Studies From History: On Turpentine.
A medicine of years past.
And an herbal reawakening of years current.
A medicine of Native peoples.
Of ancient Europeans.
Pine resin.
When treated with heat and water, known as turpentine.
American and European medicinal turpentine sold today traditionally came from the sap of Longleaf pine trees (in the US) and Cluster pine (in Europe). The liquid (also referred to as 'gum') is collected straight from the tree (see documentary below). It's then distilled until clear.
After distillation you have what we call 'pure gum spirits of turpentine'.
Turpentine has been used for medicinal purposes and is known to:
*Support lung health
*Help alleviate depression
*Aid in mending wounds
*Stop bleeding
*Repel parasites
*Repel unwanted microbes
*Ease toothaches
*Relieve skin infections
*Alleviate symptoms of skin infections
*Alleviate muscle and joint pain
*Alleviate nerve pain
*Decrease congestion and internal stagnation
The Merck Manual of 1899 listed turpentine (under its other names: terbene, terrapin, terpinol) as a medicinal for the following conditions:
Note: Medical apothecary measurements were dosed in grains (grn) and the 'm' symbol stands for 'minimum' (see Merck chart below). 1 grain is equivalent to 0.0647989 grams. 15 grains are equivalent to 0.971984 grams (15.5 grains is the rough equivalent to 1 gram - or 15.4324 grains to 1 gram). Also note 'several t. daily' referrs to administering a dose 'several times daily' (See Merck chart below).
Merck Manual, 1899
Some assume doctors stopped recommending turpentine or other similar old world products because, we are told, they were eventually deemed 'too dangerous'.
As for the proof behind this why remains to be understood. I myself cannot find the research for the switch and have yet to come across a reasonable reference or study from those who aim to deter the use of turpentine in absolute. If you come across such an article, please do let me know.
Like all medicine and most substances in this world - natural or not - turpentine can be classified as a poison.
If we drank a bottle of peppermint essential oil we might be considered poisoned.
If we ate an unroasted cashew, we might be considered poisoned.
Should we avoid these things all together because using too much or with poor judgment might make us severally ill?
You be the judge.
Hence the purpose for this post.
As with all medicinal substances, including those that closer to nature, herbal and plant based, the poison is in the dose. Especially with a substance as potent as turpentine.
Which is why we need to be our own researchers before trying everything.
We must look at those on the 'pro' side, and those who think on the 'anti' side.
And we must look at their research presented (which should involve actually reading their studies and papers, not simply noting they have studies and papers in reference).
And even do the medical calculations & conversions ourselves.
If the medical papers referenced aren't readily available to us for reading with our own two eyes (as many people will post links to research articles that simply will not open or that are only available to those in the medical community), we should take the unavailability into consideration as well.
Transparency is key.
I use pure organic gum spirits of turpentine in some of my herbal therapeutic salve recipes. I follow all the known safety guidelines and continue to learn through peer-reviewed research papers and books written by medical practitioners of all types.
As I always say, people shouldn't use anything, from a doctor to a friend, if they haven't conducted the research themselves, first. And they must always admit that only they themselves are responsible for the outcome, regardless.
As my disclaimer goes:
All medicine should be used only by your own consent.
So without further ado, on the topic of turpentine, here are a few resources to get you started. ;-)
Keep on reading, my friends.
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STUDIES & RESOURCES:
(The studies below are nowhere near an exhaustive list. Always continue your own research and read the papers within each paper below.)
2) Historical Case Studies (1) by Medical Doctor John Bennett of Newport, Kentucky
3) The North-Western Medical and Surgical Journal; New Series. Volume III. May, 1854. No. 5.
4) Therapeutic Actions and Uses of Turpentine. The Chicago Medical Examiner. October 1871.
6) The Use of Turpentine in the treatment of Diphtheria. June 5-8, 1894.
7) Turpentine Industry Documentary from the 1940's
9) Grand Canyon Nature Notes. Volume 8, Number 9. 1933.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. I am not a doctor. I am simply sharing my opinions and studies as a clinical herbalist, researcher, and fellow human being on health topics and methods. Always take my opinions, thoughts, and advice with a grain of salt. Try them on for size but always by your own consent. And continue to research on your own. Remember: your health is your own.
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