Camphor is white, waxy and transparent solid which has a strong odor.
The terpenoid has chemical formula of C10H160 and is found in wood of
camphor laurel, the evergreen tree.
The oil of camphor is derived from Cinnamomum Camphora belonging to
Lauraceae family, also known as true camphor. Although the oil is toxic,
the camphor oil is used extensively in the vapor therapy in order to
clear the lungs.
This oil can be produced in white, brown and yellow fractions. Among all
three kinds, only white color camphor oil has a fresh smell and is used
so much in aromatherapy treatment. Other two kinds of oils are toxic and
are carcinogens containing safrole. There are a lot many health benefits
of using camphor oil for aromatherapy. Its properties are worth
mentioning like it is antispasmodic, antiseptic and bears anesthetic
properties. The camphor essential oil acts as a disinfectant, a great
insecticide and it also bears antineuralgic property.
Camphor essential oil and what it is ?
Camphor oil is an essential oil extracted after the derivation of
camphor from two kinds of camphor trees. The first kind of camphor tree
is known as ‘Cinnamomum Camphora’. From this tree the common type of
camphor is derived. The second kind of tree is Borneo Camphor Tree from
where Borneo Camphor oil is extracted. The scientific name of Borneo
Camphor is ‘Dryobalanops camphora’. Well, when it comes to the camphor
oil derived from both kinds of trees, they are almost the same with
similar properties. But, there may be slight difference in the aroma or
in the concentration of compounds. Some of the important components of
camphor oil are safrole, camphor, pinene, alcohol and tarpene.
Camphor oil has physical uses, culinary uses and medical uses. It may
also be used as an insect repellant since it is toxic to bugs and
insects. It may also be kept in the clothes in the cupboard to safeguard
them from insects and cockroaches. Having antimicrobial properties,
camphor oil was also used in the mummification previously. It is also
used in the preparation of sweet dishes and consumables. Let us talk
about its benefits individually. Camphor oil has a lasting aroma, and is
cooling, penetrating and has medicinal usages and properties.
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Health Benefits of Camphor Essential Oil
The following are the noteworthy benefits of camphor essential oil.
1. Camphor Essential oil helps in improving
Circulation System
The strong and powerful camphor essential oil is that effective
stimulant which boosts the activities relating to circulatory system,
digestion, metabolism, section, excretion and others. So, this property
of the oil may treat a variety of ailments. It may effectively address
issues relating to circulatory system, digestive system, overactive
metabolism, problem in the secretion and others. In short, it may deal
with a wide variety of issues relating to circulation.
2. No chance of any skin infection or skin disease
Camphor oil has antimicrobial property and so it may address a variety
of skin infections. Being an excellent insecticide, disinfectant and
germicide, camphor oil prevents any skin outbreak. You may add the oil
to your water and disinfect it. This is important when it is summer or
rainy season. Water gets easily infected during the rainy season. Even
the container containing camphor oil may disinfect water. If you want to
kill germs or disinfect the space, you may soak cloth in the oil and
burn it. This will not only kill the germs but also get rid of insects.
If you want to safeguard the grains from insects, just add a few drops
of camphor oil to the foodgrains. The grains will stay safe from the
insects or pests. Owing to its disinfecting properties, the oil is used
in the preparation of shampoos, oils, conditioners and lotions. Camphor
based body lotion can prevent any skin outbreak or rashes. It is widely
used in the medical preparation to cure various skin diseases. This is
so because it has antifungal and anti bacterial properties. You may even
mix the oil to your bathing water to disinfect body externally. Camphor
can also kill lice.
3. Camphor oil to get rid of bloating
Anyone having gas problem can use camphor to get rid of the gas and
bloating problem. The best part is that it will not form any gas in the
first place. Then, if there is acidity problem, it can expel gas in a
safe manner.
4. It may reduce the nervous disorder
Camphor oil is good anesthetic which is great for local anesthesia.
Camphor oil leads to the numbness of sensory nerves where it is applied.
The use of camphor oil can reduce any chance of nervous disorder,
epileptic attack, convulsions, anxiety and nervousness.
5. Camphor oil to relieve spasm
Camphor oil is antispasmodic which is highly efficient in relieving
spasms. If you suffer from cramps and spasm, you may use camphor oil for
a quick relief. It is an effective treatment for spasmodic cholera.
6. Boost your libido with camphor oil
If you consume camphor oil, it stimulates certain portions of the brain
that are responsible for initiating sexual desires. You may also use the
oil externally to improve blood circulation towards reproductive organ
and to alleviate erectile dysfunction. The stimulant is powerful enough
to boost your libido.
7. It gives relief from neuralgia
Neuralgia is that severely painful condition which is the result of
inflammation of ninth cranial nerve due to the swelling of surrounding
blood vessels. You may address the condition with the use of camphor
oil. With the use of the oil, the blood vessels contract to reduce any
pressure on your ninth cranial nerve. The versatile oil has great
soothing and sedative property.
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8. Camphor oil for inflammation
Camphor oil has a great penetrating and cooling effect and so it is used
as anti-sedative and anti-inflammatory agent. With the use of camphor
oil, one may cure any kind of inflammation, whether it is internal or
external. The soothing property of camphor oil can relax the body and
the mind. It renders freshness and relaxation to the mind. Camphor oil
is useful, particularly in summers owing to its freshness and refreshing
property. If you want an extra sensation of coolness, just mix it in
your bathing water.
9. Camphor oil for relieving arthritis pain
Camphor oil is a great stimulant and detoxifier for circulatory
system. By exciting the blood circulation, camphor oil may give relief
from gout, arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Camphor oil is great
antiphlogistic which can reduce swelling in various parts of the body.
Yes! Camphor oil can reduce arthritis pain and this is another benefit.
Camphor oil improves blood circulation to reduce joint pain.
10. The oil can relax the brain and nerves
Camphor oil has some kind of narcotic effect which completely relaxes
the brain or desensitizes the nerves. As per the findings, camphor oil
affects the brain functioning and if the oil is used in excess, it can
also make an individual lose control of the limbs. Its smell is somewhat
addictive and people have developed an addiction with regular usage of
camphor oil. Here you need to be careful.
11. It can relieve congestion
The aroma of camphor oil is penetrating and strong enough to act as
powerful decongestant. The use of camphor oil can immediately relieve
congestion relating to pharynx, larynx, bronchi, lungs and nasal tracts.
This is why camphor oil is being used in so many cold rubs and balms.
Heat camphor and water to prepare excellent medication for cough and
cold and breathe in the steam. The act can reduce throat irritation.
Thus, it is an effective treatment for breathing issues including
bronchitis.
12. Antioxidant activity
Camphor oil is noteworthy for antioxidant activity. Karpur extract is
known for antioxidant action as shown in the past through the
researches. Anti-oxidant is the bio-chemical which helps to lessen the
entire oxidation process by lessening free radicals. If there are more
free radicals, it can disrupt cells, tissues within the body which might
result to diseases like diabetes, heart ailments and liver problems or
even cancer.
13. It can ease muscular pain
Camphor oil is used since the age old times in the preparation of
ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for easing muscular pain. It may halt
rheumatism and muscular aches. Karpur oil or camphor oil bears
anti-inflammatory properties to rebuke any kind of muscular pain. It can
also reduce the level of cholesterol overall.
14. Camphor oil for beauty
You may not know but camphor oil offers excellent beauty benefits. Its
therapeutic properties are noteworthy and its attraction lays not only
in its strong fragrance. Camphor oil is being used since the age old
times to treat hair problems and skin problems. The beauty benefits of
camphor oil are many. Most of the ayurvedic treatments and therapies
utilize camphor oil. It was used in the traditional times for treating
pimples and acne. It may be directly used on the skin to get rid of
acne. Fragrant camphor can give you the following benefits:
If there are skin problems or itching on the skin, it may be eliminated
with camphor oil. Just use the oil around affected area and get rid of
the itching.
Camphor oil can also get rid of burn marks or burn scars. Just mix the
oil in a bit of water and apply on the area. If used for quite sometime,
it can help to eliminate the scars totally. But, you have to ensure that
the scars are not fresh or the area is not swollen. If used on the
affected area or injured area, there can be reactions.
Are you looking for an efficient treatment for acne? Acne removal is the
finest beauty benefit of camphor oil. The anti-inflammatory property
helps in the removal of acne. Camphor oil can deal with a variety of
skin problems including pimples and acne.
If there are rashes on the skin, you may use camphor oil to remove it.
Diluted camphor oil may be massaged on the area to get rid of the
rashes.
It may help in treating cracked heels. If you have rough or cracked
heels, you may use the oil. Soak your feet in camphor and water solution
for a few minutes to get rid of the cracks.
Camphor oil is also outstanding for the hair. If you want to boost the
hair growth, just mix camphor oil in herbal oil in order to boost hair
growth. It can relieve tension and get rid of stress. At the end, the
mind stays relaxed and balanced. The camphor oil also helps to fortify
hair roots and keeps the roots gleaming. To get the maximum advantage
from camphor oil, you may use yogurt and egg mixed in camphor oil and
use it on the hair.
Apart from promoting hair growth, camphor oil can also reduce hair fall.
It can effectively combat any hairfall or loss of hair. You know how
common the issue of hair loss is. Use camphor oil on the hair roots to
combat hair fall. Mix camphor oil in coconut oil and massage the scalp.
It boosts blood circulation towards the hair roots, restores shine and
gloss of hair and prevents thinning of hair.
Traditional uses of camphor oil
The oil is used extensively in aromatherapy
It may help in the treatment of hysteria
In the realm of Indian medicine, camphor oil is used in relieving
asthma, muscular ache and cardiac insufficiency
It was used in the treatment of diarrhea in adults and children
When applied topically, it can treat minor burns and get rid of burn
marks
It is used as an inhalant, as a nerve relaxant
Gets rid of skin inflammation, allergies and other skin conditions
To enjoy a good night’s sleep, just mix edible camphor oil in milk and
drink. This will induce a good night’s sleep.
Camphor oil is also an excellent treatment for tooth aches since the age
old times. It also relieves bad odor in the mouth.
Apart from the already mentioned health benefits of camphor oil, there
can be several others. It can be used on dry lips, to get rid of rashes
and eczema. It is also used for making incense sticks, for the embalming
of bodies. |