Overview
Turpentine oil is made from the resin of certain pine trees. Turpentine oil is included in some chest rubs, such as Vicks VapoRub. When it is included in these products, it is used in very small amounts as a fragrance.
Some people use turpentine oil for infections of the stomach and intestines, autism, and different types of pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Turpentine oil can also be unsafe.
In foods and beverages, distilled turpentine oil is used as a flavoring ingredient.
In manufacturing, turpentine oil is used in soap and cosmetics and also as a paint solvent. It is also added to perfumes, foods, and cleaning agents as a fragrance.
How does it work ?
Turpentine oil, when inhaled, may help reduce congestion. When used on the skin, turpentine oil may cause warmth and redness that can help relieve pain in the tissue underneath.
Turpentine oil, when inhaled, may help reduce congestion. When used on the skin, turpentine oil may cause warmth and redness that can help relieve pain in the tissue underneath.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Insufficient Evidence for
- Infections.
- Joint pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Nerve pain.
- Toothaches.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of turpentine oil for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Do not take turpentine oil by mouth. Turpentine oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Turpentine oil can cause serious side effects, including headache, sleeplessness, coughing, bleeding in the lungs, vomiting, kidney damage, brain damage, coma, and death.
When applied to the skin: When small amounts of turpentine oil are applied to the skin, it is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. But applying large amounts of turpentine oil to the skin is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. In some cases, applying too much turpentine oil to the skin can cause kidney or nervous system damage.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if turpentine oil is safe. Inhaling turpentine oil can cause discomfort of the throat and lungs. It can also cause spasms of the airways in some people, particularly in those with asthma and whooping cough.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Do not take turpentine oil by mouth. Turpentine oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Turpentine oil can cause serious side effects, including headache, sleeplessness, coughing, bleeding in the lungs, vomiting, kidney damage, brain damage, coma, and death.
When applied to the skin: When small amounts of turpentine oil are applied to the skin, it is POSSIBLY SAFE. It might cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. But applying large amounts of turpentine oil to the skin is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. In some cases, applying too much turpentine oil to the skin can cause kidney or nervous system damage.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if turpentine oil is safe. Inhaling turpentine oil can cause discomfort of the throat and lungs. It can also cause spasms of the airways in some people, particularly in those with asthma and whooping cough. Children: Do not let children take turpentine oil by mouth. Taking turpentine oil by mouth is LIKELY UNSAFE. Children are particularly sensitive to the chemicals in turpentine oil, and they can die after swallowing it. There isn't enough reliable information to know if turpentine oil can be safely inhaled by children or applied to their skin. It's best to avoid any use of turpentine oil in children.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking turpentine oil by mouth is LIKELY UNSAFE. In addition to its potential to cause poisoning, it might cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if placing it on the skin or inhaling it is safe when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Hypersensitivity (allergy): Don't use turpentine oil if you have an allergy to it.
Lung problems, including asthma or whooping cough: Don't inhale turpentine oil if you have asthma, whooping cough, or other lung problems, including inflammation of the lungs. It might make your condition worse.
Interactions ?
Medications applied to the skin, eyes, or ears (Topical drugs) interacts with TURPENTINE OIL
Applying turpentine oil along with medications you put on the skin or in the eyes or ears might increase how much medicine your body absorbs. Increasing how much medicine your body absorbs might increase the effects and side effects of the medicine.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with TURPENTINE OIL
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Turpentine oil might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. This might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. However, this effect has not been seen in animals or humans. Before using turpentine oil talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, tizanidine (Zanaflex), zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
The appropriate dose of turpentine oil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for turpentine oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Next
- Common Searches:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Black Cohosh
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Coenzyme Q - 10
- DHEA
- Flaxseed
- Folic Acid
- Ginko
- Glucosamine
- Melatonin
- Niacin
- Magnesium
- Probiotics
- Red Yeast Rice
- St. John's Wort
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
Show More Show Less
You Might Also Like
Navigating Life With Migraine
Alternative Treatments for Migraines
Can Your Multivitamin Help Protect Your Eyes?
View More
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
