Camphor
(Cinnamomum camphora)

Camphor is a white crystalline substance, obtained from the tree Cinnamomum camphora. It has a strong, penetrating fragrance and a bitter, pungent taste. It is slightly cold to the touch like menthol leaves. You may recognize the exclusive smell since it is typically used in mothballs as well as some anti-itching medical formulations. It can be purchased in the form of oil, granules, or blocks.

It contains stimulant, anti-spasmodic, anti-septic, decongestant, anesthetic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant as well as insecticide values.

USES

• Researches on Camphor extracts have demonstrated considerable anti-oxidant actions. Anti-oxidants are the bio-chemicals that reduce the process of oxidation which can lead to the creation of free-radicals. Free-radicals are the chemicals which disrupt tissues and cells in our body and cause diseases.
• Camphor has been utilized in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for a long time to halt muscular pains as well as rheumatism.
• Camphor is used as a nervine depressant in case of hysteria, epilepsy, chorea and convulsions.
• It acts as a stimulant for blood circulation and respiration.
• It is effective in the treatment of measles, typhoid, whooping cough, and asthma.
• It is recommended in cases of cough, cold, toothache and liver disorders.
• Camphor oil is anthelmintic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic.
• It is used for treating joints and muscle pains, cold sores and skin diseases.
• Camphor oil is best used for sedating anxious nerves particularly when associated with depression.
• The oil is also used for aromatherapy.
• Camphor is also used as an antimicrobial substance. In embalming, camphor oil was one of the ingredients used by ancient Egyptians for mummification.
• Solid camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating and is therefore stored in tool chests to protect tools from rusting.

HOW TO USE IT

1. Decongestant
   The pungent aroma of camphor oil is an effective decongestant. It rapidly reduces blockage of the bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts and also lungs. It is therefore utilized in several decongestant balms and cold rubs.
2. Anesthetic & Nervous Pacifier
   It works as an effective anesthetic and leads to numbness of the sensory nerves in the area of application. Additionally, it decreases the harshness of nervous disorders as well as convulsions, epileptic attacks, nervousness, and chronic anxiety.
3. Treatment for Cough and cold
   Camphor heated in water for around ten minutes is an excellent medication to treat cough as well as cold. The person struggling with serious cough and cold should take deep breaths in the steam of camphor water for instant relief. Whenever camphor is breathed in, it forms an additional covering around the surfaces of the respiratory organs which decreases throat irritation and is effective for bronchitis.
4. Medicine for Neurodermatitis
   Neurodermatitis is a condition in which skin becomes incredibly scratchy and causes the affected skin to become thick and leathery. It is very painful if an individual scrapes the area. If camphor paste is applied onto the skin or the person takes baths in camphor dissolved water, this condition can be significantly reduced. Bathing in water with camphor oil disinfects the body in general and kills lice and any other parasites that could be on your body.
5. Curing fungal infection
   Folds in between skin, damp areas on the skin and toe nails are the prime areas for fungal infection occurrences. Water mixed with some camphor oil helps relieve not only the itching and odor, it helps heal the infection. Camphor is also utilized in several healthcare formulations just like ointments as well as lotion to prevent skin diseases.
6. Antiseptic, Disinfectant, Insecticide, and Germicide
   Camphor oil is a wonderful disinfectant, insecticide and germicide. Leaving an open bottle or container of camphor oil or burning a bit of cloth soaked in camphor oil helps repulse insects as well as kills germs in the environment. The granules can be kept with seasonal or festive clothes to protect them from insect damage, and also in closets as a pest repellent. A few granules of camphor can be added to a large sack of rice or grains to protect them from insects.
7. Stimulant & Diaphoretic
   Camphor oil is an effective stimulant which enhances the body’s circulatory system, metabolism, digestion, secretion and excretion. This particular property makes it an effective home remedy for health conditions related to improper circulation, digestion, sluggish or overactive metabolism, blocked secretion, to name a few.

CAMPHOR FOR BEAUTY

Itchy Skin

Skin problems like itching or irritation may be treatable by using camphor on the affected area. Dissolve camphor granules or mix camphor oil in water and apply with cotton balls onto the affected area for immediate relief.

Burn scars

Add a substantial amount of camphor oil or granules in water and apply on burn scars twice daily to eliminate them. Make sure the scars are not fresh as it can result in undesirable skin swelling and discomfort.

Acne

Camphor’s best beauty secret is that it treats acne. Camphor is an anti-inflammatory agent and thus effective in treatment of acne and pimples. Mix camphor oil with water and apply with cotton balls onto the affected area once a day. You can make a small container at a time and store it in the refrigerator.

Cracked heel

Camphor is also great in the treatment of cracked and rough heels. Make a solution of warm water and camphor oil and soak your feet in it for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow it up with a scrub.

Hair growth

Camphor oil is also thought to be effective in hair growth. Many herbal companies include camphor oil with their hair care products. You can make your own by adding a few drops of camphor oil with other oils that are effective for hair growth. It not only aids hair growth, it relaxes the mind and reduces stress. It prevents hair fall and keep the hair shiny and strong. You can create a hair mask once a month by adding camphor oil to an egg or yogurt and applying it to your hair for an hour before washing.

Prevents Hair Loss

Along with boosting hair growth camphor benefits the hair simply by preventing hair loss. Hair loss is a very common issue nowadays due to environmental, diet, and stress related factors. Massaging your scalp and hair with camphor oil can prevent hair loss.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• It has some narcotic effects since it quickly desensitizes the nerves and relaxes the brain.
• The odor of camphor oil is addicting; care should be taken against inhaling too much of it.
• Camphor should not be used if the person has active vascular irritation, inflammation of the brain, or has a high fever with a strong pulse.
• Camphor should not be used if the person is suffering from digestive issues.
• It is best to use it under the supervision of a health care professional.

SCIENTIFIC DETAILS

Family Name: Lauraceae
Common Name(s): Camphor; Gum Camphor; Camphor Laurel; French Camphor; Howood
Part(s) Used: roots; bark
Habitat:
Properties: anti-bacterial; anti-fungal; analgesic; analeptic; anthelmintic; antispasmodic; aromatic; carminative; diaphoretic; stimulant; narcotic; tonic

Tags: anti-bacterial; antifungal; analgesic; analeptic; anthelmintic; antispasmodic; aromatic; carminative; diaphoretic; stimulant; narcotic; tonic; acne; beauty; scars; hair; cracked heels