Actually, pure gum spirits of turpentine can be taken internally in very small doses (teaspoon or less). It used to be used as a treatment for parasites. I have family members that have experience with this, and they're not dead yet. It was taken with sugar, so maybe there's something to that song in Mary Poppins.
Smart move. Has it been long enough since they drank it that you'll try it now? ;-)