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Camphor ointment is used as an analgesic, incl. for muscle and joint pain, rheumatic pain. It has a warming and analgesic effect. It is used not only for the production of pharmaceuticals. Check how to use camphor ointment.
What is camphor?
Camphor, scientifically known as cinnamon camphor, is a flammable translucent white solid with a spicy smell and sour taste. Camphor is obtained from the bark of the camphor tree Cinnamon. Only 50-year-old trees produce a waxy substance that is used as camphor oil. The steam distillation process is used to extract camphor oil from the stems of the tree.
Camphor tree is said to be native to Hiroshima, Japan. It is evergreen and currently grows all over Asia, mainly in Indonesia. The Indonesian variety is called Dryobalanops camphora. Camphor can be used in many ways. It is considered an important ingredient in ointments, lotions and as an oil. Camphor relieves pain and reduces itching. Camphor is also used in religious ceremonies. Besides, it is beneficial for our skin and hair.
See: Anti-inflammatory ointment – everything you need to know
Camphor ointment – action
Camphor ointment is a natural pain reliever. Camphor ointment smeared over the skin causes blood vessels to widen. Thanks to this, its warming properties are also felt.
Camphor ointment additionally stimulates the respiratory and vasomotor centers. It contributes to the deepening of breathing, improvement of circulation and nervous stimulation, and behind it mental stimulation.
It has an anti-irritant effect on the skin and is therefore applied topically to relieve pain and swelling. It causes numbness of the skin’s sensory nerve endings, thereby relieving pain and inflammation and preventing reddening of the skin.
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Camphor ointment – composition
The active ingredient is Camphora. In addition to camphor tree extract, the ointments available in pharmacies contain auxiliary substances such as:
- hydrophilic petroleum jelly, which contains cholesterol,
- stearyl alcohol,
- petrolatum,
- white wax.
Camphor ointment – indications
Camphor ointment is used on:
- neuralgia,
- muscle and joint pain,
- cold,
- rheumatic pains,
- XNUMXst degree frostbite.
It is worth having a product with camphor in your home medicine cabinet so that in case of unpleasant ailments you can take advantage of its soothing properties. You can also buy the Polar Frost pain reliever gel, which, thanks to the content of aloe vera extract, nourishes the skin.
In cases of abuse, it can cause dermatitis and even rashes. Pregnant women and nursing mothers can use the ointment. Its interaction with other drugs was also not detected.
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Camphor ointment – contraindications
The ointment should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients. Additionally, treatment with camphor ointment should be avoided:
- in children under 6 years of age,
- on damaged skin (e.g. cuts),
- on the mucous membranes and around the eyes as it can cause burning,
- immediately before and after a hot bath,
- when redness of the body appears in the smeared area.
Camphoring ointment is not intended for oral usethat is, it cannot be swallowed. At the same time, you should remember about the recommended dose, because overdosing may prevent further therapy and cause further diseases.
See: Camphor oil for the ear – indications, action, price
Camphor ointment – dosage
Always use this medicine exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Adults and adolescents:
- use from 1 to 3 times a day,
- rub the product into sore spots,
- apply 5-10 cm (1 to 2 g).
Children from 6 to 12 years of age:
- rub your back once a day,
- apply 0,5-1 cm of ointment (from 50 to 100 mg).
Camphor – other uses
Camphor tree is processed in various ways, as it exhibits many useful properties. In addition to its pharmaceutical use, the substance is also used as gunpowder and as an explosive.
The smell of camphor, which most people associate with the disease, scares off moths. Very valuable and expensive furniture and talismans are made of camphor wood, which are said to have special power. Camphor is also found in perfumes and deodorants, and is also used as a spice for desserts and meats.