Camphor Cinnamomum camphora


Cinnamomum camphora
Camphor tree
  • Common Names
  • Camphor
  • Botanical Name
  • Cinnamomum camphora
  • Family
  • LAURACEAE

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Camphor

remedyHow to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden| Aromatherapy Oil |

How to Use: Camphor


Camphor oil has a duel action of hot and cold, which has a balancing effect on the yin and yang energies. When first applied camphor oil numbs and cools the peripheral nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it stimulates circulation to cold, stiff muscles and limbs. This analgesic effect of camphor makes it a favorite oil to be used in pain relieving massage blends for sore muscles, low back pain, and arthritic pain.

Camphor also acts as an expectorant and a febrifuge, meaning that it cools fevers and helps clear lung congestion. Camphor is a very useful ingredient in inhalations for coughs, colds and difficulties in breathing. These actions, along with camphor's anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a very useful and popular remedy for colds, flu, and bronchitis.

Preparation Methods & Dosage :Camphor is used mainly in its essential oil form. Use in aroma lamps, steam inhalations and household cleaning products. Dilute before applying to skin.



Ayurvedic Medicine ayurvedic medicinea Karputa : The traditional forehead marking, the tilak is made from camphor and saffron. This combination promotes cool thinking and meditation. 1

Camphor Side Effects: May irritate skin. Avoid when pregnant. White camphor is preferable to due to its lower safrole content than brown or yellow.

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Plant Description


Camphor is found in wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Borneo and Taiwan, hence its alternate name). It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably Ocotea usambarensis. It takes many years to form, and the trees are not touched until they are at least fifty years old.

Regional Traditions :Ayurvedic * Southeast Asia *

Related Species Cinnamon - Cinnamomum zeylanicum


References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Khalsa, Karta Purkh Singh, Michael Tierra. "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs", Lotus, (2008)