The health benefits of camphor essential oil may include its potential properties as a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, anesthetic, sedative, and nervous pacifier. It may also act as an antineuralgic, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, and insecticide.
What is Camphor Essential Oil?
The essential oil of camphor is obtained during the process of the extraction of camphor from two types of camphor trees. The first one is the Common Camphor tree, bearing the scientific name Cinnamomum camphora, from which the common camphor is obtained. The second variety is the Borneo Camphor tree, which is where Borneo Camphor is derived from; it is scientifically known as Dryobalanops camphora. The camphor oil obtained from both have similar properties, but they differ slightly in aroma and the concentration of various compounds found in them.
The various components of camphor essential oil are alcohol, borneol, pinene, camphene, camphor, terpene, and safrole.
Health Benefits of Camphor Essential Oil
Camphor essential oil has many medicinal properties, which are explained in greater detail below.
May Improve Circulation
Camphor essential oil is an effective stimulant that can help boost the activity of the circulatory system, metabolism, digestion, secretion, and excretion. A study found that camphor induced both cold and warm sensations and improved blood circulation in the skin and muscles. This property helps in giving relief from problems and ailments associated with improper circulation, digestion, sluggish or overactive metabolic rates, obstructed secretions, and a wide variety of uncommon conditions. [1] [2]
May Prevent Skin Infections
Camphor essential oil may be a natural way to fight skin infections. It works by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. An open bottle or container of camphor oil, or burning a piece of cloth soaked in camphor oil, drives away insects and kills germs. A drop or two of camphor oil mixed with plenty of food grains also helps in keeping them safe from insects. Camphor is also used in many medical preparations such as ointments and lotions to cure skin diseases, as well as bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. When mixed with bathing water, camphor oil disinfects the whole body externally and also kills lice. [3] [4] [5] [6]
Use camphor to relieve pain, irritation, and itching. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Eliminate Gas
It may be very helpful in giving relief for gas trouble. Primarily, it may not let gas form and secondarily, it effectively removes the gases and healthily expels them.
May Reduce Nervous Disorders
It acts as a good anesthetic and is very effective for local anesthesia. It can cause numbness of the sensory nerves in the area of application. It also reduces the severity of nervous disorders and convulsions, epileptic attacks, nervousness, and chronic anxiety. [7]
May Relieve Spasms
It is known to be a very efficient antispasmodic and gives immediate relief from spasms and cramps. It is also effective in curing extreme spasmodic cholera. [8]
May Increase Libido
Camphor oil, when consumed, boosts the libido by stimulating those portions of the brain which are responsible for sexual desires. When externally applied, it may help to cure erectile problems by increasing blood circulation in the affected parts since it is a powerful stimulant. [9]
May Relieve Neuralgia
Neuralgia, a painful condition caused when the ninth cranial nerve is impacted due to swelling of the surrounding blood vessels, can be relieved using camphor oil. This oil can make the blood vessels contract and thereby reduce pressure on the ninth cranial nerve. [10]
May Reduce Inflammation
The cooling effect of camphor oil may make it an anti-inflammatory and sedative agent. A study provides evidence that essential oil from Cinnamomum camphora leaves has anti-inflammatory properties, by blocking certain pathways that are involved in inflammation. It may be very helpful in curing nearly all types of inflammation, both internal and external. It may also relax the body and mind while giving a feeling of peace and freshness. It may prove to be very cooling and refreshing, particularly in the summer. Camphor oil can also be mixed with bathing water to have that extra sensation of coolness in the summer heat. [11] [12]
May Reduce Arthritis Pain
A detoxifier and a stimulant for the circulatory system, camphor oil can excite blood circulation and gives relief to rheumatic diseases, arthritis, and gout. It is also considered antiphlogistic as it reduces the swelling of body parts. This is yet another beneficial effect of proper blood circulation. [13]
May Relax Nerves & Brain
Camphor oil may have a narcotic effect since it temporarily desensitizes the nerves and relaxes the brain. According to animal studies, it can help relieve migraine pain by blocking a pathway that is involved in inflammation and pain signaling. It can also make a person lose control over their limbs if taken in excess since it impacts brain function. The smell of the oil is somewhat addictive. People have been seen to develop strong addictions to repeatedly smelling the oil or consuming it, so be careful. [14]
May Relieve Congestion
The strong penetrating aroma of camphor oil is a powerful decongestant. It can immediately relieve congestion of the bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts, and lungs. It is, therefore, used in many decongestant balms and cold rubs. [15]
Other Benefits
It is sometimes used in cases of cardiac failure, in combination with other medicines. It is also beneficial in providing relief from symptoms of hysteria, viral diseases like cough, measles, flu, food poisoning, infections in the reproductive organs, and insect bites. [16]
Word of Caution: Camphor oil is toxic and can be fatal if ingested in excess. Even 2 grams can be lethal. Ingestion of a slight overdose can still manifest symptoms of poisoning, including extreme thirst, vomiting, and a drop in body temperature. [17]
Blending: Camphor oil blends well with basil, cajuput, chamomile, Melissa, and lavender oil for use in aromatherapy.
