Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
In a social media video, a US psychiatrist and self-described natural healing consultant claims that eating turpentine treats sepsis. We fact-checked and found the claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
In a Facebook video, clips featuring Dr. Andrew Kaufman, a US psychiatrist and self-described ‘Natural Healing Consultant,’ suggest that drinking turpentine serves as a remedy for severe illness and sepsis. Dr. Kaufman shared these clips on platforms like Instagram and Facebook within the past few weeks. However, it is important to note that these excerpts are extracted from a longer interview video (approximately at the 26-minute mark) originally uploaded to Rumble more than two years ago.
We found the same video on Instagram as well.
We have attached the screenshot of the post below:
Fact Check
What is turpentine?
Turpentine is a fluid derived from the resin of pine trees. It is commonly used as a solvent or paint thinner and historically has applications, such as in medicine as a topical treatment or ingested for supposed health benefits. However, ingesting turpentine is not recommended due to its toxic nature and potential health risks. It contains substances that can be harmful to the human body, causing irritation, inflammation, damage to the digestive system, and other serious health issues. As such, using turpentine for medicinal purposes is not considered safe or advisable.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a critical condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation. This inflammatory response, aimed at fighting the infection, ends up damaging tissues and organs. As a result, the body’s normal functioning gets disrupted, potentially leading to severe complications and even death.
Symptoms of sepsis can vary but often include fever, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and altered mental state. If left untreated, sepsis can progress rapidly to severe sepsis or septic shock, where blood pressure drops significantly, and multiple organ systems fail.
Immediate medical attention is crucial for treating sepsis. Doctors typically administer antibiotics to fight the underlying infection, and provide fluids intravenously to stabilize blood pressure and support affected organs. Recognizing the signs of sepsis early and seeking prompt medical care significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
What is the treatment for sepsis?
Sepsis treatment requires swift and comprehensive hospital-based interventions. It begins with the immediate administration of antibiotics to combat the underlying infection causing the condition. Simultaneously, intravenous fluids are administered to stabilize blood pressure and maintain proper blood flow to vital organs. In cases of severe sepsis or septic shock where blood pressure remains critically low despite fluids, vasopressor medications are employed to constrict blood vessels and improve blood pressure levels.
Supportive care is pivotal, focusing on managing complications arising from sepsis. This includes providing respiratory support via mechanical ventilation if breathing becomes compromised, kidney dialysis for kidney failure, and other supportive measures to aid affected organs. Identifying and treating the source of the infection, such as draining abscesses or removing infected tissue, is essential in controlling the root cause of sepsis.
Continuous monitoring of vital signs, oxygen levels, and organ function is crucial throughout treatment to assess the patient’s response and make necessary adjustments. Following initial treatment, individuals recovering from sepsis often require ongoing care and rehabilitation due to potential long-term effects on physical and mental health. Early recognition of sepsis symptoms and immediate medical attention significantly improve patient outcomes.
Does the claim ‘turpentine treat sepsis’ have any scientific basis?
It does not seem so. We found no evidence that confirms turpentine treats sepsis. In the claimed video, Dr. Kaufman talks about using a small amount of turpentine mixed with castor oil every day to help with serious sicknesses, like sepsis. However, evidence shows that swallowing turpentine can cause really bad reactions in the body. It can hurt the organs, make it hard to breathe, and even lead to death.
Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that if anyone swallow turpentine, they should get medical help right away. We further researched and found the full video from which the claimed video has been taken. Within the video, Dr. Kaufman also mentions a safe dose of turpentine, saying that a teaspoon is the most people should use in a day. However, we researched and found a case study where a child died after having three tablespoons of turpentine. Also, other evidence shows that kids can get sick and even die after taking smaller amounts of turpentine. But Dr. Kaufman does not talk about these harmful effects in the full interview.
Dr Atul Kr Vashishtha, General Physician at SN Medical College and District Hospital in Firozabad informs, “There is no observable clinical evidence that shows turpentine treats sepsis. On the contrary, it is possible that turpentine could induce gastrointestinal irritation in patients with sepsis, potentially exacerbating their condition. Urgent admission is recommended. Failure to administer appropriate treatment by qualified professionals could lead to life-threatening complications. Please assess blood pressure, heart rate, and fever. Evaluate the respiratory pattern and monitor the pulse.”
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, BAMS, currently practicing in Delhi, explains, “Sepsis is a potentially fatal illness that needs to be treated immediately under the supervision of a medical professional. In these situations, we should never act without first speaking with a doctor because any carelessness or improper treatment could make the situation worse. Turpentine therapy for sepsis has not been scientifically demonstrated to be effective, and as it can have disastrous effects, it should not be utilized”.
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