Birch tar: benefits, harm, application
Many people have heard that there is such a natural product as birch tar. But only a few are aware of what it is and what it can be used for in general. The history of the emergence and use of tar products goes deep into the past. It is made from birch bark. The tar looks like dark (almost black) oil. Has a pungent odor.
Contents
Properties of birch tar
Birch tar can be used as an antiseptic. It contains such substances as:
- Phytoncides (a substance of organic origin that can fight harmful bacteria and fungi).
- Resinous substances.
- Various types of acids of organic origin.
- Phenol, which is of great value. However, it is worth keeping in mind that a large amount of tar can be harmful. Because phenol is poisonous.
Birch tar contains many beneficial properties. The main thing is the ability to heal and fight inflammation.
Tar has occupied a certain niche in both medicine and cosmetology. It is the main component of some drugs, for example Vishnevsky, Wilkinson ointments, as well as cosmetics: soap, shampoos, gels, balms.
Among other things, tar:
- relieves pain;
- eliminates irritation and relieves skin from itching;
- dries out the skin;
- helps speed up the healing of wounds, abrasions and other skin damage;
- promotes the stretching and resorption of ulcers.
All of the above properties are used both comprehensively and separately.
The benefits and harms of birch tar
The benefits brought by tar are invaluable. It heals, strengthens, heals and rejuvenates. You can list its beneficial qualities for a long time, but the essence will remain the same. The product is practically the cornerstone of medicine and cosmetology.
However, every plus attracts its minus. Pure tar, pharmaceutical ointments and tar rubs can cause allergic reactions. Even lead to dermatitis. Therefore, before starting treatment, you should first consult a doctor for advice and take all the required safety measures. Under no circumstances should you apply tar to the skin or drink infusions of it at a time when chronic diseases are at their peak (exacerbating).
Before smearing all skin inflammations at once, perform a test on one and a half centimeter area. Apply a little tar and you will feel it sting. However, the itching of the skin will stop. The burning sensation should end in ten to fifteen minutes. If this does not happen, the tar ointment or rubbing should be washed off and such treatment should be abandoned.
In case of skin diseases with tar, it is advised to treat with extreme caution and only with the permission of a doctor.
Due to long-term use of tar, kidney problems may occur, as there is a high probability of toxic poisoning.
Application of birch tar
Birch tar has a very complex and rich composition. That is why it can bring both benefit and harm. Because of its medicinal properties, medicines based on birch tar were used during epidemics of scurvy and smallpox.
It can be used both internally and externally. When consumed in the form of tinctures or tar water:
- tar helps overcome illnesses associated with inflammation of the respiratory tract;
- cleanses the body of parasites;
- fights diseases of internal organs.
When used externally, tar fights various miasms.
Tar ointment
To prepare ointment for burns and wounds yourself, you will need:
- tar;
- lamb fat (if not, then pork fat).
Preparation: mix tar and existing fat one to ten. The ointment is ready for use.
Tar as a remedy for diathesis
Diathesis is extremely harmful disease and most often it occurs in children with a sweet tooth. From a simple rash, it sometimes turns into real torture. A simple recipe with tar will help you cope with it. All you need to mix the ointment:
- baby cream (or butter);
- tar.
Preparing the ointment is very simple. A couple of drops of tar are added to the required amount of cream (oil).
Treatment with birch tar
Tar appears as a result of the reaction from the decomposition of bitulin, consisting of benzene, phenol, toluene, xylene, phytoncides and acids of organic origin. These elements each have their own benefits and help with atherosclerosis and arthritis.
Among other things, tar can cure a sore throat, gangrene, and bronchial asthma.
Tar as a hair product reduces hair loss. It easily copes with diseases caused by fungus. Tar helps cope well with the healing of difficult-to-heal wounds, such as non-healing ulcers, scrofula, and inflammatory diseases of the rectum.
Among other things, tar copes with skin itching and dermatosis. Treats postpartum mastitis in women. Cures smallpox, eczema, psoriasis, bedsores.
Tar in its pure form, i.e. processed, used as a medicine in the treatment of oncology. It is able to support the patient’s body after chemotherapy procedures and a course of medication. With ovarian cysts, tar can reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. A similar thing happens with adenoma, a disease of the mammary glands. It is also used as a cancer prevention agent.
Birch tar inside
To cope with cold or bronchitis you will need: a teaspoon of tar, a liter of water. Dissolve the tar in water and consume every day before going to bed. If a child is being treated this way, milk can be used instead of water.
When getting rid of worms or other parasites, you need tar and honey. You should eat a teaspoon of honey with tar every evening. The amount of tar needs to be increased gradually. Start with one drop, adding another drop each day. The duration of use of this medicine is twelve days.
There is an excellent method for treating atherosclerosis with tar.
To prepare the medicine you will need to take:
- ½ teaspoon of tar;
- 1 glass of milk (homemade);
It is very simple to prepare. The milk is heated on the stove and tar is added to it. Everything should be mixed well.
The drug must be taken an hour before meals three times a day.
Birch tar soap is the first remedy in the fight against calluses. All you need to do is apply a small amount to the inflamed area. By morning the callus will heal.










