What does camphor oil work for? Properties, application, side effects

Camphor has been known since antiquity, it was used, for example, as an insecticide and was an ingredient of perfumes and embalming liquids. Currently, camphor oil is used topically in personal care products to relieve pain, inflammation and skin irritation. It is one of the best known and widely used aromatic substances, but it can only be applied topically. We check what camphor oil works for.

1. Camphor oil has many healing properties, it is often used as an ingredient in ointments, lotions or medications
2. It is known especially for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
3. See what camphor oil helps with and how to use it safely
4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

What is camphor oil?

Camphor oil is obtained in the process of extracting camphor from the camphor tree (camphor cinnamon). Camphor is an organic compound that is solid, flammable and translucent, with a pungent smell and a sour taste. This miracle ingredient is used in the preparation of ointments, creams and lotions due to its healing properties (it has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties).

However, camphor oil is obtained only from old trees (over 50 years old) that emit a waxy substance. The stem of the camphor tree is used to extract camphor oil by steam distillation. Camphor oil spreads easily over the skin, and when applied topically, it relieves pain, irritation and rashes.

The use of camphor oil, like any other substance, carries a risk of side effects, especially when used in high doses. It is advisable not to swallow camphor oil or apply it to damaged skin as it may be toxic.

Camphor oil – types

Camphor oil comes in a variety of colors to help you recognize which oil is safe to use medicinally. Among camphor oils we distinguish:

1. white camphor oil – only this oil with a clear or milky white color is safe for topical application.
2. camphor oil in brown, yellow and blue colors – camphor oils in this blaze are toxic because they contain a high concentration of safrole, a compound with a carcinogenic effect.

Camphor oil – properties

Camphor oil has many properties, which seems to be confirmed by various studies. For example, camphor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is often found in ointments and lotions. Camphor oil is often used to soothe irritation, itching and pain. As an ingredient in various products, it can also help soothe inflammation and congestion in the chest.

Camphor oil for skin problems

Camphor oil can help with skin problems such as atopic dermatitis or eczema. This is confirmed by the results of a study carried out on mice, published in 2019 in «Toxicology Research».

Camphor oil can also be a great treatment for many types of inflammation, both internal and external. It can also relax your body and mind, giving you a feeling of calm and freshness. Camphor oil can also be mixed with bath water for an extra feeling of coolness in the summer heat.

When using camphor oil, it is important to use products with a concentration of 11%. or less. Also, do not apply camphor products to damaged skin due to the toxicity of camphor oil. You should also always follow the information contained on the leaflet or packaging of a given preparation.

Camphor oil for pain in muscles and joints

Camphor oil is often an ingredient in pain medications, including topical pain relievers. Camphor oil can be used to treat muscle aches while stimulating circulation by interacting with sensory nerve receptors. Thanks to this, the oil may be beneficial in the case of rheumatic diseases, arthritis and gout.

For example, according to a 2016 study in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, camphor oil can relieve pain in the lower back. In turn, thanks to its warming and cooling effects, camphor oil numbs and cools the nerve endings, and then warms the painful area, increasing circulation in stiff joints and muscles, as shown in a 2014 study in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

Camphor oil for headaches

Research is also being done on the positive effects of camphor oil on headaches. One older study published in 1995 in the scientific journal Phytomedicine suggests that essential oils can help treat headaches, especially migraine headaches. Those that contribute to a calming atmosphere can also promote sleep.

On the other hand, a much newer study, published in 2019 in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, indicates that camphor oil can suppress pain signaling pathways and reduce neurogenic inflammation (at least in the mice on which the study was conducted). Of course, this topic requires further study and research. If we suffer from headaches, including migraine headaches, we should first see a doctor.

Camphor oil for neuralgia

Another use of camphor oil is its soothing effect on neuralgia, a painful condition resulting from the involvement of the ninth cranial nerve due to swelling of the surrounding blood vessels. This is confirmed by research published in 2010 in the “Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management”. According to researchers, camphor oil can cause blood vessels to contract, thus reducing pressure on the ninth cranial nerve.

Camphor oil and ringworm

According to the results of a study published in 2005 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, camphor oil may be a great remedy for mycoses. Moreover, one of the preparations made of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus was also examined and, according to the results of a study published in 2011 in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, it turned out to be a safe and cost-effective alternative in the treatment of onychomycosis .

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Camphor oil for cough

Camphor oil is also used in aromatherapy. This is because of its airway congestion-relieving effects, which can help relieve coughing in children and adults. Due to these properties, camphor oil is often rubbed into the chest or feet (in this case, it is recommended to put on socks to enhance the effect). Due to the dual effects of heat and cold, camphor oil is rubbed in to ease symptoms of the common cold.

The effect of camphor oil is confirmed by one study published in the scientific journal “Pediatrics” in 2010, which compared the effectiveness of aromatherapy agents containing camphor, petroleum jelly and the lack of treatment in children with symptoms of night cough and colds. The study involved 138 children aged 2–11 years who developed symptoms of cough and cold leading to difficulty sleeping. Comparisons showed the superiority of camphor-containing petroleum jelly over no treatment and petroleum jelly.

When it comes to aromatherapy, camphor oil can be dissolved in a bowl of hot water and inhaled.

Camphor oil for burns

It also seems that camphor oil may also have a positive effect on burns. This is suggested by a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, where a blend of camphor oil and coconut oil was used to treat superficial burns. The data was collected for 14 years and concerned 2 thousand. people. Patients were expected to report improved quality of life and to experience less pain. Moreover, they did not experience any major side effects from the combination of the oils and spent less time in the hospital than those who did not receive treatment.

Camphor oil and nervous disorders

Camphor oil is also a great anesthetic and is very effective in local anesthesia (its use may cause numbness of the sensory nerves in that area). According to a 2014 study published in Aquaculture Research, camphor oil also reduces the severity of nervous disorders and seizures, seizures, nervousness and chronic anxiety.

See also: Epilepsy. What are the attacks, how to help? Interview with an epileptologist

Camphor oil for cramps

A 2004 study in Phytotherapy Research confirms that camphor oil is a very effective antispasmodic and provides immediate spasm relief. It is also effective in treating extremely spasmodic cholera.

Camphor oil and libido

The results of research published in 2013 in the Cell Journal indicate that after consuming camphor oil, libido increases, stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for sexual desire. When used externally, it can help treat erection problems by increasing blood circulation to the affected parts, as it is a powerful stimulant.

Camphor oil and nerves and brain

Camphor oil can be narcotic because it temporarily anesthetizes the nerves and relaxes the brain. It can also cause you to lose limb control if taken in excess as it affects brain function. The scent of the oil is a bit addictive. It has been observed that people develop strong addictions to repeatedly sniffing or consuming the oil, so be careful with camphor oil.

Camphor Oil – Other Benefits

Camphor oil is the subject of much research. One of them, published in 2018 in the pages of Molecular Carcinogenesis, tested whether white camphor oil has an anti-cancer effect. According to the results, camphor oil can stimulate immune cell-dependent regression of skin tumors in animals. This holds promise for future positive results for humans.

On the other hand, in a 2013 review of studies, the authors concluded that camphor oil may have positive effects in the treatment of life-threatening diseases, giving examples of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and the like.

Camphor oil – warnings

The use of camphor oil is considered safe for adults (assuming camphor oil is used correctly).

It is recommended to use only products that contain no more than 11 percent. camphor.

Before using camphor oil on the skin, it is also worth doing a patch test. To do this, apply a small amount of camphor oil to the inner part of the forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.

Camphor oil – side effects

If camphor oil is applied topically, side effects such as redness and skin irritation may develop.

Remember not to use camphor oil on damaged or injured skin, due to the toxicity of camphor. If this happens, breathing problems such as coughing and wheezing when inhaled may occur. You should also be careful not to let camphor oil get into your eyes.

When using camphor oil in aromatherapy, you should not use more than 1 tablespoon of the oil per liter of water.

See also: Irritated, red and itchy skin? What do the signals he sends us mean?

Camphor oil – contraindications

Camphor oil or camphor products should not be used by people with diseases that affect the liver.

Camphor oil should also not be used by people suffering from asthma and epilepsy.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to use camphor oil and camphor products due to the risk of birth defects in the baby.

Camphor oil and camphor products should not be used by children under two years of age. Consuming camphor products has been shown to be fatal to young children, even in small doses. They can also cause seizures.

Additionally, anyone currently taking medications should consult a physician before using camphor products.