CAMPHOR HEALTH BENEFITS

CAMPHOR HEALTH BENEFITS

Cinnamomum camphora 
Botanical family: Lauraceae

Camphor was originally obtained from distillation of the bark from the camphor tree.Today, it is synthetically produced from turpentine oil.

1.  approved camphor for the treatment of rheumatism (externally), hypotension (low blood pressure), arrhythmia, cough, bronchitis and nervous heart complaints.


2. Camphor oil preparations have been used both internally and externally in many countries, for 
a variety of ailments, ranging from respiratory problems to rheumatic pain.


3. The principal use of camphor is as an antitussive agent to reduce coughs.


4. The essential oil is diluted in a suitable carrier (almond oil, for example) and employed as 
topically as   rubefacient (to improve capillary circulation).


5. The vapors are inhaled as treatment for upper respiratory tract ailments.


6. Infusions or teas may be taken internally as expectorants.


7. Camphor oil is applied to the skin as a rubefacient to promote circulation and to relieve itching.


8. Avoid use in patients with epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease.


9. Camphor preparations should not be taken internally due to their potential toxicity.


10. As with any other essential oil, never apply camphor oil directly to or near the 
nostrils of small children or asthmatic patients, as bronchial spasm and convulsions may occur, 
leading to respiratory arrest.


11. Do not apply camphor oil on burned, injured or broken skin.


12. To treat infections of the upper respiratory tract, perhaps it is better to use menthol or 
eucalyptus preparations, as these are relatively less toxic than camphor, and have very similar 
therapeutic effects.