Essential oils have become a popular natural remedy in most households, today. An excellent natural remedy for most ailments, camphor oil is an important ingredient in vapor rubs, liniments and balms and is extremely beneficial in soothing mental health conditions such as anxiety.
What Is Camphor Oil?
Camphor oil is extracted from camphor trees that first originated in Taiwan and Japan, but later on, owing to its popularity, camphor trees can be found in China and other parts of the world.
The oil is generally harvested four times a year and is extracted from the leaves through the process of steam distillation. The striking feature of camphor oil is its pervasive odor.
Uses and Benefits of Camphor Oil
Camphor oil blends well with other oils such as chamomile, basil and lavender oil when used for aromatherapy. You can easily store camphor oil in your home and utilize when needed.
Uses of Camphor Oil
Camphor oil has various uses such as the following:
- Effective insect repellent
- Relieves spasms and cramps
- Used in combination with other medicines to treat cardiac failure
- In aromatherapy
- Massage therapy
- As a decongestant in vapor rubs and balms
The health benefits of camphor oil are plenty as it has antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, insecticide, anesthetic, antineuralgic and stimulant properties.
Benefits of Camphor Oil
The various health benefits of camphor oil are listed below:
1. Prevents skin infections
Camphor oil is rich in antiseptic, disinfectant and germicide properties, therefore it is used in ointments and creams to cure many skin diseases and infections.
Additionally, this essential oil helps treat other infections such as measles, hysteria, epilepsy and food poisoning.
2. Reduces inflammation
Camphor oil is a penetrating agent and possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in curing both external and internal inflammation.
3. Reduces symptoms of arthritis
Due to the stimulant and detoxifying effects, camphor oil improves blood circulation and provides relief to symptoms of arthritis. It also reduces swelling of other body parts and is useful in treating rheumatic diseases and gout.
4. Relieves congestion
Camphor oil is an excellent decongestant that makes it a wonderful remedy to treat respiratory infections. It helps loosen the mucus and phlegm, thereby relieving congestion in the lungs.
5. Treats gastritis
An age-old remedy to treat digestion related issues, camphor oil effectively helps to eliminate gas and aids digestion in a healthy way.
6. Reduces nervous disorders
Camphor oil contains anesthetic properties that work to numb the sensory nerves, decreasing the severity of nervous disorders like anxiety, convulsions and epileptic attacks. It is also considered to be a very good local anesthetic.
7. Relieves neuralgia
Neuralgia is a painful nerve condition that occurs when the ninth cranial nerve is impacted by the swelling of nearby blood vessels. Used as a healing agent, camphor oil makes the blood vessels contract and decreases pressure on the ninth cranial nerve.
Side Effects of Camphor Oil
When taken in excess, camphor oil can prove to be toxic and fatal. Hence, it’s extremely important to consult your doctor before taking camphor oil in order to know the right doses and concentration.
- An overdose of this oil can cause symptoms such as vomiting, a sudden drop in body temperature and extreme thirst.
- Nausea and burning of the throat may occur after use.
- Pregnant women, children and those suffering from liver diseases are strictly advised not to use camphor oil.
