Camphor - A great healing herb

Camphor is a strongly scented solid substance extracted from the wood of the Camphor Laurel tree. The laurel grows mainly in Southeast Asia in countries such as Taiwan and Malaysia. Camphor may be extracted through natural processes or synthesized chemically. Camphor has a wide range of uses including medicinal, cooking, and various traditional practices.

The Camphor Laurel tree is a large evergreen that grows well in wet, subtropical climates. It is native to Southeast Asia and has been labeled an invasive weed in areas of Britain. This is partially due to the camphor content of its leaves, which prevents other plants from germinating. Camphor is traditionally procured by chopping the wood of a Camphor Laurel that is at least 50 years of age into small chips and steaming them. This causes crystals to form, which are then further processed and purified. A single Camphor Laurel tree can produce as much as three tons of camphor oil.

Camphor has a variety of medical and non-medical uses. Medically, it is a local anesthetic and an antimicrobial. It produces a cooling effect similar to menthol when applied to the skin, making it a useful application for sore muscles. Also like menthol, it is effective in treating sore throats and suppressing coughs. It can be combined with menthol to make an inhalant that relieves nasal congestion and coughs. Camphor is also used in some anti-itch creams because it is can be absorbed through skin and is effective at treating pain locally. Camphor has stimulant properties that make it useful in treating fatigue.

Non-medical uses of camphor include insect repellents, cooking, fuel, embalming, and making fireworks. It has been shown to be effective at repelling insects, including moths and mosquitoes. Camphor is available in edible forms, and has been used for centuries in cooking around the world. Today it is mainly used in Asia as a cooking ingredient. It is generally used to flavor sweets, particularly Indian desserts. It is also reported to have been used during the Middle Ages as a flavoring for sweet foods. Wealthy families in Asia have traditionally used it as an embalming agent for the deceased. Camphor is also used to make celluloid, a product which has lessened in importance with the high availability of plastics.

While camphor can be toxic if ingested in large quantities, it is generally safe. The United States FDA has limited the camphor content of all products to 11%. It is safe to consume camphor that is labeled as edible, but other camphor products might be of a non-food grade.

Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.

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