Oil of camphor is a powerfully aromatic substance produced by the Camphortree, a member of the Laurel family native to Asia. Possessing medicinal properties as a painkiller and antiseptic, oil of camphor appears in dozens of consumer health care products in the United States. Users should apply products containing camphor with caution, however: the oil may prove highly toxic if accidentally swallowed.
Source
The leaves, twigs and wood of the Cinnamomum camphora, or Camphortree, provide the source for oil of camphor. Though native to tropical areas of Southeast Asia and India, the USDA considers Camphortree an invasive species in Hawaii and Florida; the tree also grows wild in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and California.
Characteristics
Manufacturers extract oil of camphor by steam distillation, then process the oil into three types: brown and yellow, which are primarily meant for industrial uses, and white, which is sold for consumer use. White oil of camphor possesses a strong minty-menthol aroma and anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Uses
Oil of camphor appears as the active ingredient in many over-the-counter topical applications, including rubs and ointments to relieve muscle soreness; salves to alleviate respiratory congestion and infection; and liquids and gels for insect bites and other skin irritations. Well-known products containing oil of camphor include Vick's VapoRub, Tiger Balm, Campho-Phenique, Bengay Ultra-Strength Cream and Noxzema skincare products.
Benefits
When applied to skin as part of a rub or salve, oil of camphor first feels cold and tingly, then warms to create a soothing feeling of relaxation in sore muscles. Topical analgesics containing camphor oil relieve pain and tension in the neck, shoulders, lower back and head. Oil of camphor also helps to clear sinus and respiratory congestion when dissolved in a hot bath, or used with water in a humidifier and inhaled. The oil's drying properties also clear up cold sores and relieve itching from insect bites and sunburn.
Warnings
In "A Modern Herbal," published in 1931, author Maud Grieve suggests consuming camphor as a stimulant for heart failure and a calming treatment for nervousness, hysteria and neuralgia. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics concludes that internal consumption of camphor in quantities of only a few grams is highly toxic and may cause convulsions, which can prove fatal. Side effects of camphor poisoning include gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excitement and delirium. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use any topical or inhaled products containing camphor due to the risk of transferring toxic compounds to their children.
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