Function

• The term "turpentine" is used to describe the resin obtained from several species of pine or the essential oil obtained from this resin. The resin is sometimes referred to as "gum turpentine," while "spirits of turpentine" is the term often used for the oil. Turpentine has a long history of medicinal use primarily as a topical counter-irritant for the treatment of joint and muscle pain.
  
  

Effects

• Massaging the back with turpentine oil is a popular home remedy for back pain. Turpentine-based linaments made from 19th century recipes still are available online and at drug stores. These include McLean's Volcanic Oil Linament, Sloan's Linament and Yager's Linament.
  
  

Benefits

• Turpentine also is used in baths for the treatment of sclerosis and scoleosis. Two Russian naturopathic doctors, Dr. A. S. Zalmonov and Dr. Oleg A. Mazur, prescribe turpentine baths to remove salts from the joints, as well as for treatment of a variety of other illnesses. Be cautious if you decide to try a turpentine bath. Do not drink water with turpentine added. If ingested, turpentine is highly toxic and can be fatal, according to E. L. Boyd's manual for health care providers.