What effect does camphor have?
Camphor (camphor) is a white solid obtained from the essential oil of the camphor tree. It has various properties. Among other things, it has an antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used in these areas:
- Skin: Lotions and creams with camphor relieve skin irritation and itching. They also improve the appearance of the skin.
- Pain: Camphor ointments help with muscle pain and soft tissue rheumatism. A spray with camphor has also shown positive effects in studies.
- Coughs: Camphor oil has a decongestant and antitussive effect. Inhaling the active ingredient loosens mucus and secretions in the bronchial tubes. Camphor also has an antispasmodic effect on the bronchial muscles (bronchospasmolytic). It is therefore an ingredient in many cold remedies – such as gels, ointments and baths.
- Nail fungus: As camphor has an antifungal effect, products containing it have been shown to be effective against nail fungus.
There are also cardiovascular strengthening drops that contain the active ingredient alongside other ingredients and have been shown in studies to be effective against low blood pressure.
- Hair loss
- Earache
- warts
- Flatulence
- Symptoms of heart disease
- muscle cramps
- Anxiety and depression
How is camphor used?
For external use, ointments with a maximum of 25 percent camphor and so-called camphor spirit (Spiritus camphoratus) are available. You can use both preparations several times a day.
There are also sprays and bath additives with camphor. The medicinal plant is also sometimes contained in cosmetic products such as facial toner and nail varnish.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
What you should bear in mind when using camphor
Never use camphor over a long period of time. Due to its toxic effect, you should strictly adhere to the dosage instructions in the package leaflet or the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist when taking the active ingredient.
Camphor should not be used on children under the age of four or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with asthma, pseudocroup or whooping cough should also refrain from using it.
Always consult a doctor before using camphor internally, as even small amounts can lead to poisoning.
What side effects can camphor cause?
Camphor has a low therapeutic range. This means that it can only be used therapeutically in a narrow dose range, as symptoms of poisoning can occur even at slightly higher doses. This applies to oral ingestion, inhalation and extensive external application.
Always keep camphor out of the reach of children. In infants and small children, the active ingredient can lead to a glottis spasm and respiratory arrest!
But camphor is not harmless for adults either. Just two grams can cause signs of poisoning, for example
- nausea
- vomiting
- colic
- headaches
- dizziness
- cramps
- shortness of breath
In some cases, poisoning has been fatal. The lethal dose for children is just one gram, for adults 20 grams.
How to obtain camphor products
Camphor products are mainly available in pharmacies in the form of drops or as an ointment. It is usually found in combination with other active ingredients and essential oils in ointments, bath additives (muscle and relaxation baths) and inhalation solutions.
What is camphor?
The evergreen camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) belongs to the laurel family (Lauraceae) and grows in tropical-subtropical coastal areas of East Asia. It is a stately tree up to 50 meters high, which can reach a trunk diameter of up to five meters. Its leaves are glossy, oval-lanceolate and smell of camphor when rubbed. The small, white flowers are arranged in clusters.
The essential oil of Cinnamomum camphora is primarily extracted from the wood of trees that are at least 50 years old. The older the tree, the more oil can be extracted by steam distillation. When the camphor oil is cooled, most of the camphor crystallizes out.
