What Is Turpentine Used For? Understanding Its Applications and Safety

Turpentine has been utilized for centuries across various industries and traditional medicine practices. While many people recognize it primarily as a paint thinner, this natural substance derived from tree resin has multiple applications that extend far beyond the workshop.

Understanding what turpentine is used for requires knowledge of both its practical industrial applications and its historical medicinal uses. However, it’s crucial to recognize the significant safety concerns associated with this potent substance, particularly when it comes to direct consumption or improper use.

This comprehensive guide explores the various uses of turpentine, examines the science behind its applications, and provides critical safety information to help you make informed decisions about this powerful natural product.

What Exactly Is Turpentine?

Turpentine is a fluid obtained from the resin of pine trees and other coniferous species. The extraction process involves collecting the sticky resin that naturally seeps from these trees, then processing it through distillation to produce turpentine oil.

The substance appears as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid with a distinctive, penetrating odor. Its chemical composition consists primarily of terpenes, including alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, which give turpentine its characteristic properties.

It’s important to distinguish turpentine oil from pine essential oil. While both come from pine trees, they are extracted through different methods and have distinct chemical profiles. Pine oil is typically produced through steam distillation of pine needles and wood, whereas turpentine comes specifically from tree resin.

Industrial and Commercial Uses of Turpentine

Paint Thinning and Solvent Applications

The most well-known use of turpentine is as a paint thinner and solvent. Artists and painters have relied on turpentine for generations to:

• Thin oil-based paints to achieve desired consistency
• Clean paintbrushes and other painting tools
• Remove paint stains from surfaces and clothing
• Dissolve varnishes and other oil-based finishes

Its effectiveness as a solvent stems from its ability to break down oil-based substances without damaging most surfaces when used properly.

Manufacturing and Industrial Processing

Beyond art studios, turpentine plays a significant role in various manufacturing processes. Industries use turpentine as:

• A raw material in synthetic camphor production
• An ingredient in the manufacture of resins and varnishes
• A component in certain adhesives and sealants
• A source material for producing other chemical compounds

Fragrance and Personal Care Products

The distinctive scent of turpentine has found its way into numerous consumer products. Small, carefully processed amounts appear in:

• Perfumes and colognes
• Scented soaps and detergents
• Air fresheners and deodorizers
• Certain cosmetic formulations

When used in these products, turpentine undergoes extensive refinement and dilution to ensure safety for consumer use.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Turpentine

Topical Pain Relief

Throughout history, various cultures have applied turpentine topically to address different types of pain. Traditional uses include:

• Relief from muscle aches and soreness
• Management of joint discomfort
• Treatment of nerve-related pain conditions
• Easing symptoms associated with arthritis

Some research has examined turpentine’s effectiveness for pain relief. One study involving individuals with diabetic neuropathy found that topical application of turpentine oil demonstrated pain-reducing properties comparable to capsaicin cream, a commonly used topical analgesic.

Another investigation evaluated a combination spray containing turpentine along with other essential oils, including menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, clove, and gaultheria oils. The results suggested potential benefits for reducing mild to moderate muscle pain, though it’s difficult to isolate turpentine’s specific contribution to these effects.

Respiratory Congestion Relief

Turpentine oil appears as an ingredient in various over-the-counter chest rubs and vapor products designed to ease respiratory congestion. These products typically contain highly diluted amounts of turpentine combined with other ingredients.

The mechanism behind its potential decongestant effects relates to its aromatic compounds, which may help open airways when inhaled indirectly through vapor or topical application to the chest area.

Other Traditional Applications

Folk medicine traditions have employed turpentine for numerous other purposes, including:

• Dental pain management
• Wound cleaning and infection prevention
• Skin condition treatments
• Parasite elimination

However, it’s critical to note that most of these traditional uses lack robust scientific evidence supporting their safety or effectiveness. Many of these applications are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.

Food and Beverage Industry Applications

Surprisingly, turpentine has limited, highly regulated use in the food and beverage industry. After extensive purification and processing, minute quantities may serve as:

• Flavoring agents in certain foods
• Components in food-grade additives
• Ingredients in specific alcoholic beverages

These applications involve only food-grade turpentine that has undergone rigorous processing to remove toxic compounds. The amounts used are extremely small and strictly regulated by food safety authorities. This industrial food-grade turpentine is vastly different from the turpentine sold for paint thinning or other non-food purposes.

Understanding the Serious Risks and Toxicity of Turpentine

Why Turpentine Should Never Be Ingested

Despite claims circulating online about drinking turpentine for health benefits, consuming this substance directly is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Turpentine is classified as toxic, and ingestion can lead to severe poisoning.

Symptoms of turpentine poisoning may include:

• Severe vomiting and nausea
• Intense abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing and coughing
• Burning sensation in the throat and mouth
• Dizziness and confusion
• Chest pain and pressure
• Swelling of the throat and airways
• Blood in urine
• Vision problems or loss
• Kidney damage or failure
• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness

Medical literature documents that consuming as little as 0.5 ounces (15 mL) can cause serious harm, while doses of 5 ounces (150 mL) or more may be fatal. Even small amounts can cause significant internal damage, particularly to the kidneys, liver, and respiratory system.

Inhalation Hazards

Breathing in turpentine fumes, especially in concentrated amounts or poorly ventilated spaces, presents serious health risks. Direct inhalation may cause:

• Irritation of the respiratory tract
• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea and lightheadedness
• Exacerbation of asthma symptoms
• Breathing difficulties
• Chemical pneumonitis in severe cases

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorders should avoid exposure to turpentine vapors entirely.

Skin Reactions and Contact Dermatitis

Applying undiluted turpentine directly to the skin can cause adverse reactions, including:

• Contact dermatitis (skin inflammation)
• Redness and irritation
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Blistering in severe cases
• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

Prolonged or repeated skin exposure may lead to sensitization, where the skin becomes increasingly reactive to turpentine over time.

Special Populations at Higher Risk

Certain groups face elevated risks from turpentine exposure:

• Children: Their smaller body size makes them more vulnerable to poisoning, and they may accidentally ingest turpentine if it’s not stored securely
• Pregnant women: Limited research exists on turpentine’s effects during pregnancy, but potential risks to fetal development make avoidance advisable
• Nursing mothers: Unknown whether turpentine compounds can pass into breast milk
• People with kidney or liver disease: These organs process and eliminate toxins, and pre-existing damage increases vulnerability to turpentine’s toxic effects
• Individuals with respiratory conditions: Higher risk of serious breathing problems from vapor exposure

Safe Handling and Use Guidelines for Turpentine

If Using Turpentine for Industrial Purposes

When working with turpentine as a paint thinner or solvent:

• Always work in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors or with open windows and fans
• Wear protective gloves to prevent skin contact
• Use safety glasses to protect eyes from splashes
• Store turpentine in clearly labeled containers, away from children and pets
• Keep away from heat sources, flames, and sparks, as turpentine is flammable
• Dispose of turpentine-soaked rags properly, as they can spontaneously combust
• Never transfer turpentine to food or beverage containers

If Considering Topical Medicinal Use

If you’re considering using turpentine oil topically despite the risks, extreme caution is essential:

• Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medications
• Never apply undiluted turpentine to your skin
• Always dilute turpentine oil with an appropriate carrier oil (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil) at a ratio recommended by a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider
• Perform a patch test first by applying a small amount of diluted oil to a small area of skin and waiting 24 hours to check for reactions
• Avoid applying to broken skin, open wounds, or sensitive areas
• Never apply near the eyes, nose, mouth, or mucous membranes
• Wash hands thoroughly after application
• Discontinue use immediately if any adverse reactions occur

Emergency Response to Turpentine Exposure

If turpentine poisoning is suspected:

• Call emergency services or poison control immediately
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals
• If turpentine is on the skin, remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
• If turpentine gets in the eyes, flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention
• If inhaled, move to fresh air immediately
• If ingested, do not give anything by mouth unless directed by poison control or medical professionals

Debunking Dangerous Turpentine Health Claims

Recent online trends have promoted drinking turpentine as a cure for various ailments, including parasitic infections, candida overgrowth, and even serious diseases. These claims are extremely dangerous and lack scientific support.

No credible medical evidence supports the internal use of turpentine for health benefits. The risks far outweigh any theoretical benefits, and consuming turpentine can cause life-threatening poisoning.

Similarly, claims about turpentine “detoxifying” the body or killing parasites internally are not backed by legitimate research. Your body has its own detoxification systems (primarily the liver and kidneys), and consuming toxic substances like turpentine actually places additional stress on these organs rather than supporting them.

If you’re dealing with health concerns that some people claim turpentine can address, consult with a qualified healthcare provider about evidence-based treatment options.

Safer Alternatives to Consider

If you’re interested in turpentine for its potential therapeutic properties, consider these safer alternatives:

For Pain Relief

• Capsaicin cream (from chili peppers) applied topically
• Arnica gel for muscle soreness
• Peppermint oil (properly diluted) for topical pain management
• Lavender essential oil for relaxation and mild pain relief
• Physical therapy and appropriate exercise
• Hot or cold therapy

For Respiratory Congestion

• Eucalyptus oil (in safe, commercial preparations)
• Steam inhalation with plain water
• Humidifiers to add moisture to the air
• Saline nasal rinses
• Staying well-hydrated

For Cleaning and Painting

• Citrus-based paint thinners as less toxic alternatives
• Mineral spirits, which generally produce fewer fumes
• Soy-based paint removers
• Water-based paints that don’t require turpentine for cleanup

Before using any alternative remedy, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation.

The Bottom Line on Turpentine Uses

Turpentine serves legitimate purposes in industrial applications, particularly as a paint thinner and solvent. It also appears in highly diluted, processed forms in some commercial products like chest rubs, fragrances, and cosmetics.

While traditional medicine has employed turpentine topically for pain relief and congestion, limited scientific evidence supports these uses, and significant safety concerns exist. Any medicinal use should involve only topical application of properly diluted turpentine, never internal consumption.

The most important takeaway is that turpentine is toxic when ingested and can cause serious, potentially fatal poisoning. Despite claims you may encounter online, drinking turpentine is never safe and offers no legitimate health benefits.

If you’re working with turpentine for industrial purposes, always follow proper safety protocols including adequate ventilation and protective equipment. If you’re considering any medicinal use of turpentine, consult a healthcare professional first to discuss safer, evidence-based alternatives.

When stored and handled properly, turpentine can be a useful tool for specific applications. However, understanding its risks and limitations is essential for safe use. Always prioritize your health and safety by treating this substance with the caution it deserves.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Turpentine Oil Poisoning
• PubMed – Topical Turpentine Oil Treatment in Diabetic Neuropathy
• Poison Control – Turpentine Toxicity Information
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – Turpentine ToxFAQs
• ScienceDirect – Turpentine Overview