Camphor: benefits, how to use and contraindications

Camphor purifies the air and can help treat respiratory ailments, but with caution

camphor

Image: Cinnamomum camphora by Kenpei is licensed under CC BY 3.0

Camphor is a terpene historically extracted from the camphor tree, scientific name Cinnamomum camphora, but commonly developed through chemical synthesis in the laboratory.

  • What are terpenes?

Culturally, camphor is used in traditional medicine and as an insect and animal repellent. Due to its pleasant aroma, camphor is used as an ingredient in cosmetics, in the preparation of embalming fluids, among other uses. In India, camphor is part of the list of spices used in food and in religious ceremonies.

Camphor is native to East Asia, particularly the island of Formosa, Japan and China.

camphor

Image: Cinnamomum camphora by Hans on Pixabay

Camphor is produced in smaller quantities by other plants such as rosemary and basil; and it plays an important defense function against the attack of natural predators. Rosemary essential oil, extracted from rosemary leaves, contains 10 to 20% camphor.

Benefits of Camphor

  1. In Indian culture, burning camphor is believed to provide a more enlightening view of reality;
  2. In addition, burning camphor is practiced as a form of air purification, eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses and mosquitoes;
  3. Camphor oil, when applied to the chest, relieves nasal congestion and coughing;
  4. In the form of drops, camphor can be applied to the throat to relieve a cough;
  5. The camphor compound is also used in anti-itch ointments and gels for local pain relief;
  6. In massage, camphor oil provides well-being and reduces the pain of arthritis and muscle pain;
  7. As a mosquito repellent, camphor is very effective, has no side effects, and is inexpensive;
  8. Camphor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to alleviate acne and boils;
  9. Camphor oil is also beneficial for reducing swelling resulting from gum infection, neuralgia, and rheumatism;
  10. In the nail with ringworm, camphor oil acts as a great fungicide;
  11. Camphor oil can also be used on hair to treat itchiness, lice infestation, and dandruff (you can use coconut oil at the same time);
  12. Camphor tones the skin and helps soften scars resulting from burns;
  13. Finally, camphor has antispasmodic properties that can reduce muscle and joint problems such as cramps and spasms.

how to use camphor

1. Cough and cold:

Boil camphor leaves in water for about ten minutes and inhale the steam. When camphor is inhaled as a vapor, it forms a coating around the inner surfaces of the respiratory organs, thus helping to reduce irritation in the throat and helping to treat bronchitis.

2. Antioxidant properties:

Camphor extracts have a significant amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are biochemicals that can help reduce the entire oxidation process that can lead to the creation of free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals that alter the body's tissues and cells and can lead to diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

3. Antineuralgic:

Neuralgia is a severe and painful condition that occurs when the ninth cranial nerve is affected by inflammation of the blood vessels around it. Camphor oil can cause blood vessels to constrict and therefore reduce the pressure around the ninth cranial nerve, acting as a pain reliever.

4. anti-inflammatory properties:

Camphor extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that not only limit muscle pain, but also lower cholesterol levels.

5. Antimicrobial and insecticidal properties:

Camphor leaf extracts possess antimicrobial qualities that are able to manage bacterial and fungal strains to some extent. In addition to its antimicrobial qualities, it also has several essential oils that have insecticidal qualities. So it is clear that the practice of using camphor as an anthelmintic drug in Ayurveda was clinically correct.

Adverse effects

Be careful when using camphor. It can be highly toxic when ingested. It is usually used on the chest to relieve cold symptoms, making the airways more sensitive to cold air, which provides false relief from nasal congestion. Excessive use of camphor on the chest can cause seizures, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.



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