Description:
Camphor is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O. It is obtained from Cinnamomum camphora.tree belongs to laurel family. It is native to Asia (particularly in Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, China, Sumatra and Borneo) but currently grows in India and Sri Lanka as well.
Extraction:
Camphor is extracted from leaves of Cinnamomum camphora tree.
Composition:
Its main components are alcohol, borneol, pinene, camphene, camphor, terpene and safrol.
Properties:
Camphor is a colourless, waxy, whitish crystalline, gum like compound which has strong odor. It is volatile, emits flammable vapors and has same density like water.
Blending:
Camphor is nicely blends with basil, cajeput, chamomile, melissa and lavender oil.
Uses:
- It is used as insect repellent.
- It is used in making plastics and explosives.
- It is used to make moth proofing’s, pharmaceuticals and flavorings.
- It is used in manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a liniments and treatments for colds.
- It provides relief from mild pain and itching.
- It is effective against skin diseases and fungal infections.
- It is added to massage oils to relieve muscle stiffness and cramps.
- It calms nerves, clears lungs and dispelling apathy.
- It is used as ingredients in decongestant balms and cold rub as it helps in respiratory issues by reducing blockage in the bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts and lungs.
- It is used as mild local anesthesia and produces cool sensation which blocks the sensory level on skin and reduces brain’s ability to feel pain.
Safety and Precautions:
- Do not take orally by adults as it can cause severity such as burning of mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, including death.
- Avoid use of camphor during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it affects baby’s health.
- Keep out of reach of children; children tend to be more sensitive to the side effects.
- Do not take camphor by mouth or apply it on skin as it can damage liver.
