What are gum spirits of turpentine used for?

Gum spirits of turpentine are mostly used as paint thinners and to make products such as menthol and camphor. Derivatives of turpentine have also been used to flavor food and drinks.

Gum spirits of turpentine are also used medicinally to relieve muscle aches and toothaches. They are applied topically to serve as a counterirritants to muscle pain. When added to a bath, they relieve the symptoms of sclerosis and treat sexual problems. They also treat wounds and are part of the formula for chest rubs that treat congestion.

Turpentine, an essential oil derived from pine trees, may also have antibacterial properties and stops osteoclasts, which are specialized bone cells, from reabsorbing bone.