Camphor oil is an age-old remedy for a number of health issues including respiratory problems, skin irritation, itching, and swelling. It is extracted from the wood of camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora). (1)
Read on to take a closer look at the health benefits of camphor oil. (2)
Benefits of Camphor and How to Use It
Caution:
Camphor oil is known to alleviate pain and treat acne and other skin diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Camphor can be helpful in the following ways:
1. Reduces pain and inflammation
Camphor is an effective topical pain reliever when used in concentrations of less than 11%. It can help alleviate pain in people suffering from hemorrhoids, arthritis, minor sprains and burns, insect bites, etc.
A study has found that topical sprays containing menthol, eucalyptus, clove, and camphor can help relieve pain effectively. (3)
How to use:
Add 4–5 drops of camphor oil to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and rub this mixture onto the affected area once or twice a day.
2. Promotes skin healing
Camphor oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful for skin irritation. It helps relieve itching and burning. It can also be used for eczema – but only under the supervision of a doctor. (4)
How to use:
Add 1 tablespoon of camphor oil to 1 cup of coconut oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area twice or thrice a day.
3. Fights acne and curbs excessive oil production
Camphor contains antibiotic qualities that are attributed to its content of organic compounds including camphene and 1,8-cineole. It can be a good remedy for acne as it helps stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria. (5)
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe the skin and get rid of pimples or skin irritation.
How to use:
Mix a pinch of camphor powder with 2 tablespoons of rose water, and apply the mixture to the affected area. Let it sit for a while before washing it off.
4. Treats cracked heels
Camphor has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve irritation from cracked heels. It can also moisturize the skin when mixed with a carrier oil.
How to use:
Mix a few drops of camphor oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and apply the oil blend to your heels every night before bed.
5. Controls dandruff
Camphor has effective antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which make it an easy remedy for dandruff, which is caused by fungal overgrowth on the scalp.
How to use:
Mix 1 tablespoon of camphor oil with a few drops of lemon juice and some coconut oil. Apply this mixture to your scalp and massage it thoroughly. Let it sit for half an hour before washing it off. Repeat twice a week for best results.
6. Improves hair texture and quality
Camphor also contains some antioxidants that can protect your hair from the sun and pollutants. It even helps improve blood flow to the scalp for better hair growth.
How to use:
Add 1 tablespoon of camphor oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and apply this mixture to your scalp and hair. Massage thoroughly, and wait for 20 minutes before rinsing off with shampoo.
7. Controls lice infestation
Camphor has a very strong odor that many insects and parasites are averse to. Applying camphor to your hair can help get rid of lice.
How to use:
Mix 1 teaspoon of camphor oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair thoroughly. Wait for 20 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo. Afterward, comb your hair with a thin-toothed comb to get rid of any remaining lice and eggs.
8. Cures cold sores
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are very painful. They are highly contagious and can cause stinging, burning pain for days. Applying camphor oil to the affected area can help relieve some of the pain.
How to use:
Mix a couple drops of camphor oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the sore multiple times a day.
9. Clears the sinuses and chest
Camphor has decongestant properties due to its powerful odor. It can help clear clogged nasal passages, bronchi, etc., and help you breathe easier.
How to use:
Massage a store-bought camphor chest rub on your chest. Smelling it for a few seconds can also help clear your blocked nose.
10. Inhibits toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Camphor can help cure fungal infections due to its antifungal properties. It can be applied topically to common toenail infections as a home remedy to shorten healing time.
How to use:
Combine a few drops of camphor oil and coconut oil, and apply the oil blend to the area. Applying a camphor-based chest rub (e.g., Vicks) may also be helpful.
11. Treats restless leg syndrome
Camphor has antispasmodic properties – it can provide relief from the muscle spasms and tingling associated with restless leg syndrome.
How to use:
Apply a few drops of camphor oil mixed with coconut oil to the affected area before bedtime.
12. Relieves insomnia and anxiety
Camphor oil has sedative qualities that may help ward off anxiety and help you sleep better.
How to use:
Add a few drops of camphor oil to your bath water and soak in it for a while.
13. Repels mosquitoes inside the house
Camphor acts as an insect repellent due to its strong odor. It has traditionally been used to keep mosquitoes out of indoor places.
How to use:
Place a bowl of water in the room and put a couple of camphor balls in it. This diffuses the camphor smell throughout the room, causing mosquitoes to exit the place.
Side Effects of Camphor
Camphor is relatively safe to use with minimal side effects. Yet, maintain caution while inhaling it as it can be toxic in large amounts.
Moreover, do not apply camphor to open wounds as it can cause camphor poisoning. Do not let camphor or camphor oil near hot objects or heated areas as it is highly flammable. (6)
Final Word
Camphor oil can become an indispensable part of your household. It is an effective remedy for pain, inflammation, acne, dandruff, colds, and many other mild conditions.