Benefits and uses of Camphor

Camphor

Camphor is a flammable translucent solid with a strong fragrance. It is commonly found in the puja room and has been used in many pain balms for centuries. It is extracted from the wood of the Cinnamomum camphora tree and is known for its healing properties.

Camphor is readily absorbed by the skin. It creates a cool sensation. It is an easily available ingredient that is said to provide many benefits such as reducing itching and irritation, strengthening hair roots, boosting hair growth, reducing muscle pain, treating cold and cough, and improving blood circulation.

 

Skin

Camphor has antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help in alleviating some skin-related issues like itching and irritation. One animal study also found camphor to be a potent wound-healing agent.

Camphor can increase collagen and elastin production in dermal fibroblasts to aid wound healing. It is also an effective anti-wrinkle ingredient in many cosmetics.

Pain

Camphor can be used to relieve pain and swelling. Camphor possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce pain.

 

Burns

Camphor can be used as a treatment for minor burns. It can be used to remove the burn scars as well. In one study conducted on rats, it was noticed that a herbal ointment containing camphor, sesame oil, and honey reduced the healing time of burns. Dissolve a small quantity of camphor in water and apply on the burn. This needs to be done on a daily basis until the scars disappear.

 

Acne

Camphor has the potential to treat acne. It is said to bring down the pain and swelling caused by the inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

 

Eczema

Camphor is also used to relieve eczema and control itching. It is an effective remedy for when eczema flares up, and you need to control the inflammation and itching.

Nail Fungus

Fungus on toenails can be unsightly and painful, but using camphor paste can help inhibit its growth. Camphor has been found to be effective in treating nail fungus because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties.

Crack Heels

Anecdotal evidence suggests that camphor can soften your cracked heels.

For relief from cracked heels, you need to soak your feet in a solution of camphor and water and scrub your feet. Following this, you may apply moisturizer or petroleum jelly on them. This will keep your skin moist and prevent cracks from occurring.

Skin Rash

Camphor contains certain anti-inflammatory compounds that could help provide relief from rashes. It is said to be particularly good for skin rashes that occur due to excessive heat and perspiration. Camphor dissolved in water and applied on skin rash.

 

Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Cool and calm camphor is used in many skin ointments that are used to treat a whole range of fungal and bacterial infections. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of camphor have made it a must-use ingredient in the cosmetic industry.

Hair Growth

If camphor oil is combined with certain essential oils, it is said to boost hair growth.

This is said to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.

Hair Texture and Hair Loss

Anecdotal evidence suggests that camphor oil may improve your hair texture to give you smooth and soft hair.

Lice

Camphor acts as an excellent cleaning and disinfecting agent. It can also kill lice.

 

Muscle Pain

Camphor oil, in combination with menthol, can be used for pain relief, especially for back pain. This mixture also eases muscle tension with the help of its anti-inflammatory properties. Massage the painful muscles with camphor oil to increase the blood flow in that area and reduce the pain and stiffness.

 

Arthritis

An anti-inflammatory effect of camphor may help in treating arthritis.

Spasmodic Problems

The antispasmodic properties of camphor may help in calming the nerves. The aromatic camphor oil vapors are believed to promote a sense of calm by reducing stress. Massaging with this oil may give you some relief from spasms.

 

Induce Sleep

Camphor oil may help relax the body and mind and induce sleep as it contains P-cymene.

Cold and Cough

Camphor is found to be very effective against cold and cough. It is an active ingredient in many decongestants and vaporubs. It even soothes throat irritation and treats bronchitis.

Weight Loss

Camphor tree seed kernel oil (CKO) may help in reducing body fat.

Cardiovascular

A combination of camphor and crataegus may provide relief from symptoms of cardiovascular disorders.

Blood Circulation

Abnormal blood flow in your body leads to many health problems, but inhaling camphor may help correct that issue. Camphor improves blood circulation. Improvement in blood circulation can alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic diseases, gout, and arthritis.

The camphor may benefit in treating the following conditions:

·         Warts

·         Low libido

·         Cold sores

·         Earaches

·         Flatulence

·         Anxiety and depression

·         Hemorrhoids