Want to keep warm and have your skin thrive this winter season? Let’s see what trusty old Ayurveda has got to say about warm foods you should consume during the harsh winters! When the word winter comes to mind, the first thing which pops up is a hot cup of your favourite brew or your mother’s famous warm delicacy. Did you now that the food we eat is closely associated with the weather? Ritucharya is an ancient Ayurvedic practice and is comprised of two words, “Ritu” which means season and “charya” which means Regimen or discipline. Ritucharya consists of lifestyle and ayurvedic diet routine to cope with the bodily and mental impacts caused by seasonal changes as recommended by Ayurveda. Ritucharya is a powerful, health giving ayurvedic tool that helps us live according to the changes in season and make internal adjustments so that our doshas are in a state of balance. People do not know or ignore the suitable types of food stuffs to be followed in particular season, this ...
Camphor Oil is an essential oil extracted from Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora) by steam distillation. It is used in alternative medicine for its several therapeutic benefits. It is used as decongestant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, sedative, and local anesthetic. In modern medicine, it is also found in liniments and creams used for pain relief.
TYPES OF CAMPHOR OIL
There are three types of camphor oil available:
- White Camphor Oil
- Brown Camphor Oil
- Yellow Camphor Oil
Brown and yellow camphor oils are not used in medicines because they contain a substance called safrole. Safrole is a highly toxic and carcinogenic compound. However, white camphor oil also contains a small amount of safrole, but its level is not significant to cause any problem. White camphor oil is commonly used in medicines for its therapeutic benefits.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
Chemical constitution varies according to the part of Cinnamomum Camphora Tree used for the extraction of camphor oil. Here is a brief detail: (1)
Camphor Oil extracted from Stem Bark of Camphor Tree
| D-Camphor | 51.3% |
| 1,8-Cineole | 4.3% |
| α-Terpineol | 3.8% |
| 3-Methyl-2-butenoic acid, oct-3-en-2-yl ester | 3.1% |
| 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-3,3-dimethyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-cyclohexene | 2.8% |
| Eugenol | 2.1% |
| Terpinen-4-ol | 2% |
| β-Cadinene | 2% |
| 1-Methyl-5-(1-methylvinyl) cyclohexene | 1.6% |
| Dihydro-cis-α-copaene-8-ol | 1.4% |
| α-Cubebene | 1.3% |
| 1,3,8-p-Menthatriene | 1.1% |
| Artemesia triene | 1% |
| Aromadendrene | 0.9% |
| 7,7-Dimethyl-2-methylenenorbornane | 0.5% |
| α-Caryophyllene | 0.5% |
| Isoterpinolene | 0.4% |
| β-Selinene | 0.4% |
| β-Pinene | 0.3% |
| γ-Terpinen | 0.3% |
| Bergamotene | 0.3% |
| γ-Patchoulene | 0.3% |
| 4-Carene | 0.2% |
| Undecane | 0.2% |
| α-Bourbonene | 0.2% |
| 1,2,3,4,6,8alpha-Hexahydro-1-isopropyl-4,7-dimethylnaphthalene | 0.2% |
| α-Calacorene | 0.2% |
Camphor Oil extracted from Leaves of Camphor Tree
| D-Camphor | 40.5% |
| Linalool | 22.9% |
| 1,8-Cineole | 11.3% |
| 3,7,11-Trimethyl-3-hydroxy-6,10-dodecadien-1-yl acetate | 4.5% |
| p-Menth-1-en-8-ol | 2.3% |
| Caryophyllene | 2.2% |
| α-Pinene | 2.1% |
| 2-Thujene | 2% |
| Sabenene | 1.8% |
| p-Menth-1-en-4-ol | 1.1% |
| Camphene | 1% |
| γ-Elemene | 1% |
| Germacrene D | 0.9% |
| Dihydro-cis-α-copaene-8-ol | 0.6% |
| α-Phellandrene | 0.4% |
| p-Mentha-2,4(8)-diene | 0.4% |
| m-Cymene | 0.4% |
| Oxalic acid,di(1-menthyl) ester | 0.4% |
| 4,7-Dimethyl-4,4a,5,6-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-1,3-dione | 0.3% |
| Elixene | 0.3% |
| endo-Borneol | 0.2% |
| 1,5-Dimethyl-8-isopropenyl-1,5-cyclodeca-diene | 0.2% |
| α-Caryophyllene | 0.2% |
| α-trans-Ocimene | 0.1% |
| 2,2-Dimethylheptane | 0.1% |
| 2,2,5-Trimethylhexane-3,4-dione | 0.1% |
| 2,5,9-Trimethyldecane | 0.1% |
| 7,7-Dimethyl-2-methylenenorbornane | 0.1% |
| α-Bourbonene | 0.1% |
| 3,5-Dimethyl-4-octanone | 0.1% |
| Cadina-1(10),4-diene | 0.1% |
| 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-3,3-dimethyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-cyclohexene | 0.1% |
Camphor Oil extracted from Fruits of Camphor Tree
| Safrole | 29% |
| D-Camphor | 28.1% |
| Linalool | 12.8% |
| 1,8-Cineole | 5.3% |
| o-Cymene | 2.7% |
| α-Phellandrene | 2.6% |
| p-Menth-1-en-8-ol | 1.7% |
| B-Terpinyl acetate | 1.3% |
| p-Menth-1-en-4-ol | 0.7% |
| 3-Carene | 0.5% |
| Dihydro-cis-α-copaene-8-ol | 0.4% |
| p-Mentha-2,4(8)-diene | 0.3% |
| 7,7-Dimethyl-2-methylenenorbornane | 0.3% |
| Camphene | 0.2% |
| 2-Thujene | 0.2% |
| α-trans-Ocimene | 0.2% |
| γ-Patchoulene | 0.2% |
Chemical Constituents of White Camphor Oil
White camphor oil is mainly collected from camphor tree bark through distillation and vacuum rectification. The process produces 3 fractions of oil – White, Yellow and Brown. White fraction of oil is known as white camphor oil. White camphor essential oil primarily contains:
- D-Camphor
- 1,8-Cineole
- α-Terpineol
- Eugenol
- Terpinen-4-ol
Safrole Content in Different Types of Camphor Oil
| White Camphor Oil | Traces |
| Yellow Camphor Oil | Around 10 to 20% |
| Brown Camphor Oil | Around 80% |
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
Airways & Lungs: Camphor Oil dissolves thick mucus, clears respiratory tract and lungs, relieves congestion, and eases in breathing. However, it might not be suitable for people with non-productive coug or cough arising from the throat irritation.
Heart & Blood Vessels: It acts as cardiac stimulant and inotropic. It stimulates cardiac muscles and improves speed and force of muscle contraction. It also stimulates blood circulation. On the skin, it dilates blood vessels.
Digestive Health: It causes excessive salivation, reduces thirst, increases the secretion of gastric juices, and relieves gas. In excess, it causes nausea, vomiting and loss of interest in eating.
Kidney & Urinary Bladder: It stimulates kidneys and induces diuresis.
Reproductive System: In low dosage, it acts as aphrodisiac and stimulant and improves libido. In high dosage, it reduces libido. It also reduces the secretion of milk in lactating mothers.
Skin: It induces soothing and cool sensation, improves circulation, and dilates blood vessels.
Medicinal Properties
Camphor essential Oil has following healing properties.
- Decongestant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Sedative
- Local anesthetic
- Antidepressant
- Antiseptic
- Cardiac
- Carminative
- Diuretic
- Febrifuge
- Hypertensive
- Insecticide
- Laxative
- Rubefacient
- Stimulant
- Sudorific
- Vermifuge
- Vulnerary
Ayurvedic Properties
| RASA (Taste) | TIKTA (Bitter), KATU (Pungent), MADHURA (Sweet) |
| GUNA (Main Quality) | LAGHU (Light), TIKSHNA (Sharp) |
| VIRYA (Potency) | SHEETA (Cold) |
| VIPAKA (Resultant) | KATU (Pungent) |
| Dosha Karma | Pacifies Tridosha (Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha & Kapha Dosha) |
THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS
In the following health conditions, diluted Camphor Oil can be used for local application.
- Arthritic pain
- Toenail Fungus (onychomycosis)
- Itching and skin irritation
- Gas (abdominal massage with castor oil + camphor oil – ratio 100:1)
- Skin infections
- Spasm
- Burn scar
Undiluted camphor oil should not be used, and it should not exceed 11% in analgesic liniments, creams, or ointments. In lotions, its quantity should not exceed 1%.
CAMPHOR OIL BENEFITS & USES
Camphor Oil mainly used to reduce inflammation, pain, stiffness and excess mucus discharge in respiratory diseases or infections. Therefore, it is beneficial in pain disorders including arthritic pain, rheumatism, and muscular pain. For its expectorant and decongestant properties, it is used to treat cough, colds, flu and bronchitis.
It is a major constituent of balms, cold rubs, liniments and creams used to alleviates local pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. It blocks sensory nerves on the skin and alleviates pain sensations.
In respiratory diseases, camphor oil is used in vapor therapy to clear the lungs and ease breathing. Vapor therapy with camphor essential oil can also help to boost blood circulation, calm mind, and strengthen heart. It is also a main constituent of decongestant balms used for alleviating inflammation and reducing blockage of nasal tract, bronchi and lungs. The most of such medicines are applied on the chest.
Pain Relief
Camphor oil or camphor is a main ingredient of many pain relieving balms, creams, liniments and ointments. It acts as a counter-irritant and rubefacient. First, it produces a feeling of warmth by increasing blood flow. Then it exerts a soothing action and produces coolness. Ultimately, it relieves pain.
For this purpose, it is used along with other ingredients including base (paraffin or beeswax), menthol, clove oil, mint oil, cajuput essential oil, cassia oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, gaultheria fragrantissima oil, etc. A famous Tiger Balm also contains camphor as a chief ingredient.
Spams
Camphor essential oil has antispasmodic action, which helps to relieve spasms and cramps. In abdominal spasm or cramps, it is mixed in castor oil and applied on the abdomen. A circular clockwise massage with this oil mixture is highly beneficial to relieving abdominal spasm.
| Oils | Mixing Proportion |
| Castor Oil | 100 ml |
| Camphor Oil | 5 ml |
For muscular spasms in the back, legs, arm or neck, it should be mixed in olive oil, sesame oil, or mustard oil instead of castor oil.
| Oils | Mixing Proportion |
| Olive oil, sesame oil, or mustard oil | 100 ml |
| Camphor Oil | 5 ml |
Nasal Congestion
The aroma of Camphor essential oil acts as decongestant. Decongestant balms containing camphor can be used for relieving nasal congestion.
Skin Disease
Camphor oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, disinfectant and soothing action. It is added in several lotions and ointments for its these therapeutic benefits. It alleviates skin irritation and reduces pruritus (severe itching). It acts on sensory nerves and exerts local anesthetic and analgesic action. It also produces a soothing sensation, which helps to relieve these symptoms.
How to Use
If patient has burning sensation in the skin, itching, irritation, scaly patches on skin and swelling, it can be used mixing in coconut oil in ratio of 100:1. Regular application of coconut camphor oil helps relieving all these symptoms.
Nail Fungus
In nail fungus, a mixture of Camphor essential oil, oregano oil and tea tree oil can help to get rid of nail fungus. These three essential oils have potent antifungal properties, and these can be used in the following ratio.
| Oils | Mixing Proportion |
| Oregano Oil | 10 ml |
| Tea Tree Oil | 5 ml |
| Camphor essential Oil | 1 ml |
How to Use
Apply the mixture of these three oils on the affected nails 3 to 5 times a day. The treatment course may vary from 10 to 12 weeks. Some patients may also require its regular application for a longer duration.
Burn Scars
Camphor oil along with Frankincense essential oil, Turmeric essential Oil and almond oil helps to reduce burn scars. The following mixture of oils can lighten the scar marks.
| Oils | Mixing Proportion |
| Coconut Oil | 50 ml |
| Almond Oil | 50 ml |
| Frankincense oil | 2 ml |
| Turmeric Oil | 2 ml |
| Camphor Oil | 1 ml |
How to Use
The above mixture should be applied on the affected skin 3 to 4 times a day for at least 3 months.
Camphor oil use in Aromatherapy
However, camphor essential oil is rarely used in aromatherapy due to its neurotoxic nature. The unwise use can also cause convulsions, especially in people with history of convulsions or epilepsy.
The best use of camphor essential oil in aromatherapy is to add 1-3 drops in bathtub and soak in water for 5 to 10 minutes. It helps to calm the mind, improves mood, reduces mental stress, and treats anxiety and depression. For the best results, it can be used along with the following essential oils:
| Essential Oils | Health Conditions |
| Basil essential oil | Respiratory infections, productive cough, congestion |
| Cajuput essential oil | Skin care, congestion, cough |
| Chamomile essential oil | Stress, depression, spasm, neuralgic pain |
| Melissa essential oil | Depression, menstrual spams |
| Lavender essential oil | Insomnia (sleeplessness), hair care |
HOW TO USE CAMPHOR OIL
Camphor essential oil should always be used along with a base. Coconut oil is the best suitable base for it. The mixing ratio should be 100:1.
| Coconut Oil | 100 ml |
| Camphor Oil | 1 ml |
One can apply this mixture onto the skin and scalp. It reduces itching, dandruff, burning and skin irritation.
According to health condition, one can also add other essential oils in this mixture in quantity of 1 to 3 ml.
SAFETY PROFILE
Camphor oil is not added in any medicine used for oral consumption. However, processed camphor (also called Shuddha Karpur) is added in a very low amount in some formulations used in traditional medicine. The amount added in formulations varies from 1 to 5 mg of processed camphor. This amount does not produce any side effects when used for a short period (less than 4 weeks).
We consider oral intake of Camphor Oil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Camphor essential oil is not purified in traditional way. Therefore, it might cause adverse effects even in minimal dosage.
For local application, it should be added in a base (e.g. coconut oil). Pure essential oil of camphor can cause skin irritation when applied without a base, especially in people with sensitive skin.
Side effects of Camphor Oil
Oral consumption can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of interest in eating
- Burning sensation in the mouth and throat
- Seizures
- Visual impairment
- Death: In excess dosage (above 2 grams), it can be lethal.
Precautions
Pure Camphor oil should not be rubbed directly onto the skin. However, coconut oil can be used as its base and ratio of mixing should be 100:1 (coconut oil 100 ml + Camphor Oil 1 ml).
Contraindications
People suffering from or having following health conditions should not use camphor oil:
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy or history of convulsions
- Asthma (with dry cough)
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