What is tar for what is needed. Pharmacy birch tar: application, instructions, contraindications. Beneficial effect on the body during treatment

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Health 09.01.2018

Our ancestors knew about the benefits of birch tar for a long time, they learned how to get it by long-term distillation of birch bark and used it for health improvement and for various household needs. Now birch tar is produced industrially and is used in pharmacology and cosmetology. Tar has a specific pungent odor and an oily thick consistency; it is made from birch bark plants, so sometimes you can find the name birch bark tar. Today we, dear readers, will consider in detail the scope of birch tar.

Healing properties of birch tar

Tar has many useful and medicinal properties that are used in the treatment of various diseases. Let's look at its main useful properties:

  • Tar has a pronounced antimicrobial effect;
  • Removes inflammatory processes;
  • Reduces pain in soft tissues;
  • Reduces itching when applied topically;
  • Accelerates tissue healing;
  • Has anthelmintic properties;
  • Removes swelling of tissues;
  • Improves blood circulation.

The list of diseases in which tar can help is quite extensive, mainly all kinds of skin problems. You can buy tar in health shops, in a green pharmacy, in online stores, sometimes it is also found in ordinary pharmacies.

Birch tar - benefit and harm

In the formulation of many pharmaceutical preparations, birch tar can be found, mainly ointments for external use, such as ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky and Wilkinson ointment. Tar soap and tar shampoo are popular at all times, which help to cope with many skin and hair problems. But the healing properties of tar are not limited to this, they are much more extensive and traditional medicine uses them widely.

The use of birch tar for skin diseases

The use of birch tar for skin diseases is recognized by both folk and traditional medicine; tar can be used to treat

  • dermatitis,
  • eczema,
  • neurodermatitis,
  • psoriasis,
  • scabies
  • bruises,
  • trophic ulcers,
  • bedsores,
  • burns, frostbite,
  • corns,
  • fungal skin lesions.

Instructions for the use of birch tar must be attached if you buy it at a pharmacy. It can be used in its pure form for various skin problems, but most often it is more effective when used in a mixture with other ingredients.

To prepare the ointment at home, pure pharmaceutical tar and pork internal melted fat are taken, which are mixed in equal amounts. The ointment is applied to the affected area under the bandage with a thin layer twice a day.

Birch tar is useful in the form of baths, for which an alcohol solution of tar is prepared. You need to take 1 part of pure tar and 5 parts of alcohol, 100 grams of such a solution is enough for a bath. They take baths with itchy dermatitis, they relieve itching well and dry the skin in the affected areas.

Another way of external use of tar is tar water. To prepare it, ½ liter of tar is mixed with a liter of boiled water, infused for at least 12 hours, then carefully drained, leaving a sediment at the bottom of the container. Tar water is used for rubdowns for any skin problems, it can be used for treatment.

The use of birch tar for psoriasis

In psoriasis, the benefits of birch tar do not appear immediately, but after some time, tar is used by folk healers in addition to drugs prescribed by a doctor. The disease is complex, difficult to treat, so a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. To prepare the ointment, mix a spoonful of tar and castor oil, add 2 tablespoons of natural honey and half a beaten egg white. Mix everything well until a homogeneous consistency and leave in a cool place for a day to infuse. After that, mix again and apply to the affected areas once a day under a bandage.

On the first day of treatment, mix one drop of tar with a teaspoon of liquid honey and drink on an empty stomach. Then add drop by drop every day, bringing the amount of tar to 10 drops. Take this amount for three more days, then reduce it drop by drop a day. If honey is contraindicated, it can be replaced with a spoonful of milk or fresh apple juice and the drug can be taken in the same way as with honey.

Birch tar from nail fungus

Fungal lesions of the nail platinum is a very common disease that requires long-term treatment. The pharmaceutical industry produces many antifungal agents, but they are all quite expensive.

There is an excellent inexpensive remedy that helps to cope with the fungus - this is ordinary birch tar. But it will help only at the initial stage, when the disease is not too advanced. Be patient and do the procedures daily to not only stop the spread of a fungal infection, but also get rid of it forever.

There are many methods of using birch tar for the treatment of nail fungus, consider the simplest and most affordable.

  • Before applying the tar, steam your feet well in hot water with the addition of natural laundry soap and baking soda. After the bath, cut your nails, remove keratinized skin with a pumice stone or a special nail file, wipe your feet dry, paying special attention to the skin between the fingers and nails, as a humid environment promotes the spread of the fungus. Apply tar to the affected areas, wrap with linen or cotton cloth and put on socks on top. Leave overnight, wash off in the morning. A more gentle way is to lather your toes and nail plates with tar soap instead of pure tar.
  • Grate a piece of tar soap on a fine grater, mix with a small amount of water and baking soda so that a not very liquid consistency is obtained. Rub into clean and dry affected areas overnight. In the morning, rinse with warm water, wipe dry and put on clean socks.
  • Grate tar soap, pour hot water over it, stir to dissolve the soap, and soak your feet in this soap bath for 10-15 minutes. After that, just dry your feet with a clean towel and put on clean socks. It is best to do these procedures at night.

To get the full benefit of birch tar during treatment, hygiene must be especially carefully observed. You also need to be prepared for the fact that sheets, towels and socks will have to be thrown away, as tar stains do not wash well.

How to make tar soap yourself

There is nothing better than making soap at home, because in this case you will be sure of its quality. It's not at all difficult to do this. For the base, you need to take a standard piece of baby soap without additives and fragrances, grate it and pour ½ cup of warm boiled water.

Keep this mixture in a water bath until the soap is completely dissolved, then add 2 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil (sold in a pharmacy).

Wait until the mixture cools down a bit, and add 1 tablespoon of natural clean tar, mix, pour the resulting tar soap into any molds and leave until completely solidified. Soap is ready!

Birch tar is good for hair, it copes well with dandruff, especially if its appearance is associated with oily seborrhea. In stores and pharmacies, shampoo with tar, tar soap is sold, you can just wash your hair with this soap once a week. But if you have natural pure tar, you can make your own dandruff remedy. To do this, mix a spoonful of tar and castor oil and dilute this mixture in 1/2 cup of vodka. Rub into the scalp an hour before washing, then wash your hair with regular shampoo. Such procedures relieve itching, reduce the fat content of the scalp, and dandruff will gradually disappear.

In case of hair loss, mix pure tar with glycerin in equal proportions and rub into the scalp twice a week. Many are repelled by the specific smell of tar, but after washing and drying the hair, it quickly disappears.

Before using tar, conduct a test to exclude the possibility of an allergic reaction. To do this, apply a drop of tar on the crook of the elbow and do not wash off for a day. Irritation, redness, severe itching at the site of application indicate individual intolerance to tar.

And for the sake of mood, I want to invite you to take a walk around our New Year's Eve Yaroslavl.

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    Elvira
    16 Mar 2018 at 18:09

Since ancient times, it was believed that birch and its components, including tar, have healing properties. Recently, interest in this plant material has returned again, and in connection with this, connoisseurs of alternative methods of treatment began to wonder what the benefits and harms of birch tar are.

What is birch tar and how is it obtained

Birch tar is a thick black oily substance with a sharp specific odor. It is obtained from birch by exposing the wood to high temperatures in an airless environment. Wood fibers are destroyed when heated, releasing a black viscous liquid. Subsequently, it undergoes purification, turning into a concentrated odorous substance at the outlet, which is then used in various fields of human activity. Birch tar is often used in cosmetology, veterinary medicine, horticulture, but representatives of official and alternative medicine value it above all for its unique medicinal properties.

The chemical composition of birch tar

The benefits of this valuable substance are due to its special chemical composition. Among other useful substances it contains:

  • phytoncides;
  • organic acids, including salicylic;
  • phenol;
  • toluene;
  • guaiacol.

In addition, birch tar is a rich source of cresol, which accounts for most of the beneficial properties of wood extract.

What is useful birch tar

Due to its properties, birch tar has tremendous benefits for the body. Moreover, it is used for both external and internal use. So, tar products help not only cleanse the skin of impurities and get rid of harmful microorganisms, but also effectively relieve various inflammations. This property allows the use of birch bark extract in the treatment of skin diseases. For the same reason, it serves as the main component of Vishnevsky and Wilkinson's ointments. It also has analgesic properties, eliminates itching and accelerates tissue regeneration.

In addition, supporters of alternative medicine note the beneficial effect of wood pomace on metabolism. The active substances in its composition improve metabolic processes, accelerate blood circulation and remove harmful toxins from the body, which has a beneficial effect on a person’s well-being and even helps to reduce body weight.

Indications for the use of birch tar

The healing properties of birch tar can withstand a number of diseases. So, it will benefit people suffering from the following skin ailments:

  • deprive;
  • psoriasis;
  • diathesis;
  • eczema;
  • seborrhea;
  • pyodermatitis;
  • scabies;
  • nail fungus;
  • acne.

It will be very useful against infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract:

  • sore throats;
  • bronchitis;
  • tuberculosis;
  • influenza and SARS.

In addition, tar preparations have proven useful in the treatment of disorders of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. Some adherents of traditional medicine argue about the effectiveness of the properties of birch pomace in the fight against various oncologies, including mastopathy.

How to take birch tar inside

Although many believe that taking birch tar internally is no less beneficial than using it as an external agent, it must be remembered that this substance can cause serious harm to health. Wood pomace, which is sold in pharmacies, is a highly concentrated product that should never be consumed in its pure form in order to avoid harmful effects.

Important! Regardless of the purpose for which the drug is taken, it must be diluted with water or milk before ingestion.

Compliance with the rules for the use of the substance and its dosage will help to use the medicinal properties of birch tar much more efficiently.

For bronchitis, pneumonia and cough

Do not ignore the benefits of birch bark extract for patients with bronchitis and other lung diseases. In this situation, tar water will be a good help for traditional therapy. You need to drink it daily in the amount of 1 - 2 tbsp. l. before bedtime.

Since birch tar has anthelmintic properties, it can be used to prepare a useful remedy for worms. It is enough to mix 1 tsp. honey with tar and take this mixture once a day at bedtime for 12 days. At the same time, the amount of pomace is increased daily throughout the course by 1 drop. At the beginning of treatment, 1 drop of birch tar is added to honey, by the end of the course - already 12 drops.

With cirrhosis of the liver

The beneficial properties of birch tar will help alleviate the symptoms of liver cirrhosis and activate the recovery processes in the damaged organ, if combined with sour cream and honey. For this:

  1. In 1 st. l. sour cream add 1 drop of birch tar and seize 1 tsp. honey.
  2. From the next day, the number of drops is increased by 1 per day.
  3. Having reached 10, their number begins to decrease by 1 per day.
  4. Upon returning to the original dose, it is worth stopping treatment. If necessary, a second course should be carried out no earlier than 2 weeks later.

With opisthorchiasis

With tuberculosis and furunculosis

For pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis and furunculosis, it is worth using birch tar diluted in milk:

  1. In the morning on an empty stomach, drink 50 ml of slightly warmed milk with 1 drop of tar throughout the first week.
  2. Further, the dose is gradually increased at the rate of 1 additional part of birch tar per week. By the last, 10th week, 10 drops of the substance are already added to the milk.
  3. The course can be repeated after 4 weeks, but the treatment should not last longer than 6 months, otherwise the body will be seriously harmed.

With cystitis

Milk with birch tar will also benefit patients with cystitis. To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, it is worth pouring 7 - 10 drops of the substance 1 tbsp. warm milk and drink the resulting drink 0.5 tbsp. 20 minutes before meals 3 times a day for 5 days.

Birch tar for weight loss and body cleansing

People who monitor their own weight have long appreciated the benefits of birch tar for weight loss. Since its active compounds activate the metabolism and intensively remove harmful toxins, it can significantly help in the fight against extra pounds, especially if combined with training and a balanced diet.

Since birch bark extract is not a self-sufficient medicine for weight loss, it is taken only as an auxiliary drug and in very small quantities, usually with water or milk.

tar water

Water infused with tar not only benefits the figure, but also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, most medical and cosmetic recipes are prepared on its basis:

  1. Birch tar is poured with cold water in a ratio of 1:8 and stirred with a wooden spoon for about five minutes.
  2. Then hermetically clog and leave for 2 days, so that the drug is infused.
  3. After carefully remove the resulting film, trying not to shake the contents of the vessel. A clear liquid is poured into a clean container, while making sure that the precipitate does not get into the final product.
  4. For weight loss, drink the resulting infusion of 1 tbsp. no longer than 2 weeks in a row, otherwise you can cause serious harm to health and exacerbate the course of existing diseases.

Birch tar with milk

Birch tar with milk will help cleanse the cells of the body from harmful toxins. The drink is prepared according to the following recipe:

  1. 1 drop of tar should be added to ½ cup of milk. The solution should be taken 1 hour before meals 2 times a day.
  2. Each day, the dose of wood extract is increased by 1 unit of the substance. The maximum dosage should not exceed 12 units. The full course is from 30 to 45 days.

Birch tar with honey

The beneficial properties of birch bark tar will also be emphasized by honey. To do this, in 1 tsp. honey add 1 - 2 drops of wood pomace and eat before the next meal. Over time, this rate is increased by 1 in order to reach a 10-drop dose by day 10. Then the dosage is gradually reduced.

Birch tar with bread

Often, birch tar is used with bread so that the nutritional compounds of the flour product negate the harmful effects of the concentrated product.

  1. On a small piece of dark bread drip 2 - 3 drops of the drug, and eat before bedtime.
  2. Repeat the procedure every day, increasing the amount of birch tar by 1 unit. The maximum allowable rate in this case is 10 drops.
  3. For 2 weeks, continue to take the drug without changes, then reduce the dose in descending order until they return to the original amount. The full course takes 24 days.

External use of birch tar

As already mentioned, the range of applications of birch tar as an external agent is quite wide. In addition to the treatment of skin problems, the product includes therapy for joints, getting rid of hemorrhoids, itching and fungal infections.

Treatment of psoriasis

So, useful substances in the composition of birch tar can positively affect the course of psoriasis. Especially useful in this case will be an ointment prepared at home. To prepare it, you need:

  1. 1 st. l. butter combined with 1 tbsp. l. birch extract and ½ tbsp. l. copper sulfate.
  2. Put the mixture on low heat and stir it until a creamy mass is obtained.
  3. Next, let the composition cool and place in the refrigerator for storage.
  4. Lubricate the affected areas of the skin with the resulting preparation 1 time per day.

From scaly lichen

Birch tar lotion will help to cope with scaly lichen:

  1. 1 st. l. wood extract mixed with 3 tbsp. l. fish oil.
  2. Apply the drug to a piece of clean soft tissue and apply to the desired area.
  3. The lotion is fixed with bandages or plaster for 30 minutes 1 time per day. It is recommended to continue treatment for 10 days.

For nail fungus

On the basis of birch tar, you can prepare a simple and useful remedy for the harm of nail damage by a fungus:

  1. A small piece is rubbed on a fine grater.
  2. 1 st. l. soap shavings are mixed with 2 tbsp. l. soda and pour water in a small amount.
  3. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the resulting mass is rubbed into the affected area 1 time per day until the fungus disappears completely.

With hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid sufferers will also benefit from the wood extract. It is enough to regularly arrange 20-minute steam baths for the anus, bay 2 tbsp. l. birch pomace 1 liter of boiling water. For convenience, you can dilute the drug in a bucket on which you can sit down.

For joint pain

Birch tar is effective in the treatment of joints. For this:

  1. The diseased area is smeared with pure wood extract to enhance the effect on deposits in the joints.
  2. After 10 - 20 minutes, when the skin begins to tingle, the product is washed with a soft cloth.
  3. The next day, any sticky clay is applied to the affected area. If discomfort occurs, it should be removed immediately.
  4. For 2 days, the joint is provided with rest.
  5. Then steps 1 to 3 are repeated, after which the joint is allowed to rest for another 3 days.
  6. Then repeat steps 1 to 3 again.
  7. On the 12th day, treatment is stopped. Repetition of the course is recommended in 2-3 weeks.

The use of birch tar in cosmetology

Tar preparations are of great cosmetic importance. Their bactericidal properties can improve the condition of the skin, improve it, cleanse the pores and give the face a fresh color. The benefits of birch tar for hair are also obvious. It takes care of the scalp, relieving it from the harm of the effects of seborrhea and dandruff, and promotes hair growth, making it stronger and thicker. That is why on sale you can find dozens of various body care products, the component of which is wood extract. However, there are many homemade recipes that are quite capable of being compared in terms of the intensity of useful properties with factory-made formulations.

For facial skin

For facial skin care, masks based on birch extract would be an excellent option, since the substance itself not only deep cleanses the skin, but also relieves puffiness, and in combination with herbs and other beneficial ingredients, it can smooth wrinkles and even have a rejuvenating effect. So, a mask with raw potatoes will help get rid of swelling and bags under the eyes:

  1. Potato, grated on a fine grater, is poured with tar water to make a not too liquid slurry.
  2. The mass is placed between 2 gauze pads and left on the face for 20-30 minutes.
  3. At the end of the procedure, the face is wiped with infusion of motherwort or aloe juice. You need to do the procedure 2 - 3 times a week.

All homemade face masks are made with tar water. Undiluted extract, even in very small doses, should not be used.

Advice! You can significantly enhance the benefits of purchased cosmetic formulations if you add 1 - 2 drops of birch tar to them.

For hair

Due to the fact that the healing properties of birch tar improve blood circulation, blood circulation in the hair follicles increases, which makes the hair thicker and grows faster. A notable remedy for hair loss is the following recipe:

  1. 30 ml calendula tincture, 1 tbsp. l. birch extract and 50 ml of castor oil are mixed in an enameled container.
  2. The mixture is applied with massage movements to the roots for 30 minutes, repeating the scheme once a week for 2 months.

Even such a short exposure will have a beneficial effect: the hair will become stronger, acquire a healthy shine and volume.

Harm of birch tar and contraindications

Despite the obvious benefits to humans, birch tar can harm people in certain health conditions due to its high chemical activity. So, any use of tar products, both internal and external, is strictly prohibited for those persons who have:

  • individual intolerance to the components of the product;
  • allergic reactions;
  • increased sensitivity to strong odors;
  • kidney disease.

Birch tar is also contraindicated in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

In addition, wood extract can be harmful to an absolutely healthy person in the following cases:

  1. If an undiluted product is used. The use of a concentrated substance can cause a chemical burn of the skin or mucous membrane of internal organs.
  2. If the dosage of the drug is not consistent with the instructions and prescription of the doctor. Exceeding the dose of a substance can have a harmful effect on the body in the form of side symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sharp jumps in blood pressure.

    Important! Although no cases of drug overdose have been established, if you observe a negative effect from taking it, you should immediately contact a specialist.

  3. If the treatment time was extended independently. Birch bark extract refers to medicines that must be used in strict accordance with the terms of admission. Longer use of the substance provokes the harm of allergic reactions and deterioration of well-being, and in the long term it can accelerate the process of cell destruction, which will lead to intensive aging of the body.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of birch tar, like any other product, depend on the correct dosage and adherence to recommendations for use. Although the substance has potential harmful effects, its beneficial properties will be appreciated by many ordinary people who care about their health.

Instructions for use:

Birch tar is a natural remedy for skin and hair care, treatment of skin diseases.

pharmachologic effect

Birch tar is an antiseptic, has a locally irritating, anti-inflammatory, regenerating and insecticidal effect.

The use of birch tar improves blood supply to tissues, stimulates the processes of keratinization.

Tar is obtained from birch bark, it contains more than 10,000 useful elements, incl. these are phytocindas and cresols - disinfectants, guaiacol with antiseptic, disinfecting effect and phenol antiseptic.

Release form

In the pharmaceutical industry, tar is used as part of Vishnevsky, Wilkinson, Konkov ointments.

In folk medicine, pure tar is used - it is produced in the form of a dark liquid with a specific smell in vials.

The cosmetic industry produces hair and skin care products based on birch tar.

Indications for the use of birch tar

Birch tar is used to treat eczema, lichen scaly, scabies, dropsy, purulent wounds, bruises, trophic ulcers, splinters, fungi on the skin, bedsores, burns, frostbite, psoriasis.

In cosmetology, tar is used to care for oily, falling hair, problem skin.

Instructions for use of birch tar

Ointments based on birch tar, prepared under industrial conditions - ointment Konkov, Vishnevsky, Wilkenson are used according to their instructions or the instructions of a doctor.

Pure tar, mixed 1:1 with lard, is used for skin diseases - the ointment is applied to damaged areas.

For the treatment of eczema, pure tar compresses or a mixture of crushed horse sorrel roots and tar water are applied. With weeping eczema, an ointment is used: lard and tar are mixed (1: 1), a raw egg is added and applied to the skin affected by eczema.

For the treatment of psoriasis, an ointment is used as part of complex treatment: two tbsp. tar is mixed with 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 liters. castor oil, one egg white. The mixture is infused for three days, after which one p / day is applied to the affected skin.

With focal hair loss, dandruff practice rubbing tar pure or diluted 1: 1 with glycerin or alcohol. After the procedure, excess tar is removed from the hair with a cotton swab. Rubbing is done every other day, alternating with shampooing.

To extract a splinter, the place on the skin where it has dug into must be lubricated with tar or a piece of cloth moistened with it should be applied. Usually after 15-20 min. the splinter can already be hooked up and removed.

To eliminate calluses on the legs, an ointment is applied to them, prepared from equal parts of tar, saltpeter, sugar. Previously, the corns are steamed out (preferably in a decoction of birch leaves).

For the treatment of skin ulcers that do not heal for a long time, an ointment is used: creamy unsalted butter is mixed with tar and burnt root of the mustard (components are taken in equal parts).

For the treatment of fungus on the legs, the affected areas are smeared with clean tar every three days for as long as it takes to recover. In these three days, it is impossible to wash off the tar. It is applied to clean, steamed skin of the legs.

Side effects

Prolonged treatment with birch tar can lead to skin irritations, allergic reactions.

Contraindications to the use of birch tar

Birch tar is not used in case of hypersensitivity to the agent. Before using it, it is recommended to conduct an allergy test.

It is the 21st century, but despite this, some natural substances and medicines of the "old generation" were, are and will be in active use. Tar should also be referred to such means. What is tar made from? What properties does it have and are they useful? In what diseases is tar simply irreplaceable? How will it help you become more beautiful? You can find answers to all these questions and many others in the article.

What is tar made of?

The production of tar is based on the process of dry distillation, in which branches, chocks and peel of trees of certain species take part. For some reason, most people are sure that tar can only be made from birch.

In fact, this is far from being the case. Let's dispel this myth once and for all. The only correct answer to the question of what tree tar is made from is from the bark and wood of any tree belonging to deciduous or coniferous species. Also, coal can become the basis for its manufacture. It should be noted that for the preparation of tar, both specialized conditions and equipment, and home conditions are suitable. In the latter case, the apparatus for distillation of the starting components is made independently.

Healing properties of birch tar

What tar is made of, we have already considered, now let's look at what properties it has. Of course, we will talk about medicinal properties.

So, birch tar is an excellent analgesic, absorbable and anti-inflammatory agent that can be used both individually and in combination, for example, as part of a particular drug.

Tar contains a lot of healing substances. This led to its use in therapy. Tar helps to stimulate and accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis, improves blood circulation in tissues. It is known in folk and traditional medicine, in cosmetology and even in the construction industry has found its application.

Tar is effective in the treatment of various skin diseases (eczema, erysipelas, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, scaly lichen, fungal infections, scabies, bedsores, pediculosis), trophic ulcers and others.

It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on burns and wounds of various origins. Dandruff, acne, urolithiasis, digestive disorders, urethritis, bronchial asthma, tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections, mastitis, bleeding and even gangrene - tar will help to say goodbye to all this.

Natural compounds with medicinal properties have always aroused more confidence in patients than chemical components. This is quite understandable, and given the fact that many of them have proven therapeutic properties, natural ingredients are actively used not only by folk, but also by traditional medicine. Within the framework of this article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself in more detail with the properties of birch tar - a specific composition that "lit up" in the list of components of popular ointments sold in pharmacies. The use of this tool helps to cope with a large number of problems, the most important thing is to use it correctly.

What is included in birch tar

Birch tar is a natural product obtained through the process of dry distillation of the upper part of the bark of young trees. In appearance, the product looks like an oily dark liquid, which in turn has a very specific aroma. Modern production involves the use of iron cauldrons, which are rammed with bark and hermetically sealed. During heating, birch bark (bark) is steamed in a closed space, and tar is released. The whole process usually takes more than 10 hours and allows you to get about 15 kilograms of pure tar from 50 kilograms of feedstock.

The natural product contains several thousand useful components, including phytoncides, cresols, benzene, xylene, toluene, resinous substances, organic acids, etc. Due to its rich composition, the product is used even within the framework of traditional medicine, as it can be found among the components of Wilkinson's and Vishnevsky's ointments.

Healing and beneficial properties of birch tar

The components of the composition of birch tar have various useful properties, which determine the widespread use of this substance. So, phenol is able to have an antiseptic effect, and guaiacol is a disinfectant and antiseptic. In general, the described product is capable of affecting the human body as follows:

They use the properties of birch tar in both folk and traditional medicine, which once again proves its usefulness and effectiveness.

What does the remedy help from: indications for use

Given all the described beneficial properties of tar, you can create a whole list of diseases and pathologies that treats the substance or helps to eliminate symptoms:

  • otitis media in a chronic form;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • angina;
  • fungal lesions of the skin;
  • purulent wounds and ulcers;
  • bruises;
  • psoriasis;
  • rashes on the skin of various nature;
  • stomatitis;
  • mastitis after childbirth;
  • disturbances in normal metabolism;
  • scabies, from lichen;
  • haemorrhoids;
  • helminth infection;
  • joint diseases.

How to use tar: instructions for use

Purified pharmaceutical tar can be used for the treatment of ailments, both by external application and by ingestion. Each of the methods has its own peculiarities and nuances, which must be taken into account without fail.

How to take internally to cleanse the body

It should be noted that birch tar can be used for oral administration, but this method is considered quite aggressive, so it is better not to carry out such manipulations without the approval of a doctor. If the decision to resort to cleaning with tar has been made, then you can use several effective schemes:

  • 50 milliliters of warm milk is enriched with one drop of tar, stirred thoroughly and drunk in the morning before meals. The procedure must be carried out for two weeks. Daily increasing the amount of tar used - up to 14 drops, respectively. If necessary, the amount of milk can be doubled;
  • the second method involves eating a piece of rye bread before going to bed, on which 5 drops of pharmacy tar are dripped. For 5 days, the number of drops is increased one per day to 10, and in such volumes they are taken daily for two weeks. Next, you need to move in the opposite direction - daily reducing the dose by one drop to 5, and after that the course will be considered completed.

Internal use should not be resorted to if there is an individual intolerance to the component or problems with the functioning of the kidneys.

outdoor use

Local use of the product is advisable for skin diseases. Usually, in such cases, the use of tar-based ointments is prescribed, but it is also possible to use it in its pure form. For application to the damaged area, pure tar is mixed in different proportions with lard.

It is also possible to use compresses or rub in a substance diluted with glycerin or even alcohol. The specific recipe depends on the situation with which you have to deal. But it should be understood that the natural product has a very specific aroma and rich brown color, which can stain linen and clothes. Poor absorption gives the treated skin some untidiness. In order to overcome these shortcomings, tar preparations are usually applied for a short period of time, after which the mixture is washed off so that it does not bring discomfort.

Other ways to use tar in traditional medicine

Natural birch tar can be used in different ways and as part of various folk recipes - it all depends on the nature of the problem for which the product will be used to eliminate. We propose to consider the most popular areas of application of tar.

To treat nail fungus

The components of the tar have an antifungal effect, which allows you to effectively use it to eliminate fungal diseases of the nails and skin. Tar is used as a cream, simply applying it in an even layer on the surface of the nail plate, leaving it in this position for an hour. But the nails must first be prepared: steam, hold in a bath with medicinal herbs and, if possible, remove the softened damaged tissue. After the procedure, you need to wipe your feet dry, and after that you can apply the ointment.

It is worth repeating this procedure once every two to three days, to achieve a positive effect, usually one month is enough. You can minimize the risk of recurrence by treating the shoes - the insoles should be wiped with a cotton swab with a small amount of tar.

From hair loss

To improve hair growth processes and minimize hair loss, it is recommended to use tar water several times a week. It will not be difficult to prepare it - you just need to add 50 grams of tar to a liter of water and mix well. The mixture should be left in a dark place for three days, periodically taking out the jar and shaking it. At the end of this period, the mixture is filtered from the sediment and used as a hair rinse.

Also, with active loss, a mask based on natural tar will help. The components include:

  • 100 ml sour cream;
  • vitamin A in the amount of a few drops;
  • and the main ingredient is tar (a tablespoon).

The ingredients are mixed and rubbed into the head before the planned wash. It is necessary to withstand the composition on the hair for several hours, after which it can be washed off. Important - this mask is washed off quite hard, you will need a lot of shampoo.

For acne

The relevance of using this product for skin beauty is that it has disinfecting, drying properties, helps to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands - this is not only a way to combat existing pimples, but also a good prophylactic. You can apply the following recipes for the face:

  • honey and tar mask(in a ratio of 3 to 1) with the addition of a teaspoon of olive oil. The components are thoroughly mixed and applied to the face, avoiding the skin around the eyes. The exposure time of the composition is half an hour, after which it must be washed off well with clean warm water and greased with a baby cream. You can not use this recipe more than twice a week;
  • for washing, you can use tar soap- It dries the skin well. It can be both purchased and prepared at home by melting a crushed bar of baby soap in a water bath and mixing it with a tablespoon of tar.

Use in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a pathology of a chronic nature that affects the skin, has unpleasant external manifestations and causes a lot of discomfort due to symptoms. Patients with such a diagnosis have to constantly struggle with it, looking for means that would give a lasting result. A good effect in the fight against plaques is given by tar-based products: soap, shampoos, ointments.

  • tar bought at the pharmacy is added in the amount of one drop to a tablespoon of apple juice and drunk a third of an hour before a meal. You can drink the remedy with milk - whichever you like better;
  • from the second day to the seventh, the amount of the main component is gradually increased one drop per day;
  • at the maximum dosage, the drug continues to be drunk until the 30th day from the start of therapy.

This method is very popular, since the majority of pharmaceutical preparations for worms have too long a list of side effects and contraindications.

For the treatment of hemorrhoids

The described remedy for hemorrhoids helps to stop the growth of bacteria, thereby relieving the intensity of inflammatory processes, swelling and pain. The wound healing property becomes as relevant as possible in the presence of bleeding. To eliminate such a delicate problem, sitz baths are used. A little tar is added to the prepared warm water and stirred (the recommended proportion is a tablespoon per two liters of water). After the patient needs to sit down so that the anus area is in the healing fluid.

Harm and contraindications to treatment with birch tar

Due to the fact that birch tar is an active and ingredient-rich substance, its use may well provoke an allergic reaction. For this reason, the agent is pre-tested for tolerability by the body. In addition, application in pure form to the skin can cause irritation.

Contraindications include: pregnancy and the period of preparation for it, breastfeeding, childhood. Also, experts do not recommend using tar-based products for exacerbations of chronic skin diseases.

The likelihood of burning after applying tar to the skin is very high, but here it is worth distinguishing a normal skin reaction from a pathological one. So, if the sensations increase in intensity and do not pass for more than a quarter of an hour, the composition must be washed off with water. When ingested, special care should be taken - taking tar in large quantities can have a toxic effect on the kidneys, with an overdose, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and convulsions occur.

Before you start using tar for a particular purpose, it is important to get permission from a doctor. Firstly, it will not be effective for all diseases, and secondly, additional methods of treatment should neither exclude nor interfere with the main prescribed treatment.

Video: how to make birch tar yourself

The technology for the extraction of birch tar on an industrial scale is such that it can be reproduced independently, but using improvised means. Once in the forest and having a small metal barrel, it is quite possible to get birch tar with your own hands, based on the recommendations described in this video.