Aromatherapy Insights: Camphor Essential oil

Camphor essential oil is obtained from the wood vacuum rectified and Steam distilled.

Family Name: Cinnamomum Camphora

Family: Lauraceae

History & Information

Camphor is a native to Asia and a semi-evergreen tree, the tree grows to a height of 40-100 feet, has red leaves that turn shiny green, and clusters of yellow flowers. Camphor is related to cinnamon and cassia trees.

Used over 2000 years in Chinese medicine and at some point, the price of camphor was higher than gold. The plant is used for headaches, infections, snakes, and insect bites. The scent of camphor repels insects and was used in clothing and linen.

Benefits:

• Stimulate and improve circulation, digestion, and metabolism

• Relieve flatulence

• Disinfect skin

• Eliminate insects and head lice

• Temporarily numb areas of the body experiencing pain, functioning as a local anesthetic

• Diminish feelings of anxiety and nervousness, among other nervous disorders

• Decrease the intensity of spasms and cramps

• Boost libido

• Soothe pain, inflammation, and irritation

• Have a cooling, soothing, refreshing scent

• Clear the respiratory tract of congestion to promote easier breathing

• Address and prevent infections, both externally and internally

Uses

• Acne

• Relieves pain

• Soothes inflammation

• improves respiratory function

• antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties

• Insecticide

• Rheumatism

• Nervousness

• Muscle pain and stiffness

• Insect repellent

• Intestinal parasites

• Sprains and strains

Recipes

NAIL FUNGUS

INGREDIENTS ​8 drops camphor essential oil 1/2 cup warm water ​ ​DIRECTIONS Fill a small bowl with warm water and 8 drops of camphor essential oil. Wash wound with this blend. Add 2 drops to a gauze pad and secure overwound.

Which Oils Blend Well with Camphor?

• Citrus oils

• Eucalyptus

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Bergamot

• Black Pepper

• Cardamom

• Cypress

• Fir

• Geranium

• Ginger

• Grapefruit

• Juniper

• Lemon

• Mandarin

• Marjoram

• Orange

• Pine

• Rose

• Sandalwood

• Tangerine

• Ylang Ylang

Using Camphor Essential Oil Safely

Overusing camphor may cause vomiting and convulsions. Camphor is an adrenal l.stimulant and can be harmful. Avoid camphor if you suffer from epilepsy and asthma. Pregnant women should avoid camphor and do not combine camphor with homeopathic remedies. Do not use on Children and use very small amounts on adults.

References:

"The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia" by Carol Schiller and David Schiller