In the 18th and 19th centuries, turpentine was a "cure-all" in many households. Wikipedia and other historical sources note that it was commonly used for:
This blog post explores the history, traditional uses, and modern medical status of turpentine. Turpentine Therapy: Ancient Remedy or Modern Risk? turpentine-therapy
Despite its "natural" origin, turpentine is highly toxic if misused. Modern medical professionals generally advise against oral consumption due to severe risks. According to the NJ Department of Health , long-term exposure or ingestion can lead to: In the 18th and 19th centuries, turpentine was