Camphor is a type of frozen white oily substance which has a very strong smell and is a highly flammable. There are different types of camphor depending on the manufacturing process and place. The camphor is colorless, white or transparent in shape, powdered or square in shape. Camphor is commonly used in pooja recitations etc.

Camphor is an evergreen tree that is about 60 feet high and grows very fast. The variants found in India are small and their leaves are two and a half to 4 inches tall. It has small white flowers and its round shaped fruit is purple to black in color. Camphor is known for its medicinal and antibacterial properties in traditional and western medicine systems. Likewise, oil derived from camphor is also helpful. It helps in getting relief from many problems like phlegm, pain and swelling. According to some studies, camphor is also effective in curing skin burns and fungal infections.

Types of Camphor

There are three types of camphors mentioned in many texts of Ayurveda, such as

• Pakva (Artificial Camphor)
• Pacha (Natural Camphor)
• Bhimseni

Among these, mainly two types of camphor are used. One is derived from trees and the other is artificially made by chemical processes.

Benefits and Uses of Camphor

The many benefits of Camphor and Camphor oil are listed below-

Camphor is useful in healing burnt skin-

Camphor helps in healing burnt skin. It not only cures pain or burning sensation, but also frees the body from wounds because camphor oil stimulates the nerve, which cools the skin. For this, mix two cubes of camphor in one cup of coconut oil and apply the mixture on the affected area regularly.

Use camphor to kill mosquitoes-

Several studies have shown that camphor is a natural mosquito repellent. In addition, camphor has traditionally been used to get rid of moths. So, to avoid mosquitoes, burn a camphor tablet in the corner of your house.

Camphor oil relieves pimples-

Camphor is an effective way to tighten the skin. Camphor acts as an anti-infective agent by preventing bacterial infection. According to a study, camphor is particularly beneficial for people with oily skin, due to which it is very useful in the treatment of acne. For this, mix tea tree oil and camphor essential oil and apply it on the affected skin.

Camphor provides relief in itching and burning-

Camphor essential oil is also used for problems such as itching and burning. It is known to provide relief in itchy skin as it gets absorbed by the pores and cools the skin.

Camphor relieves joint pain-

Camphor is beneficial in pain around joints and muscles. According to a study, camphor oil produces a warming sensation in the body as a result of which there is desensitization in the nerves and pain is relieved. Using camphor oil even when there is a body cramp provides relief.

Other Benefits of Camphor-

• Mixing camphor in the juice of basil leaves and pouring two drops into the ear relieves ear pain.
• Mixing camphor in lemon juice and applying it on the temples relieves headache and heaviness.
• Add equal amounts of camphor, nutmeg and turmeric and add some water to it. Applying this mixture on the stomach provides relief in pain.
• Put 10-12 camphor cubes in a bucket filled with water and keep the ankles in water for 10-15 minutes. This will fill the cracks of the heels and make the feet soft.
• Applying camphor oil on the temples and sniffing it relieves mental exhaustion.

Side effects of Camphor

• Sometimes, using camphor oil directly on the skin can cause irritation.
• Camphor should not be used on children under 2 years of age. This can prove extremely harmful for them.
• Pregnant or lactating women should avoid the use of camphor.
• Do not take camphor orally, it is highly toxic.