Camphor
Camphor commonly known as Kapur, is a white, crystalline substance with a strong odor and a pungent taste. It is derived from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora. It is obtained by the process of steam distillation, purification, and sublimation of bark and wood of Cinnamomum camphora. Burning Camphor in the house helps to kill germs and purifies the air as it acts as a natural insecticide.
Chemical Constituents –
The main component of the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora is Camphor. It contains other components like linalool, eugenol, safrole, cineol, ß-myrecene, nerolidol, camphene, and borneol.
Properties –
• Antiseptic
• Antipruritic
• Analgesic (topical)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Expectorant
• Cough suppressant
• Nasal decongestant
• Contraceptive
• Anti-infective
• Anticancer
• Antispasmodic
• Aphrodisiac
• Antifungal
Benefits –
• It has decongestive properties and decreases inflammation in the lungs and throat thus helps in treating several respiratory disorders. Camphor oil is popular in aromatherapy, as it helps relieve respiratory congestion. It also has antitussive properties that can help ease coughs in children and adults.
A person might try applying these products to the chest or feet — in which case it is a good idea to put on socks afterward. Or, a person could dissolve the product in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
• Camphor stimulates nerve endings that reduce symptoms like pain and itching when topically applied to the skin.
• It’s leaves may be used in the management of conditions characterised by allergic skin inflammation like atopic dermatitis.
• Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wearing away of the protective cartilage that cushions the edges of bones.When applied locally, it can help ease the joint pain associated with arthritis.
• It’s oil may help treating headaches, including migraine headaches.It found that the essential oil could suppress pain-signaling pathways and weaken neurogenic inflammation.
• Camphor oil and coconut oil could help in caring for superficial burns.
A mixture of the oils significantly helped with burn care in a hospital setting.
• Massaging with Camphor oil mixed with mustard or coconut oil on the scalp helps manage dandruff, itchy scalp and lice infestations.
Formulations –
It can be used in different forms like:
• Camphor balm
• Camphor oil
• Camphor cream
Side Effects –
Its accidental consumption by children has serious side effects.
• Ingestion of Camphor by children can lead to hepatoxicity (liver damage) and neurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system).9
• It can also cause eye and skin irritation on contact.5
• Inhalation and skin exposure can cause acute toxicity leading to symptoms like muscular excitability, causing tremor and twitching, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, convulsions and delirium depending on the dosage.5
• There have been seizures reported in children following gastrointestinal, inhalational and dermal exposure to Camphor.
• Ingestion of Camphor may lead to abortion as it has the ability to cross the placental barrier.
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