Camphor
Camphor is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aromatic odor. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O. It is a white crystalline ketone known as 2-bornanon and commonly called camphor, obtained from all parts of the tree Cinnamomum Camphora. It is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol, and oils. It comes in three varieties, white yellow and brown. Only the white one is used medicinally as the other two are quite toxic. Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum Camphora) is a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Sumatra, Indonesia and Borneo) and also of the unrelated kapur tree, a tall timber tree from the same region.
See also :
- Camphora (Homeopathy)
- Cinnamomum Camphora
Contents
Special Precautions of Camphor
- Camphor oil has an extremely high potential for toxicity. Because of this, the oil should not be ingested, but rather inhaled as a vapor. The internal ingestion of camphor may cause seizures, especially in those with Parkinson's disease or epilepsy.
- Using camphor might harm the liver. Applying camphor to the skin while taking medications that might also harm the liver can increase the risk of liver damage. Do not use camphor if you are taking a medication that can harm the liver.
- See warnings about Aromatherapy
The benefits of Camphor are
- The most popular use of camphor oil is the reduction of chronic cough. When certain compounds in the plant come into contact with water, they form a protective layer that lines the respiratory tract, thereby guarding it from irritation and potentially harmful substances. Attention ! The oil should not be ingested, but rather inhaled as a vapor.
- Vasoconstrictor : Herbs Causing Constriction Of Capillaries
- Camphor oil has also been used to improve blood circulation in the capillaries, which can raise low blood pressure.
Sources
It is found in the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum Camphora), a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Sumatra, Indonesia and Borneo) and also of the unrelated kapur tree, a tall timber tree from the same region. It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably Ocotea usambarensis. Dried rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis), in the mint family, contain up to 20% camphor
