The Oil Of Turpentine As A Vermifuge is highly esteemed, especially in tape-worm. In cases of round-worms which do not yield to other agents, this remedy could be tried. Its action is to destroy or debilitate the parasite, which losing its hold upon the bowels, is then easily discharged. When worms exist in the stomach they are by its action killed, and then digested as any other dead animal matter.

It is to be remembered that turpentine in small doses, frequently repeated, stimulates the kidneys, increasing the secretion of urine, and often producing if long continued, painful irritation of the urinary passages, amounting sometimes to complete stoppage. Large doses generally act speedily on the bowels, in which case the oil is hurried out, and no time being allowed for absorption, it is less liable to irritate the kidneys and bladder than in small and repeated doses.

When proper precautions, suggested by the physiological action of turpentine, are observed, the remedy is not only harmless but very efficient; fifteen drops can be given twice a day for a week without injury. If at the end of this time worms are not expelled, it would be well to give one final large dose of one teaspoonful, and if it does not operate freely in two hours then administer castor oil. The turpentine can be given in milk or beaten up with a raw egg and a little sweet oil.