Overview
Turpentine is made from the resin of certain pine trees. Some breast rubs contain turpentine, such as Vicks VapoRub. When it is included in these products, it is used in very small amounts as a flavoring.
Some people use turpentine to treat gastrointestinal infections, autism, and different types of pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Turpentine may also be unsafe.
In food and beverages, distilled turpentine is used as a flavoring ingredient.
During the manufacturing process, turpentine is used in soaps and cosmetics, and as a paint solvent. It is also added as a fragrance to perfumes, foods and cleaning agents.
How does it work?
Inhaling turpentine may help reduce nasal congestion. When applied to the skin, turpentine may cause warmth and redness and help relieve pain in the tissues beneath the skin.
Purpose and efficacy?
Not enough evidence:
- Infect
- joint pain
- Muscle pain
- neuralgia
- toothache
side effect
When taken by mouth: Do not take turpentine by mouth. Turpentine may not be safe when taken by mouth. Turpentine can cause serious side effects, including headaches, insomnia, coughing, lung bleeding, vomiting, kidney damage, brain damage, coma and death.
When applied to skin: Turpentine is probably safe when applied to skin in small amounts. It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. But applying large amounts of turpentine to your skin may not be safe. In some cases, applying too much turpentine to the skin can cause damage to the kidneys or nervous system.
When inhaled: There is not enough reliable information to tell whether turpentine is safe. Inhaling turpentine can cause throat and lung irritation. It may also cause airway spasms in some people, especially people with asthma and whooping cough.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Do not take turpentine by mouth. Turpentine may not be safe when taken by mouth. Turpentine can cause serious side effects, including headaches, insomnia, coughing, lung bleeding, vomiting, kidney damage, brain damage, coma and death.
When applied to skin: Turpentine is probably safe when applied to skin in small amounts. It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. But applying large amounts of turpentine to your skin may not be safe. In some cases, applying too much turpentine to the skin can cause damage to the kidneys or nervous system.
When inhaled: There is not enough reliable information to tell whether turpentine is safe. Inhaling turpentine can cause throat and lung irritation. It may also cause airway spasms in some people, especially people with asthma and whooping cough. Children: Do not give turpentine by mouth to children. Turpentine may not be safe when taken by mouth. Children are particularly sensitive to the chemicals in turpentine and may die if they swallow it. There is not enough reliable information to know whether children can safely inhale turpentine or apply it to their skin. Turpentine is best avoided in children.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Turpentine may not be safe when taken by mouth. In addition to possible poisoning, it can also lead to miscarriage. There is not enough reliable information to know whether it is safe to put on the skin or inhale while pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay safe and avoid using.
Hypersensitivity (Allergy): Do not use if you are allergic to turpentine.
Lung problems, including wheezing or whooping cough: Do not inhale turpentine if you have asthma, whooping cough, or other lung problems, including lung inflammation. This may make your condition worse.
