Camphor is a white, crystalline substance with a strong odor and pungent taste, derived from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora. Camphor is obtained through steam distillation, purification and sublimation of wood, twigs and bark of the tree.
Today, most camphor is synthetic and synthesized from turpentine.
Medicinal Uses of camphor:
- Pain
Camphor may help to treat acute muscle aches and pains. Camphor oil can also help to reduce chronic muscle and joint pain over longer periods.
Camphor oil numbs and cools nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it increases circulation to stiff joints and muscles. - Coughs and congestion
Camphor oil is used in aromatherapy, as it helps relieve respiratory congestion. It also has antitussive properties that can help ease coughs in children and adults. Camphor is often an ingredient in vapor rubs and balms. - Skin diseases
Camphor is FDA-approved skin treatment for pain from bug bites, cold sores, mild burns and skin itching.
Never use camphor on cuts or broken skin.
What are the risk?
Kids have a tendency to put everything in the mouth; hence, poisoning due to accidental ingestion of camphor is quite common in infants and small children.
Even small doses of camphor can cause serious toxicity and is potentially fatal. The onset of action is very rapid (5–15 minutes). The common manifestations of camphor poisoning are confusion, restlessness, delirium, and hallucinations, hyperreflexia, fasciculations, seizures and death. High doses of camphor, either inhaled or on the skin, can also be risky.
Swallowing camphor can be deadly especially in kids. Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use camphor.
