Camphor Essential Oil is an oil extracted from camphor tree, which originated from Japan and Taiwan. There are two types of camphor trees where the essential oil is derived from. They almost have the same properties, although they have slight differences when it comes to substance concentration and the aroma. This essential oil is used for aromatherapy because of its cool and relaxing scent, as well as in treating and preventing various health concerns like different kinds of pain and skin irritation.
The camphor tree where the essential oil is derived from traditionally grows in Japan and Taiwan, although it can also be seen in China, Sri Lanka, and India. It is also now cultivated in the countries of South Africa, Egypt, and India. This tree is part of the Lauraceae family and it can reach up to 75 feet. It best grows in open space that gets enough sunlight, which is why it is commonly seen on countries with tropical or warm climates.
There are two types of camphor trees where the essential oil is derived from. They are Common Camphor tree or Cinnamomum Camphora, and Borneo Camphor tree or Dryobalanops Camphora. The essential oil from these two plants are almost the same except for their aroma and the concentration of specific components. The oil’s main components include Safrol, Terpene, Camphor, Camphene, Pinene, Borneol, and alcohol.
It has a strong and cooling scent, which is something that others like because of its refreshing and relaxing effect. It’s commonly used as an ingredient for liniment and cold rubs due to this. Its strong scent is also effective in repelling insects, which is why it is also used as an ingredient in creating moths.
Camphor Essential Oil Benefits
The use of Camphor Essential Oil comes with several benefits and some of them are listed below:
- Improves metabolism
- Enhances blood circulation
- Disinfects wounds
- Repels insects
- Kills germs and fungi
- Relieves gas problem
- Reduces epileptic episodes and convulsion
- Improves sex drive
- Relieves pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Relieves gout and arthritis
- Relieves congestion
Camphor Essential Oil Uses
- Camphor Essential Oil as Decongestant. It effectively relieves congestion on lungs, nasal tracts, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi, which is why it is a common ingredient used in cold rubs and balms.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Antiphlogistic, Anti-arthritic, and Antirheumatic. It reduces swelling in different parts of the body as it helps improve blood circulation. The proper flow of blood in the system also relieves pain due to gout, arthritis, and rheumatic diseases.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Anti-inflammatory. This essential oil can effectively relieve inflammation on external and internal parts of the body.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Sedative. It gives that refreshing and cooling effect, which enables the body and mind to relax. You will get better rest and sleep because of this. It is also a great way to feel refreshed especially on summer time.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Antineuralgic. It can relieve the pain caused by Neuralgia. The latter is the pressure on the Ninth Cranial Nerve cause by the swelling of the blood vessels that surround it. The swelling can be reduced, thus removing pressure from the said nerve.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Aphrodisiac. It can help increase the sex drive, causing a more active sex life. It is also a known treatment for erectile dysfunction. As stated, it helps enhance blood circulation, including in the penis area.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Antispasmodic. It can heal spasmodic cholera, as well as different types of cramps and spasms in the body.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Anesthetic. It is a good local anesthesia as it can efficiently numb the part on where it was applied.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Carminative. It prevents gas from forming in the body and it is also effective in eliminating gas, in case it has already formed.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Antiseptic. This essential oil is a common ingredient in skin ointments that are used for treating different skin problems, and for killing infections caused by fungi and bacteria. It can also be added in bath water for skin relief and treatment.
- Camphor Essential Oil as Insecticide. Its strong smell keeps insects away, including mosquitoes and cockroaches.
Camphor Essential Oil Side Effects
The brown and yellow variants of camphor oil are known to be toxic. However, although the white oil is used, it is also toxic, especially if taken in high amounts. Make sure that you are only using a small amount or the recommended dosage as this can cause skin irritation. It should never be ingested as this could lead to liver damage and even death. Some of the most common signs of camphor essential oil toxicity are burning sensation on the throat and mount, nausea, and vomiting. Get immediate medical help if you experience any of these signs. It is not recommended to be used by pregnant women an children because of the said side effects.
How to Use Camphor Essential Oil
There are various ways on how Camphor Essential Oil is used. It is commonly used as ingredient on various products including moths, cold rubs, and liniments. You can also use it through the following ways:
- Inhalation. This essential oil is a good decongestant. Rub oil on your hands and inhale the scent to breathe better. You can also use a vaporizer or diffuser, as well as add it on steamy water.
- Baths. Add Camphor Essential Oil on your bath water to fully soak your entire body for a relaxing bath or to treat skin diseases.
- Massage. Dilute Camphor Essential Oil with a base oil before applying to the sore body part for a relaxing feel.
How to Make Camphor Essential Oil
Camphor Essential Oil is extracted through steam distillation using the branches, barks, and roots of the camphor tree, where they are subjected to extreme heat through boiling water, leaving only the oil. There are three types of oils extracted from this process, which are the yellow, brown, and white oil. Only the white oil is used for medicinal purposes, as the other two have high toxicity level. After distillation, it undergoes vacuum and filter press process. Three oils are extracted during the distillation process, which are distinct in color. They are yellow, brown, and white. The white one has the lowest boiling point, and is the only one used for medicinal treatments. The brown and yellow oil are not safe for use. This oil can be used for different purposes, including as an anesthetic, decongestant, sedative, and more.
Camphor Essential Oil Recipe
You can conveniently purchase Camphor Essential Oil or you can also make your own at home. If you wish to do the latter, here’s what you need to do for your DIY Camphor Essential Oil.
What you will need:
- 2 to 3 marble sized balls of camphor
- Grapeseed oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 2 to 4 ounces glass bottle
What to do:
- Put camphor inside the bottle.
- Fill the bottle with grapeseed oil or extra virgin olive oil.
- Allow the mixture to sit for at least two days before its use.
Where to Buy Camphor Essential Oil
Camphor Essential Oil is readily available at your local essential oil stores. There are also several online stores and sellers that offer this product on the web. If you decide to purchase online, only deal with trusted sellers or sites. BioFinest and Artizen are two of the trusted brands that received great feedbacks from those who have already used it.
More Information on Camphor Essential Oil
- Taiwan is the largest supplier of Camphor Essential Oil around the world.
- The oldest camphor tree can be found in Japan.
- Camphor Essential Oil can have toxic substance that may cause cancer or hallucination, which is why only small amount or the right dosage must be used.
- It is not advised for use on pregnant or lactating women and kids. This is also true for those who are suffering from epilepsy and asthma.
- It should not be administered on pets as it could be toxic to them. It is also recommended that you keep pets away from camphor trees as they may accidentally chew on its branches, leaves, or other parts.
- Camphor Essential Oil should not be ingested as it can cause poisoning, seizures, and liver damage.
- Some of the common symptoms of being poisoned by Camphor Essential Oil are burning sensation on the throat and the mouth, vomiting, and nausea.
- The scent of this essential oil can be addictive so be careful with its use.
