Parents often look for safe, all-natural ways to relieve their child’s cough. Turpentine ointment is one such remedy that has been utilized in traditional medicine for many years.
The warming properties of turpentine ointment, derived from natural pine resin, are well-known. By warming the airways and facilitating easier breathing, it is applied to the chest or back to help relieve coughing.
Even though this remedy is frequently used by parents, it’s crucial to know how to use it safely and effectively, especially when it comes to young children. Ensuring that a remedy offers relief without causing harm requires knowledge of the proper dosage, application technique, and possible side effects.
Age of child | Recommended use of turpentine ointment |
Under 2 years | Not recommended without consulting a doctor |
2 to 5 years | Apply a small amount on the chest and back, avoid sensitive areas |
5 to 10 years | Use sparingly, rub gently on chest, back, and feet |
Over 10 years | Can be used more liberally, but avoid large areas and open wounds |
- Principle of action
- Contraindications and side effects
- Instructions for use
- Reviews
- Tips for use
- Video on the topic
- Features of using turpentine ointment in the treatment of cough in children
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Principle of action
The ointment has anesthetic, antiseptic, warming, and anti-inflammatory properties because it contains turpentine. It causes blood flow to the application site, dilates blood vessels, affects skin receptors, and has a distracting effect. This cream eases pain and inflammation and warms the bronchi when coughing. This medication has demonstrated excellent efficacy in treating neuralgia, neuritis, and pain in the muscles and joints.
Contraindications and side effects
Children should not use turpentine-containing ointment if they have:
- Hypersensitivity to its components.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Dermatitis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- High body temperature.
- Skin damage at the site of application.
Irritation of the skin where turpentine ointment is applied is the most frequent adverse effect. Additionally, allergic reactions could manifest.
The child starts to complain of burning and itching, and their skin may get red, swollen, or covered in a rash. More uncommon adverse effects of applying turpentine ointment include convulsions and suffocation. Additionally, some kids may feel their blood pressure drop after such rubbing.
By warming the chest and enhancing blood circulation, children’s coughs can be relieved with the help of turmeric ointment, a traditional treatment. It functions by producing a mild heating effect, which may make breathing easier and less uncomfortable if you have respiratory problems. To prevent skin irritation or allergic reactions, it should only be applied after speaking with a pediatrician. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to use it carefully because not all kids tolerate it well.
Instructions for use
- Turpentine ointment is used only externally, applying a thin layer to the required areas of the skin.
- When coughing, the back, chest and feet are most often treated with this drug.
- The ointment is applied in the evening before bed.
- When rubbing the chest, the heart area should be avoided, and the drug should not be applied to the nipples.
- After applying the ointment, underwear made of natural fabric is put on the child. If the feet were rubbed, woolen socks should be put on top.
- The duration of use of the ointment should not exceed 7 days.
Should the child’s condition deteriorate following application, remove the ointment right away and present the infant to the physician.
Reviews
Parents’ and physicians’ opinions regarding using turpentine to rub a cough can differ greatly. Some people are content with this medication and use it frequently, but some parents and doctors firmly oppose turpentine rubbing.
Most often, parents who use turpentine ointment for rubbing do so on the recommendation of an older relative or a pediatrician. They mention that in the early stages of the illness, these treatments can treat a cold. With just two or three rubs, a mild cough goes away.
Many people use turpentine-containing ointment for both personal and pediatric procedures. Parents list frequent skin irritation or allergic reactions as one of the drawbacks of applying turpentine ointment.
Tips for use
Consult a physician before giving turpentine ointment to a child who has a cough. Typically, rubbing the chest and back is reserved for children two years of age and older; use of such a medication is restricted to treating the feet in infants under two years of age. However, unless there is an immediate medical emergency, doctors do not advise giving turpentine to children younger than seven years old.
It is advised to test on a small patch of skin prior to using turpentine for the first time because allergies are possible. You can combine turpentine ointment one to one with any baby cream if a slight redness develops. The ideal option for using turpentine ointment for coughing for the first time is to use a diluted version.
A mixture of turpentine ointment and honey, or such ointment and badger fat, works well for a severe cough. Before rubbing the child with turpentine ointment, give them hot tea flavored with currants or raspberries to maximize the effects.
Watching the following video will teach you even more about turpentine.
For children, turpentine ointment can be beneficial if used appropriately and sparingly. Although its warming properties help with cough symptoms, it’s crucial to apply it carefully and sensibly given your child’s age and skin sensitivity.
Turpentine ointment should never be used without first visiting a pediatrician, especially for small children. Adhere to the dosage guidelines and keep the ointment away from sensitive areas like the face and broken skin.
Turpentine ointment can be a useful component of a treatment plan that eases children’s coughs and provides comfort and relief during illness, provided that appropriate precautions are taken.