Vaseline oil for constipation: application and effectiveness

Constipation is a difficult, delayed, irregular bowel movement of the body, which is a consequence of violations the work of the digestive system, a sedentary lifestyle, the constant use of laxatives. In women, it is exacerbated during pregnancy, in the postpartum period. May occur in newborn babies, especially those who are bottle-fed. Constipation can be the source of most diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as skin, nervous system and infectious diseases. In an effective solution to this delicate problem, petroleum jelly helps. Its second name is liquid paraffin.

Oil Secrets

Liquid paraffin is a derivative from the processing of petroleum products. It is a colorless oily substance, odorless and tasteless. Does not contain harmful impurities and compounds. It is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription in vials of various capacities. The drug does not accumulate in the body, does not affect the functions of the digestive system and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. The preparation contains no toxic substances and carcinogens, it can be safely used by adults, the elderly and children. This oily liquid is used in the fields of medicine and pharmacology in the manufacture of rectal suppositories, creams, ointments. In everyday life, it can be used in the food industry, when working with wood, and church rituals.

Properties

Vaseline oil has long established itself as an effective remedy for the urgent elimination of constipation. It has the following properties:

• softens;
• protects;
• liquefies;
• stimulates;
• absorbs.

The use of liquid paraffin helps prevent the onset and development of intestinal diseases.

Operating principle

Once in the body, the drug, due to its viscosity, evenly spreads along the intestinal mucosa. Creates a soft layer between the intestinal mucosa and the accumulated feces, protecting the intestines from microtraumas. Retains fluid, which liquefies the dense fecal plug and stimulates the receptors of the mucous membrane to speed up the process of defecation. When constipated, it absorbs harmful fat-soluble substances in the intestines.

Recommendations for use

In order to avoid negative consequences for the body after using the drug, you must adhere to simple recommendations:

1. Use the procedure for one-time body cleansing. A course of up to 5 days is recommended only in very advanced cases of constipation.
2. Calculate dosage according to the age and weight of the patient.
3. Take vaseline oil in the morning two hours before meals or in the evening after dinner, after the same time.
4. It is not recommended to drink the drug.
5. Avoid frequent systematic use so as not to reduce intestinal tone.
6. It must be remembered that defecation of the body begins 4-5 hours after the start of the intake.
7. The lack of the desired effect implies the immediate cancellation of the repetition of the procedure and the subsequent visit to the doctor.
8. During pregnancy, petroleum jelly is used only after consulting a gynecologist, since bowel function can provoke uterine tone and premature birth.
9. Women in labor and nursing mothers are allowed to use the product only after medical advice in order to minimize the negative consequences for the child.

Application Tips

For the correct and speedy achievement of the desired result, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage. The instructions supplied with the liquid paraffin bottle will be quite useful.

The use of vaseline oil is possible in two ways:

• orally;
• rectally (enema).

An adult can use the first method, but if the patient is a child of an infant, preschool or primary school age, it is recommended to help him with an enema.

Oral dosage:

• adults - 1 or 2 tablespoons once;
• elderly people over 60 years old - no more than 2 teaspoons per day;
• children from 1 year to 4 - 0.5 teaspoon;
• children from 4 to 14 - 1-2 teaspoons;
• children after 14 and up to 18 - 1 tablespoon.

Enemas

In the case when ingestion is impossible or the patient is very small, it is recommended to give an enema based on liquid paraffin. It cleanses the intestines very gently and delicately.

Step-by-step procedure

Mix the prepared ingredients, heat the mixture on a steam bath to about 40C. Pour the resulting liquid into a pear. It is necessary to put the patient on his side, bending his knees (the embryo position is ideal). Insert the tip of the pear greased with petroleum jelly into the rectum, then very gently and slowly introduce the composition. After a while, the drug will take effect, the intestines will empty.

The composition of the enema for children

An infant is a special category of patients. They are not uncommon for constipation, especially among artificial ones. It is necessary to use liquid paraffin for constipation in babies only if absolutely necessary.

To prepare the cleaning mixture you will need:

• 50 ml of warm boiled water;
• 1.5 tablespoons of oil;
• medical pear with a soft tip.

Enema composition for adults

Carrying out an enema for an adult patient is no different from a procedure for a child, but the composition is somewhat different:

• boiled water - 100-150 ml;
• oil - 3 tablespoons.

In severe cases of constipation, it is recommended to give an enema without water. Warm oil relaxes the intestines and relieves pain.

Contraindications for use

Vaseline oil in the correct amount is harmless, but like any drug, it has a number of contraindications. These include:

• numerous ulcers and erosion of the organs of the gastrointestinal system;
• acute intestinal obstruction;
• individual intolerance to petroleum jelly;
• inflammatory bowel processes;
• prolapse of the rectum;
• exacerbation of hemorrhoids;
• fever.

Side effects

When using the drug, side effects may occur: nausea, vomiting, involuntary defecation, discomfort in the stomach. Spontaneous leakage of the drug from the anus is possible, staining linen and clothes with oily stains.

Overdose

Exceeding the recommended dose of oil can cause severe diarrhea with consequent disturbance of the flora and intestinal functions.

Prevention of constipation

In order to prevent defecation disorders in the future, it is necessary to use simple methods of prevention:

• Drink plenty of fluids in the form of purified drinking water.
• Increase physical activity. Fitness classes are perfect for this.
• If you are sedentary, spend more time walking or cycling.
• Eat foods with a high fiber content: bran bread, vegetables, buckwheat and oatmeal cereals, herbs, fruits.
• Increase the consumption of fermented milk products.
• Quit smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Do not get carried away with the use of laxatives.
• Avoid stress and nervous stress.

The use of petroleum jelly in relieving constipation is very effective, but you should not get carried away with this procedure. The true causes of defecation disorders can be determined by the attending physician and the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.