Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Camphor, also known as Kapur, is a crystalline white material with a pungent odour and flavour.^(HR/1)

As a natural pesticide, burning camphor in the house helps to eliminate germs and purify the air. Camphor, when mixed with jaggery in modest doses, provides cough alleviation due to its expectorant properties. It clears mucous from the lungs and makes breathing easier. Because of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, camphor water is used to treat skin infections. Washing your face with Camphor water on a regular basis reduces bacterial growth and offers you younger-looking skin.Dandruff, itchy scalp, and lice infestations can be managed by massaging the scalp with Camphor oil combined with mustard or coconut oil. Camphor should be used with coconut oil for the best therapeutic results. Camphor should only be used under the direction of a doctor. Camphor should be used in tiny doses because too much of it might produce indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.

Camphor is also known as :- Cinnamomum camphora, Karpura, Karpur, Kapur, Karpuram, Chutakkapuram, Kaapurl, Kapura, Karpram, Karpuraamu, Riyaahi Kapphur, Kaaphoraa.

Camphor is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Camphor:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Cough : Cough is called as Kas Roga in Ayurveda and is caused by poor digestion. The accumulation of Ama (toxic leftovers in the body owing to faulty digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs is caused by a poor diet and insufficient waste removal. Despite its Sita (chill) quality, edible camphor plays an important role in decreasing Ama and aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs.
• Indigestion : Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) is one of the causes of indigestion, and edible Camphor, with its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) qualities, helps to improve Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). However, it is best to take Camphor in tiny doses because too much of it might cause indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
• Obesity : Diet and lifestyle are one of the key reasons of obesity, according to Ayurveda. This suppresses the digestive fire, promotes Ama buildup, and generates an imbalance in the Meda dhatu, resulting in weight gain. Because of its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics, edible camphor increases digestive secretions and lowers Ama (toxic residues in the body owing to incorrect digestion). Edible Camphor also has a Lekhana (scraping) effect, which helps the body shed extra fat.
• Cough : Camphor is useful for treating coughs and their symptoms. Camphor is known to have antitussive properties, therefore it prolongs coughing and lessens cough frequency.
  Cough is caused by a Kapha imbalance and poor digestion. Ama is formed when the food we ingest is not entirely digested. This Ama enters the respiratory system as sputum, causing coughing and congestion. Camphor’s Kapha balancing function makes it a decongestant and cough suppressant. 1. Take a small bit of Camphor and apply it to your skin. 2. Combine it with coconut oil and massage it into the chest or back, or inhale Camphor through vaporisation. 3. This is the most effective treatment for children with upper respiratory tract infections who have a nighttime cough, congestion, and sleep problems.
• Local anesthesia (Numb tissues in a specific area) : Camphor helps to relieve pain from arthritis, bruising, muscle and ligament strains, weak bones, and low back pain. Camphor is utilised as a topical analgesic in balms and liniments because of its anti-nociceptive properties. Camphor’s terpenoids attach to pain receptors, desensitising them and providing long-term pain relief.
  Camphor is a counter-irritant because it causes a sensation of warmth by boosting blood flow. Due to its Sita (cold) character, it afterwards has a calming and cooling effect. When Camphor is applied to the affected area, this helps to relieve discomfort. Tips: 1. Take a pinch of camphor powder. 2. Combine it with coconut oil or mustard oil. 3. To relieve pain, massage the affected area once or twice a day.
• Osteoarthritis : Camphor, when applied externally, serves as a counter-irritant, reducing pain in osteoarthritis. Camphor is a counter-irritant because it causes a sensation of warmth by boosting blood flow. Due to its Sita (cold) character, it afterwards has a calming and cooling effect. When Camphor is applied to the affected area, this helps to relieve discomfort. Due to its Ropan (healing) nature, it also aids in the reduction of localised inflammation. 1. Apply 2-5 drops of camphor oil on your palms. 2. Combine it with mustard or coconut oil to make a paste. 3. To alleviate pain in osteoarthritis, massage the affected area once or twice a day.
• Skin infections : Camphor’s anti-infective and anti-pruritic properties make it useful for treating skin irritation.
  Camphor’s Ropan (healing) function can help decrease skin irritation and itching by generating a calming effect. 1. Take a sliver of camphor. 2. Apply it to the affected area after melting it in lukewarm water.
• Piles : Camphor’s cooling effect helps to minimise swelling, burning sensations, and pain in piles. Its Ropan (healing) property also aids in the speeding up of the healing process. Tip: 1. Add 2-5 drops of camphor oil on your palms. 2. Combine it with a small amount of coconut oil. 3. Apply it once or twice a day on the piles mass to relieve discomfort and swelling.

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Precautions to be taken while using Camphor:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)^(HR/3)

• Avoid the consumption of Camphor in case of epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease as it may lead to some side effects.
• Take Camphor orally only after consulting with your doctor.
• Avoid the oral consumption of Camphor if you have liver diseases as it may lead to liver damage.
• Camphor oil should be used after diluting in base oils like sesame oil before applying on the body.

Special precautions to be taken while taking Camphor:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)^(HR/4)

• Breastfeeding : Camphor should not be consumed while breastfeeding.
  Camphor should not be applied to the skin when breastfeeding.
• Patients with heart disease : If you have hypertension, avoid using Camphor or take it under medical supervision because it can raise blood pressure.
• Pregnancy : Camphor should not be consumed during pregnancy.
  Camphor should not be applied to the skin during pregnancy.
• Allergy : Camphor should not be used on broken or injured skin because it can cause negative effects.
  If your skin is hypersensitive, use Camphor with coconut oil or any other skin cream.

How to take Camphor:-

As per several scientific studies, Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Camphor Powder with Jaggery : Take one pinch of edible Camphor powder. Add some mishri or jaggery to it. Take this combination after meals two times a day.
• Camphor Granules : Take one pinch of edible Camphor granules. Add some jaggery to it. Take this mixture after dishes twice a day.
• Camphor Powder with Coconut oil : Take one pinch of Camphor powder. Mix it with coconut oil as well as use on the skin. Use this remedy one to three times a week to control fungal infections.
• Camphor Oil with Sesame oil : Take one pinch of Camphor powder. Mix it with sesame oil as well as use it on the skin. Use this remedy once daily to obtain remedy for arthritic discomfort.

How much Camphor should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Camphor Powder : One pinch once or twice a day, or, One pinch or as per your requirement.
• Camphor Granules : Take as per your doctor’s recommendation.
• Camphor Oil : Five to ten drops or as per your requirement.

Side effects of Camphor:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Camphor:-

Question. What are the chemical constituents of Camphor oil?

Answer. Camphor contains 1,8 cineole, Limonene, Sabinene, P-cymene, Camphene, and B-mycerene, all of which have medicinal properties such as bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, relaxant, antidepressant, antibacterial, and antioxidant.

Question. What is artificial or synthetic Camphor?

Answer. The oil of turpentine can be used to make camphor in the lab. Synthetic Camphor is used in a variety of applications, including perfumery, insect repellant, and religious ceremonies. Before using Camphor, it’s a good idea to double-check its legitimacy.

Question. What are Camphor balls?

Answer. Moth balls are another name for camphor balls. They are little white balls that are used to store garments and other items that are prone to insects and vermin.

Question. Is Camphor edible?

Answer. The ‘edible camphor’ used in Indian cooking is known as Pachha Karpooram, which translates to “green camphor.” Camphor is also used in a variety of recipes as a flavour element.

Camphor is available in two forms: edible and non-edible. It’s the edible camphor that goes into Ayurvedic medications. However, because edible camphor may have negative effects, it is best to use it under medical supervision.

Question. What are the different types of Camphor that are available?

Answer. Kaiyadeva Nighantu revealed three forms of camphor in Ayurvedic books: Ishavasa, Him Camphor, and Pitashrya. It was also separated into two types: Pakva (artificial) and Apkva (natural) (natural). Nowadays, terpentine is used to synthesise camphor; however, this is only utilised for religious offerings and not for therapeutic purposes.

Question. Can Camphor be used in patients suffering from Herpes?

Answer. Camphor has been shown to have antiviral properties. According to studies, using lavender oil mixed with camphor to the skin deactivates both herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 virus. This stops the herpes infection from spreading.

Question. Can Camphor be used as an insect repellent?

Answer. Camphor is often used as an insect repellent in houses due to its insecticidal ability. Camphor is also effective against a variety of mosquito species.

Camphor’s Tikshna (sharp) odour repels insects such as mosquitoes, making it one of the most powerful natural insect repellents. 1. Place 1-2 Camphor pills in various corners of the room. 2. The odour purifies the air and repels insects and mosquitoes once it begins to evaporate.

Question. What are the benefits of Camphor water?

Answer. Because of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, camphor water is used to treat skin infections. Camphor water is used to wash the face to prevent bacteria from growing and to give the skin a healthy glow.

Camphor water is an efficient treatment for fungal diseases on the skin. Because of its Sita (cold) nature, it also helps to relieve inflammation and provides a cooling effect when splashed on the face.

Question. How does Camphor prevent you from getting swine flu?

Answer. There isn’t enough scientific evidence to back up Camphor’s role in preventing swine flu. Camphor oil, on the other hand, serves to purify the air and so reduces the risk of numerous airborne infections when burned in the home or office.

Question. What are the benefits of Camphor for acne?

Answer. Because of its astringent properties, camphor provides a number of benefits for acne. It induces skin cells to constrict and aids in the removal of bacteria and debris from skin pores. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to relieve acne-related pain and swelling.

When applied to the afflicted area, camphor helps to control acne. Acne can be a problem for people with a Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type, and Camphor has the ability to balance both types of exacerbated doshas (Kapha-Pitta).

Question. Does Camphor oil help prevent hair fall?

Answer. Because of its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, camphor oil is used as an effective treatment for hair loss. Camphor, when combined with mustard or coconut oil and massaged into the scalp, aids in the treatment of dandruff, itchy scalp, and lice.

Question. What is the effect of Camphor on teeth?

Answer. Camphor’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in the treatment of toothaches and gum disorders. It aids in the reduction of dental pain and inflammation. It also stops bacteria from growing in your gums and teeth.

When applied to the affected area, camphor helps to relieve toothache and prevent gum bleeding. Because of its Sita (cold) nature, this is the case. It also reduces bacterial growth in the mouth, which causes toothaches and unpleasant odour.

Question. Is Camphor helpful in dandruff?

Answer. Because of its antibacterial properties, camphor can help manage dandruff. It protects the scalp against bacteria growth. It also has a calming effect, which helps to relieve scalp irritation caused by dandruff.

When massaged into the scalp, camphor mixed with coconut oil relieves dryness and reduces dandruff. Due to its Sita (cold) quality, it also decreases irritation on the scalp and provides a relaxing effect.

Question. Can Camphor and baby oil help to reduce belly fat?

Answer. There is insufficient scientific data to support the use of Camphor and baby oil to reduce abdominal fat.

SUMMARY

As a natural pesticide, burning camphor in the house helps to eliminate germs and purify the air. Camphor, when mixed with jaggery in modest doses, provides cough alleviation due to its expectorant properties.