This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you’re unwell or think you have parasites, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.
An update from Mineral Balance
We previously published the turpentine protocol on this page, including how much to take and where to buy it. After reviewing the medical evidence, we’ve removed those instructions. Turpentine is toxic when swallowed, and we don’t believe the claimed benefits come close to justifying the risks. This page now explains what the protocol claims, what the evidence actually says, and what to do instead if you’re worried about parasites.
What is the turpentine protocol?
The turpentine protocol is an alternative health practice popularised by Dr Jennifer Daniels. It involves swallowing small amounts of “100% pure gum spirits of turpentine” – an oil distilled from pine tree resin – usually on sugar cubes or mixed with castor oil. Supporters claim it kills intestinal parasites and helps with a wide range of chronic illnesses.
A common explanation is that parasites are drawn to the sugar and swallow the turpentine along with it. There is no scientific evidence for this idea.
Where does the idea come from?
Turpentine does have a long history in folk medicine, and it appears in old medical texts such as the 1899 Merck Manual. Supporters often point to this as proof that it works.
But being listed in a 19th-century medical book isn’t evidence that something is safe or effective. Medicine at the time also routinely used mercury, arsenic and opium – treatments that were abandoned once their harms became clear. Turpentine fell out of use for similar reasons: safer and more reliable treatments came along.
What does the evidence say?
There are no clinical trials showing that swallowing turpentine safely treats parasites or any other illness in humans. Most of the support for the protocol comes from personal stories and online testimonials.
Turpentine oil has been studied as a topical treatment – rubbed on the skin for muscle and nerve pain – and it’s an ingredient in some chest rubs. Health sources are clear, though, that it should not be swallowed.
Why swallowing turpentine is risky
“Pure gum spirits” is often presented as a safe, natural alternative to the solvent sold in hardware shops. It’s true that it’s derived from pine resin, but the main compounds that make turpentine toxic are the natural ones themselves. Natural doesn’t mean harmless.
According to poison centre and toxicology references, the risks of swallowing turpentine include:
- Lung damage. Turpentine is a hydrocarbon. If even a small amount is breathed into the lungs – for example by coughing or vomiting while taking it – it can cause chemical pneumonitis, a serious lung inflammation.
- Kidney and bladder damage. Turpentine poisoning has been linked to kidney injury and to bleeding from the bladder, which shows up as blood in the urine.
- Effects on the brain and nervous system. These include headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and, in severe cases, coma.
- Stomach and gut irritation. This can cause burning pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Toxicology references report that as little as 15ml – about three teaspoons – has killed young children. If you have turpentine at home, keep it locked away from children and pets.
If you’ve taken turpentine and feel unwell
- Call 999 if someone is struggling to breathe, is very drowsy, confused or unconscious, or is having a seizure.
- Otherwise call NHS 111 for advice, even if symptoms seem mild. Lung symptoms can take a few hours to appear.
- Don’t make yourself sick. Vomiting increases the risk of turpentine getting into the lungs.
- If you go to hospital, take the bottle with you.
What to do if you think you have parasites
Symptoms often blamed on parasites – bloating, fatigue, itching, changes in bowel habits – have many possible causes, and it’s worth finding out what’s really going on.
- See your GP. They can arrange a stool test to check for parasites and investigate other causes of your symptoms.
- Threadworms are the most common worm infection in the UK and are easily treated with medicine from a pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for advice, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a young child. The NHS threadworms page has more information.
- If you’ve travelled abroad and developed symptoms, tell your GP where you’ve been. Some parasites are only picked up in certain countries and need specific tests.
Proven, safe treatments exist for parasite infections. There’s no need to take the risks that come with turpentine.
Final thoughts
We understand why protocols like this appeal to people, especially those living with long-term symptoms that haven’t been resolved. But the evidence simply doesn’t support swallowing turpentine, and the risks are real. If you’re dealing with ongoing health problems, a GP who takes the time to investigate properly is a far better starting point.
For more on how minerals work in the body, read our ultimate guide to mineral balancing.