Medicated oils are widely popular in Asia, among people, especially the older generations who believe it as a common cure-all household remedy that everyone should have. Living in Singapore, medicated oil can be found everywhere within our household. Over the years, there have been various claims of medicated oils treating conditions like coughs, colds, headaches and more.
Let us explore medicated oils and their health benefits in detail.
What is Medicated Oil?
Medicated oils usually contain ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate. Some medicated oils also contain active ingredients like natural eucalyptus oil, mint oil and rose oil for fragrance purposes. They are commonly used externally and applied to the skin for their soothing effects. The soothing sensation of warmth is caused by its menthol property, which also works as a topical analgesic (painkiller).
What are the Uses of Medicated Oil?
Medicated oils come with many uses which are majorly in relieving body discomfort. They relieve muscle aches and pains, joint pain and muscle soreness and keep you in a better physical condition.The strong aroma of medicated oil is a stress reliever and it helps you calm your mind. Among numerous uses of medicated oil is its ability to create a soothing sensation around you. If you spend most of your day in a stressful environment, applying some medicated oil to your forehead or inhaling its scent can relieve your blocked blood vessels and lower your sinus tension. Medicated oils contain healing properties that bring you both physical and mental comfort. Here are the benefits you can have by using medicated oils.
Health Benefits of Medicated Oils
1. Alleviates muscle and joint pain
Medicated oils can be used to relieve minor muscle and joint pains. Active ingredients like methyl salicylate found in the oil work as an analgesic and rubefacient which help reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation [1]. This helps to speed up the healing process, providing great pain relief as well.
2. Relieves headaches and migraines
Medicated oils like Eagle Brand Medicated Oil contain eucalyptus which has analgesic properties that relieve headaches. The menthol in medicated oil also helps to relieve pain from tension headaches and migraine attacks.
3. Relieves ailments like blocked noses
Medicated oils can provide relief from ailments like blocked noses and colds. The menthol in medicated oil gives a cooling sensation that helps to open up the nasal passages and relieve any sinus tension that results in headaches and other cold-like symptoms.
4. Relieves daily discomforts (giddiness, motion sickness)
Medicated oils formulated with natural ingredients like mint will have a soothing fragrance to relieve dizziness and motion sickness. When inhaled, medicated oils can help stimulate the brain and revitalize your senses, which improves nausea-related symptoms [2].
5. Promotes healing and rejuvenation
Medicated oils that contain peppermint and clove bud oils have therapeutic properties that help refresh the senses and promote well-being. Peppermint oil, in particular, has been found to increase brain oxygen concentration which can improve your day-to-day performance and reduce exhaustion [3].
How to Use Medicated Oils
Medicated oils are used primarily on the skin and are for external use only. To experience its soothing effects, you will have to apply it to affected areas 3 to 4 times daily. You may use it right under the nose or drip a few drops onto a handkerchief and inhale it’s scent deeply to ease cold symptoms.
Take note that medicated oils should never be applied to broken skin or wounds. To prevent irritation, it should also be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes, such as the insides of your nose.
Get Your Bottle of Medicated Oil Today
Medicated oils offer various health benefits and are suitable for most people across ages. They help relieve pain and provide a soothing sensation, making them the perfect source of comfort you should have on yourself.
Eagle Brand Medicated Oil has been trusted for generations. With its convenient 3ml, 6ml, 12ml and 24ml sized bottles, they can easily be carried around in your bag or stored in your medicine cabinet.
Drop by your nearest pharmacy or supermarket to get your bottle of Eagle Brand Medicated Oil today! You can also purchase our products online at our Eagle Brand official store on Lazada and Shopee.
References
[1] Miles, S. (2007). Methyl salicylate. XPharm: The Comprehensive Pharmacology Reference, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-008055232-3.62158-0
[2] Sites DS, Johnson NT, Miller JA, Torbush PH, Hardin JS, Knowles SS, Nance J, Fox TH, Tart RC. Controlled breathing with or without peppermint aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting symptom relief: a randomized controlled trial. J Perianesth Nurs. 2014 Feb;29(1):12-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2013.09.008. PMID: 24461278.
[3] Meamarbashi, A., & Rajabi, A. (2013). The effects of peppermint on exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-15