Turpentine oil is made from the resin of certain pine trees. It is used as medicine. Turpentine oil is obtained by distilling oleoresin (gum turpentine) of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and other Pinus species. Turpentine oil is used to adulterate juniper berry oil.
Turpentine oil is used topically to treat rheumatoid and neuralgic disorders, toothaches, muscle pain, and disseminated sclerosis. Inhaling the vapors of turpentine oil can reduce thick secretions due to bronchial diseases.
Distilled turpentine oil is used as a flavoring ingredient in foods. In manufacturing, turpentine oil is used as a paint solvent, as well as an ingredient in cosmetics and soap.
People sometimes breathe in (inhale) the vapors of turpentine oil to reduce the chest congestion that goes along with some lung diseases.
In foods and beverages, distilled turpentine oil is used as a flavoring.
In manufacturing, turpentine oil is used in soap and cosmetics and also as a paint solvent.