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Have you ever used camphor products and do you know its properties?
Camphor in the Chinese tradition is considered a product of great value. This is why it was used to embalm houses, to concoct soaps, and even to heal. It comes from the camphor tree (obviously !!!).
This tree, imposing by its width and height, generally grows in subtropical zones (China, Japan, Taiwan, India, Madagascar, Florida in the USA).
Used more and more in the West, we sought to know what are the benefits of camphor.(1)
His origins
Camphor exists in different forms, namely: in the form of oil, small scented white grains, white block… It is used in the manufacture of our vicks and vapovicks. It is the main element in tiger balm.
For a better quality product, camphor is produced by distillation of its leaves, branches and roots.
It tastes bitter and acrid. Camphor can be made chemically from turpentine oil. I recommend the natural camphor oils instead. We trust nature more, don’t we?
The benefits of camphor
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
You can use it to relieve pain, redness, swelling, and hemorrhoids. Thus, in case of insect bites, light burns (without sores), you can use it by applying a small amount of camphor cream on the part of the body in question (2)
Mucolytic properties
Camphor helps thin and expel mucus (expectorant). Camphor unclogs your airways in case of congestion. By decongesting, it acts on the nostrils, pharynx, larynx, lungs.
Anti bacterial properties
It disinfects the affected skin in depth, relieving it of irritation, hemorrhoids, cold sores. It fights against itchy skin, warts, toenail and finger nail fungus, and lice.
Analgesic properties
It allows to relieve by massage, the pain related to the joints. To be used in cases of sprains, contortions, strains, muscle pain, rheumatism, migraines, cramps, osteoarthritis …
It breaks down nervous tension
This property concerns you dear reader, reader if you spend long hours every day in front of the screen. Gently massage your temples, forehead and scalp with a few drops of camphor essential oil.
Rich in antioxidants, camphor helps preserve, nourish and rejuvenate our skin. It is used by some dermatologists in the treatment of acne.
It is a stimulant (libido). Massage yourself with oils containing camphor before getting down to business. You tell me the news.
Studies show that high blood pressure medications containing camphor help lower blood pressure more quickly.
Camphor exists in multiple commercial products: camphor toothpaste, camphor alcohol, camphor essential oil, camphor soap, camphor suppositories, camphor vinegar, camphorated rosemary, camphoric creams, etc.
The dosages of camphor products
In general, the tolerated concentration is between 3% and 11%. Take a closer look at the dosage indicated on your product before use.
Decongestion of the respiratory tract: I apply after inhalation (steam bath) a little cream containing camphor to my throat, my chest, the soles of my feet and my palms.
massages,: massage all along the spine, slowly, for a long time so that the product can penetrate smoothly. Also apply to the shoulders, limbs concerned.
For inhalation, I recommend 4 drops of essential oil of camphor in hot water. Inhale for 5-10 minutes.
The rising steam with the smell of camphor will quickly unblock your airways. I advise you to do it before bedtime. Repeat twice a day for a few days.
Immersion : pour 3 to 5 drops of oils into the bath. Relax in your bath and massage your chest in a circular motion.
Acne Treatment, After cleansing and drying your face, apply camphor essential oil on the face. Sleep like this until morning. Pay attention to the dosage. Use oils that contain low amounts of camphor.
Camphor, antioxidant is very good for the health of your skin on a daily basis. Combined with other products, it works wonders. That’s why I recommend lotion recipes that include camphor.
For osteoarthritis, muscle pain, rheumatic pain: massage the joints with creams containing 32mg of camphor.
Disinfect skin and hair : pour 5 drops of essential oil in your bath to disinfect the body. You can shampoo your daily with this solution to end lice in hair
To treat nail fungus : pour 2 drops of essential oil of camphor in 5 tablespoons of lemon juice. Soak your nails in it for about 5 minutes. Do this twice a day for a few days. The result is amazing !!!
Effects no desirable and interactions of camphor use
If camphor helps you relieve skin pain, disinfect the skin, unclog your airways, it can however cause you irritation.
This, when the concentration of camphor is too high. For this, it is always advisable to dilute 1 to 3 drops of camphor oil in a liquid before using it.
Many products using camphor in their composition contain a minimum amount. It is therefore ‘safe’. Do not use undiluted (concentrated) camphor products or products with more than 11% camphor.
From this concentration (this rate), camphor presents rather dangers. Thus, essential oils containing more than 20% camphor have been banned on the American market (USA) for safety reasons. In Canada, it can only be used with a prescription (6).
Embarrassed by a cold, bloating, difficulties, we have a mad desire to get rid of them. Which leads some people to take camphor by mouth !!! this practice is dangerous because it can lead to cases of poisoning.
Thanks, especially avoid consuming it directly orally. In the worst case, it can cause your death. I rather want you to read my articles rather than chat with St Pierre. In the best case scenario, you get away with vomiting, diarrhea and a lot of inconvenience.
- Avoid putting camphor on an open wound. When the body directly absorbs this product, it can cause poisoning of our cells.
- Do not heat products containing camphor either in the microwave or on the stove. You don’t want an explosion.
- It is also forbidden to use this product during your pregnancy and in case of breastfeeding. Do not use on infants or young children.
- People sensitive to allergies should be wary of it because its strong scent can develop allergies in sensitive subjects.
- Avoid putting it on sensitive parts, for example the eyes.
Conclusion
As you can see, camphor has multiple properties. We must now include this natural product with multiple benefits in our lists.
You can even give it to your loved ones, why not? However, be careful about its use.
You can make your own camphor essential oil body treatments if you have recurring skin problems. I invite you to leave your suggestions and questions concerning camphor so that through the discussions we are all better informed.