Benefits of Camphor Oil
October 20, 2009
Camphor laurel, whose botanical name is Cinnamomum camphora, is a native plant of eastern Asia and northern Africa. The oil extracted from the bark of the evergreen camphor laurel tree is known as camphor essential oil.
Herbalists prescribe camphor oil for treating several illnesses. This oil is extensively used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines. Despite the medicinal properties of camphor oil, owing to the presence of certain toxins, camphor oil should be used cautiously.
Camphor oil is available in different colors. The yellow and brown colored camphor oils contain safrole. Safrole is a toxic compound, which if consumed in high doses could cause health complications that could be fatal. Yellow camphor oil contains about 10 to 20 percent of safrole.
Brown camphor oil contains greater amount of toxic ingredients. Nearly 80 percent of brown camphor oil comprises of safrole. Brown and yellow camphor oils are not safe for consumption. They should only be used for topical application. White camphor oil, however, is the safest form of the oil. They do not contain toxic elements. White camphor oil is often added in cough medicines and sweets, and is safe when consumed in small doses.
Kills germs
Camphor oil is a powerful antiseptic. It acts as a germicide. Camphor oil could be used as a skin lotion. It could help to heal bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. Camphor oil could be used as a disinfectant. You can add few drops of camphor oil to your bath water. This oil will help to refresh your body and will kill germs. People suffering from problems of hair or body lice, could apply camphor oil to kill the pests. Camphor oil can also be used as an insect repellent.
Camphor oil is used for treating cold. It can be used as a balm. Rubbing camphor oil on the chest, throat and nose, helps to dissolve the mucus congesting the nose and lungs.
Reduces arthritis pain
Rubbing a few drops of camphor oil on the joints affected by arthritis helps to reduce the pain. Camphor helps to reduce inflammation. It also promotes blood circulation. The compounds present in camphor oil could numb the sensory nerves, reducing the arthritis pain instantly.
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