint thinner (helps remove stains from varnish);
- remover (used in image preservation);
- warming agent for rubbing. However, it should be remembered that a high concentration of turpentine oil may be harmful to he alth due to its mild psychoactive effect.
How to use pine oil?
In medicine, pine oil is used externally for bathing, rubbing and inhalation:
- baths (be careful, because high-concentration pine oil will easily irritate the skin. Therefore, pour the oil directly under the stream of running water so that the oil particles are thoroughly broken down.
- massages (put 2-3 drops of pine oil on a tablespoon of massage oil). Massage will relieve pain in muscles and joints.
- inhalations (open the airways).
Inhalations with pine oil
Inhalations have a positive effect on irritated mucous membranes and facilitate breathing. The easiest way to inhale at home is to pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Inhale the vapors covered with a towel (thanks to this, the water will not cool down so quickly).The inhalation should last from 10 minutes to half an hour.
However, not everyone can use inhalation. Contraindications apply to patients with bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, people with high fever and problems with the circulatory system. They are also not recommended for those who are allergic to essential oils.