Turpentine
resin obtained from trees, mainly pines of the genus Pinus. A volatile oil called spirit of turpentine, oil of turpentine or, colloquially, turps can be extracted by distillation. Turpentine has been described simply as "distilled trees".
Turpentine is sometimes called acquaragia; cf aqua regia.
Medicinal uses
Turpentine has been used medically since ancient times.
- Applied externally to the affected areas, turpentine is a highly effective treatment for lice.
- Turpentine can be mixed with animal fat as a primitive chest rub for nasal and throat complaints. Some modern chest rubs still contain some turpentine (e.g., Vick's Vaporub).
- Internal administration of turpentine is no longer common today, though it was once the preferred means of treating intestinal parasites.
Industrial uses
Turpentine is used as a solvent, especially for thinning oil-based paints, and as a raw material for the chemical industry.
See also
