This post is about the many health benefits of camphor. Camphor is a natural substance derived from the bark of the Camphor tree and has been used in traditional medicines for centuries. In recent years, its use has become more widespread due to its many therapeutic and healing benefits. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular and beneficial uses, including its ability to ease pain and inflammation, soothe skin conditions, fight infections, reduce fever and improve digestion. We’ll also look at the potential side effects and precautions to take when using it. Finally, we’ll discuss the various forms in which it is available and the best ways to use it for maximum effect.
Health Benefits of Burning Camphor At Home Everyday
- Improved air quality: It is known for its purifying properties, and burning it can help to improve the air quality in your home.
- Improved mental well-being: It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, thus providing a sense of calmness.
- Improved respiratory health: The smoke from burning camphor can help to clear respiratory congestion and reduce the symptoms of colds and allergies.
- Reduced risk of infections: It has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which can help to reduce the risk of infections.
- Improved sleep: It can help to reduce insomnia and encourage a deeper, more restful sleep.
Camphor in India
Camphor is cooling and fragrant, but its aftereffect is heating. Its aroma gives sweet, warming and stimulating effect. When camphor is steam-distilled, it is fractionalized into blue, brown, and white camphor. Blue variety is the heaviest and weakest, and it is used mostly in perfume distillation. Brown variety contains strong carcinogens and should be avoided. White variety has medicinal qualities and is the most readily available.
- Scientific Binomial: Cinnamomum camphora
- Common English: Camphor laurel / Camphor wood
- Ayurvedic: Ghanasaara / Sitaabhra / Shitalraja
- Unani: Kaafoor
- Sanskrit: Karpuram / Chandraprabha
- Hindi / Urdu: Kapur / kafoor
- Bengali: Karpur / Karpura
- Marathi: Kapoor
- Telugu: Candramu / Candrasanguyamu
- Tamil: Chukantamaram / Indu / Karupporam
- Gujarati
- Kannada: Chandara / davala / dhavala / kappara / kapura
- Malayalam: Chutakkarpuram / ghanarasam / himamsu / himavaluka
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Home Remedies
- Stiff Joints: Camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for the purpose of stiff and aching joints. Camphor is indicated for bronchitis, asthma, coughs, arthritis, bunions, rheumatism, gout and many other musculoskeletal problems. Mix together warm coconut oil (or mustard oil) and karpur. Massage stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply and reduce inflammation and stiffness on account of gentle warmth produced while massaging. This oil is well recommended for rheumatic joints. Rub the oil on the affected joint and the pain should begin to clear up quickly.
- Respiratory Problems: Camphor works great in case of common cold. It has moisturizing properties which recommend it for use as an expectorant, decongestant, and bronchial dilator. Just rub it on the chest and on back. During the asthma attack, mustard oil mixed with little camphor should be massaged over the back of the chest. This will loosen up phlegm and ease breathing. In case of sinus, camphor can help if you rub it around your nostrils, it works same as that of Vicks Vaporub, and is excellent when you have sinus problems. Camphor, eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol are the main ingredients of Vicks Vaporub. A herbal tea made with ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, cardamom and camphor gives warming sensation that may help you become less sluggish and assist in removing blockages. Rub the chest area with menthol camphor every evening before bed to clear the congestion. OR use a chest rub that contains camphor or menthol and apply it to your throat and chest. Both of these substances have been FDA-approved as topical antitussives, which simply means they stop a cough. For bronchitis and colds, try a camphor inhalation. Half-fill an enamel pan or heat-proof dish with just boiled water. Add 7 drops of oil of karpura. Use a towel to form a “tent” over the bowl. Inhale deeply for several minutes. Stop if you feel dizzy or if the steam is too hot for your skin.
- Skin Care: It is also effective for spot treatments. Just dab this on an impending pimple and it will help dry it up quickly. For sunburns, try a cream or gel with menthol or camphor. Either will help take the sting away. Camphor is frequently employed for its twin analgesic and antiseptic qualities. In case of mosquito bites, try using astringent that contains camphor, eucalyptus, clove oil, eugenol, and peppermint oil. Dab a small amount on a cotton pad or tissue, and apply it to the site.
- Pain Relief: Camphor oil is grandmothers time home remedy for common earaches. In case of backache, stretch your back regularly, drink 1 liter of water daily, and use a camphor rub over the effected area. For cramps, use menthol camphor balm – deep heating rub over sore muscle areas. OR Try rubbing on creams containing methyl salicylate. Derived from the wintergreen shrub, it’s a natural pain reliever related to aspirin. Often combined with menthol or karpur, it’s a common ingredient in many liniments such as Ben-Gay, ArthriCare, Heet Liniment, and Icy Hot cream. The creams, called counter irritants, stimulate nerve endings in the skin, distracting you from deeper pain.
- Oral Care: For infected gums or toothache, a small piece of natural, edible camphor is very useful. Do not use synthetic variety; it is poisonous. Take a small block of edible camphor and directly place at the site of the pain. The saliva will mix with the camphor and will relieve the toothache. To avoid accidents of swallowing, try putting small camphor block in piece of cotton.
- Spirituality: It is well known for its spirituality effect. It clears the mind, eases headaches, helps the nervous system and stimulates body tissues. While decorating your home consider warm scents of camphor as it is known by its stimulating and decongestant property which brings happiness and positivity into the home. Plant twigs and leaves both have a strong karpur smell. Make sure that you purchase camphor which has been steam-distilled from natural sources.
- Eye Health: Collyrium is effective for soothing eyes. It is a traditional Indian cosmetics called “kajal”. It is made of castor oil and natural camphor. It is black in color and people use it cosmetically as an eye liner, but it is actually medicinal and good for the eyes. Scoop out a small amount of salve with your little finger. Make sure the nail is well trimmed. With the other hand, pull the lower eyelid down while looking in the mirror and with your little finger apply the salve sparingly to the inner edge of the eyelid.
Side Effects
If you are using it for sniff then do not overdo because of its powerful effects. In case of chapped lips, stay away from balms that contain karpur. They’re very strong antiseptics that induce a major lip drought. While the karpur actually reduces pain and swelling by irritating the skin, it can be harmful if applied to broken skin. Camphor should not be taken internally. For all the treatments mentioned here use edible camphor, as synthetic variety is poisonous.