100% pure gum spirits of turpentine is a liquid product derived from the resin of coniferous trees, most commonly pine. Rich in monoterpenes, it has many uses ranging from a solvent in varnishes and paints to home remedy and health and beauty aid.
Commonly referred to as White spirits or mineral turpentine, it is mainly used in the production of paint, varnish, and memorial industry to reduce the strong odor associated with certain paints and varnishes.
It is also one of the essential oils used to make solvents, paint thinners and ramen products. Additionally, it has many uses around the home as it is a strong cleaner and can be used to remove old paint, grease, tar, and adhesives.
It is also used as a natural insecticide to repel ants, bugs and other insects. It is even used as an additive in some food and beverages, to smother the intense taste of spicy foods and as an ingredient in rocket fuel.
In its pure form, gum spirits of turpentine can be used as a natural remedy, with some people claiming it helps with respiratory issues, joint pain and even mental clarity. Diluted heavily with other liquids such as vegetable oil, it can be used as a massage oil, or as a topical dilution for aromatherapy.
What does turpentine do to skin?
Turpentine has a variety of uses, including as a paint remover and a cleaning agent, but its use on skin has been largely discouraged due to its potential health risks. Turpentine has been used as a topical remedy on skin for conditions like warts, boils and scabies.
However, concentrated turpentine may cause skin irritation, and long-term exposure may also lead to changes in skin pigmentation and redness. In some cases, direct contact with turpentine on skin can cause severe burns.
The vapor or fumes of turpentine, when inhaled, can be extremely toxic and lead to dizziness and headaches. For these reasons, using turpentine on skin is strongly discouraged, and it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before using any other methods to achieve a similar effect on skin.
Alternatives, such as hydrocortisone cream, may be more suitable for treating skin conditions.
Is turpentine used as a drug?
No, turpentine is not used as a drug. Turpentine is a liquid derived from the resin of certain trees and can be used as a paint thinner or to make varnish. Its fumes are highly flammable and its ingestion can cause burning of the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and severe lung damage.
It should not be used internally or externally in any form. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider turpentine to be a drug, and people should not rely on it as a medical remedy. Furthermore, its use as an internalexternal remedy is not approved by any health or regulatory agency in the United States.
What was turpentine used for in the old days?
Turpentine, a liquid hydrocarbon distilled from the resin of pine tree, has been used for centuries as a powerful cleaner and solvent. In the old days, it was commonly used for cleaning and preserving items such as wooden furniture and tools.
It was also used in the production of varnish and paint, as a grease and wax remover, for waterproofing, and as a rust inhibitor. In addition, turpentine was also used medicinally in folk remedies around the world.
It was believed to have antiseptic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties and was believed to help treat such illnesses as the common cold and respiratory problems. Some traditional treatments even advised mixing turpentine with water or honey to alleviate the symptoms of congestion or diarrhea.
In later centuries, turpentine was also used for producing diesel fuel and artificial camphor.
Can you drink turpentine and honey?
No, it is not safe to drink turpentine and honey. Drinking turpentine can cause poisoning, and the symptoms of turpentine poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness, and even death.
Additionally, turpentine is often processed with other chemicals, such as benzene and methanol, that are toxic to humans.
In addition, combining turpentine with honey can be dangerous as well. The combination of the two produces a new chemical compound, called hydroxybenzene, which can be highly poisonous if consumed. It can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms.
Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking turpentine and honey together, as it can lead to extremely serious health consequences.
What is medical turpentine?
Medical turpentine, also known as essential oil turpentine, is a colorless to yellow-brown oil distilled from the resin of trees such as pine and cedar. It has a strong, sweet, and pungent odor, and is a powerful solvent with a multitude of medicinal and therapeutic uses.
Medical turpentine is commonly used to create antiseptic solutions and topical treatments for skin irritations due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It is also used as an expectorant to help break up and expel mucus from the lungs and upper respiratory system, and reduce congestion and discomfort.
Medical turpentine is also often used to reduce the pain and inflammation of muscle aches, arthritis, and other joint pain.
Besides its medicinal uses, medical turpentine is also often found as an ingredient in products such as paints, strippers, varnishes, and cleaning products due to its powerful solubility properties. It is also used to create adhesives, furniture polishes, and other such products.
Given the many uses of medical turpentine and its potency, it is important to note that it should be used with caution and according to directions provided by professionals. It should not be used internally and excessive contact could cause irritation and potential skin burn, therefore protective clothing and gloves should be worn when handling medical turpentine.
Can turpentine make you sick?
Yes, ingesting turpentine can make you very sick. It is highly toxic and can cause serious health problems including irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach, nausea and vomiting, throat swelling, breathing difficulties, and—in large amounts—organ damage, coma, and death.
Turpentine has also been linked to kidney and liver damage. Additionally, turpentine is a skin and eye irritant, can cause dermatitis and chemical burns, and may provoke life-threatening allergic reactions.
It is important to keep turpentine out of the reach of children and to not use it for any purpose other than what it was intended for. If you believe that you have been exposed to turpentine, seek medical attention immediately.
How much turpentine is toxic?
Ingesting large amounts of turpentine is toxic and can be fatal. Turpentine is an aromatic hydrocarbon traditionally used as a solvent and cleaning agent. Low to moderate levels of turpentine may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
High levels of turpentine can cause central nervous system depression and inhibition of respiration, resulting in death. Short-term exposures to turpentine can result in digestive upset, headaches, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and kidney damage.
Long-term exposure to turpentine can also lead to liver and kidney damage, neuropathy, and spasms of the muscles in the face, chest, and arms. Additionally, exposure to turpentine vapor can cause anesthetic and narcotic effects.
The toxicity of turpentine varies greatly depending on the amount ingested, but even a small amount can be dangerous. In general, it is believed that ingestion of more than 15 ml of turpentine can be fatal, and the US National Library of Medicine recommends that 10 ml is considered to be a potentially lethal dose.
Therefore, it is important to use caution when handling turpentine and to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
What is the difference between turpentine and gum turpentine?
Turpentine is a volatile distilled oil made from coniferous (pine) trees. It is often used as an industrial solvent and is a traditional paint thinner. Gum turpentine, on the other hand, is extracted from the resin of living pine trees.
It is composed of terpenes, the primary being alpha- and beta-pinene. Gum turpentine is mostly used for its highly aromatic compounds, making it a popular additive to paints, varnishes, and film-forming agents.
It is also commonly used as a flavoring agent in foods, wines, and spirits. The major difference between turpentine and gum turpentine is their sources, with the former being a distillate and the latter being a sap or resin-based product.
Furthermore, turpentine is known for its strong solvent properties, whereas gum turpentine is used more for its aromatic compounds.
Is turpentine toxic to humans?
Yes, turpentine is toxic to humans when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. When consumed, wide-ranging symptoms can result including nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, kidney problems, confusion, and even death when taken in large doses.
Inhaling the fumes can cause irritation and symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Skin contact with turpentine can lead to redness, rashes, soreness, and pain.
In extreme cases, severe skin burns and blisters can occur. Long-term exposure to the vapors of this substance can even lead to neurological damage. For these reasons, turpentine should always be used in a well-ventilated area, and protective equipment is advised when decanting or using the material.
Is pine oil and turpentine the same?
No, pine oil and turpentine are not the same. Pine oil is an essential oil derived from the needles and twigs of certain pine trees. It has a yellow color and a strong, pleasant smell and is used in a variety of products such as soaps, detergents, and household cleaners.
Turpentine, on the other hand, is a fluid obtained by the distillation of resin obtained from some trees such as pine. It has a pungent smell, is usually yellow or colorless, and is used for thinnerning oil-based paints and for some varnishes and fragrances.
While pine oil may contain a small percentage of turpentine, the two are not the same product.
Is turpentine the same as white spirit?
No, turpentine and white spirit are two different products. Turpentine is a highly flammable, yellowish liquid distilled from the resin of certain pine trees. It is often used in paints and varnishes, as well as in cleaning solvents and as a paint thinner.
White spirit is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common solvent in painting, varnishing and many other industries. It is sometimes referred to as mineral turpentine, which should not be confused with natural turpentine.
White spirit is less flammable than turpentine, and it also has less of an odor. However, both solvents have similar properties when it comes to thinning oil-based paints and varnishes.