Effects of camphor: Camphor: Uses, Benefits, Precautions, Side Effects & More!

02.08.202310.06.2023 by alexxlab

Содержание

Camphor: Uses, Benefits, Precautions, Side Effects & More!

By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2
more

Last updated: Jun 8, 2023

Click to rate this article!

[Total: 8 Avg: 4.3]

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Camphor is a white crystalline compound derived from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora.¹ One of the most important properties of Camphor is its strong odour and pungent taste. Camphor is obtained by the process of steam distillation, purification, and sublimation of bark and wood of Cinnamomum camphora.²

Camphor comes in many chemical varieties, each having different compositions of essential oils. The main component of the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora is Camphor. It contains other components like linalool, eugenol, safrole, cineol, ÃŸ-myrecene, nerolidol, camphene, and borneol. Throughout the world, Camphor has been used for centuries for treating a variety of ailments.²

Properties of Camphor:

Camphor may have may different beneficial properties like:

It may show antiseptic activity
It may have antipruritic (used to relieve itching) property
It may have analgesic (relief from topical pain) property
It may show anti-inflammatory activity
It may demonstrate expectorant (secretion of sputum) property
It may be anti-infective properties
It may have anticancer activity
It may have antispasmodic property²
It may have antifungal property⁴

Discover the ancient secret to soothing inflammation and finding relief naturally! From rheumatism to sprains, bronchitis to muscle pains, let the camphor tree be your trusted ally on the path to wellness.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Potential Uses of Camphor

There are many potential benefits associated with camphor, described below.

Potential Uses of Camphor for Treating Respiratory Problems:

Camphor may have decongestive properties and decreases inflammation in the lungs and throat. It might aid in managing nose blocks and treats congestion. It may work on the nerves and reduces cough by acting as a cough suppressant. It might be effective against several respiratory disorders.^2,5 However you must visit your doctor and follow their advice before consuming camphor for respiratory problems.

Potential Uses of Camphor for Managing Pain:

Camphor stimulates nerve endings that reduce symptoms like pain and itching when topically applied to the skin. Camphor may also used for treating acute pain. It desensitises the nerve endings when applied to the skin and gives a warm sensation. It is also helpful in relieving the pain in muscles and joints.² However, more research is required to prove such effects of camphor for management of pain. It is advisable to take the doctors advice before consuming camphor.

Potential Uses of Camphor for Skin

Experience relief and a refreshed feeling with camphor’s skin-calming powers in managing skin conditions. When used as a lotion (0.1 to 3%), camphor may act as a soothing anti-itch remedy and provide a gentle cooling sensation.
Beardo Dark Side Edp – 100 Ml
Rs. 1,500
in stock
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Camphor is used on the skin to relieve itching.

Camphor leaves may be used in the management of conditions characterised by allergic skin inflammation like atopic dermatitis. It has anti-inflammatory activity and it might help to reduce the level of serum immunoglobulin E.^2,6 You must consult a dermatologist for better advice.

Also Read: 16 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Potential Uses of Camphor for Managing Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wearing away of the protective cartilage that cushions the edges of bones. Camphor might be used with glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. When applied locally, it can help ease the joint pain associated with arthritis.⁷ However there are insufficient studies that validate this effect of camphor on humans. Thus you must follow precautions and guidelines given by a doctor before using camphor.

Potential Uses of Camphor for Preventing Low Blood Pressure:

A study found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased using a mixture of camphor and hawthorn extract (korodin). Korodin might be a safe and effective treatment for hypotension (low blood pressure). However, the ideal dose and duration of treatment are still not clear. ⁸ Thus, for dosage and form of camphor safe for humans must be taken under doctor’s supervision.

Although studies show the benefits of camphor in different health conditions, this information is insufficient. Hence, there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of camphor on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using camphor for any medical condition.

Did you know that camphor is a dental marvel? Yes, dentists utilise a powerful blend of camphor (65%) and para chlorophenol (35%) to create an effective antibacterial solution for infected root canals.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS

How to Use Camphor?

Camphor can be used in different forms like:

Camphor balm
Camphor oil
Camphor cream²

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Side Effects of Camphor:

Camphor and camphor products are easily available in Indian households. However, accidental consumption of Camphor by children has serious side effects.

Ingestion of Camphor by children can lead to hepatoxicity (liver damage) and neurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system).⁹
Camphor can also cause eye and skin irritation on contact.⁵
Inhalation and skin exposure can cause acute toxicity leading to symptoms like muscular excitability, causing tremor and twitching, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, convulsions and delirium depending on the dosage.⁵
There have been seizures reported in children following gastrointestinal, inhalational and dermal exposure to Camphor.¹⁰

Also Read: Mehendi – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Precautions to Take With Camphor:

Precautions should be taken when using Camphor in:

Pregnancy

Ingestion of Camphor may lead to abortion as it has the ability to cross the placental barrier. ⁵

Breastfeeding

There is not sufficient information to know if Camphor can be used during breastfeeding.

Children

Camphor might not be safe for use in children. Children must not take Camphor by mouth, as ingestion of Camphor by children can lead to neurotoxicity and hepatoxicity.⁹^{There have been reports of seizures in children following ingestion of Camphor.¹⁰}

Interactions With Other Drugs:

It is essential to keep in mind not to use Camphor with hepatotoxic drugs (medications that can damage the liver) as this can increase the risk of liver damage.⁹ Therefore, your Ayurvedic physician’s advice is to be followed thoroughly, as their prescription is based on keeping your health condition in mind. Please ensure to disclose all medications prescribed and currently being used to your doctor at the time of consultation.

Also Read: Suhaga – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What is Camphor?

Camphor is a crystalline compound, white in colour, derived from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora. ¹

2) What are the various products available of Camphor?

Camphor can be used in different forms like balms, oils^, and creams.²

3) Is Camphor safe for children?

Camphor might not be safe for use in children as its ingestion can lead to hepatoxicity and neurotoxicity.⁹^{Seizures have been reported in children following dermal, gastrointestinal, and inhalational exposure to Camphor.¹⁰}

4) What if I accidentally ingest Camphor?

It can lead to acute toxicity symptoms like muscular excitability, causing tremor and twitching, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache, convulsions and delirium, depending on the dosage.⁵

5) Can Camphor be used as an insecticide?

Camphor has great potential for development as an alternative green commercial insect repellent to substitute the injurious synthetic agents currently in use. ⁵

6) What are the Potential uses of Camphor?

Potential uses of Camphor include antiseptic,^{antipruritic, analgesic (topical)^,anti-inflammatory,^{expectorant, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, contraceptive,^,anti-infective, anticancer, and antispasmodic.² These benefits of camphor are still to be studies for further evidence, till then you must follow your physicians advice.}}

Also Read: Avipattikar Churna – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

References

1. Lauraceae. Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs. 2016;484–6.

2. Hamidpour, Rafie, Hamidpour, Soheila, Hamidpour, Mohsen, et al. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), a traditional remedy with the history of treating several diseases. International Journal of Case Reports and Images (IJCRI) [Internet]. 2013 Oct 24 [cited 2022 Feb 14];4(2):86–9. Available from: http://www.ijcasereportsandimages.com/archive/2013/002-2013-ijcri/001-02-2013-hamidpour/index. php

3. (PDF) Effects of Camphor on sexual behaviors in male rats [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284891289_Effects_of_camphor_on_sexual_behaviors_in_male_rats

4. Ivanov M, Kannan A, StojkoviÄ‡ DS, GlamoÄlija J, Calhelha RC, Ferreira ICFR, et al. Camphor and eucalyptol-anticandidal spectrum, antivirulence effect, efflux pumps interference and cytotoxicity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021 Jan 2;22(2):1–14.

5. Chen W, Vermaak I, Viljoen A. Camphor-A fumigant during the black death and a coveted fragrant wood in ancient egypt and babylon-A review. Vol. 18, Molecules. 2013. p. 5434–54.

6. Kang NJ, Han SC, Yoon SH, Sim JY, Maeng YH, Kang HK, et al. Cinnamomum camphora leaves alleviate allergic skin inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Toxicological Research. 2019;35(3):279–85.

7. Grove ML. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and Camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee. The Journal of rheumatology [Internet]. 2004 Apr [cited 2022 Feb 14];31(4):826; author reply 826-7. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15095742

8. Csupor D, VicziÃ¡n R, Lantos T, Kiss T, Hegyi P, Tenk J, et al. The combination of hawthorn extract and Camphor significantly increases blood pressure: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology [Internet]. 2019 Oct 1 [cited 2022 Feb 14];63. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31255877/

9. Camphor hepatotoxicity – PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10881777/

10. Patra C, Sarkar S, Dasgupta MK, Das A. Camphor poisoning: An unusual cause of seizure in children. Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences [Internet]. 2015 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Feb 14];10(1):78. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC4395957/

Also Read: Kanchanar Guggulu – Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Disclaimer:

The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Comments

Leave Your Comments

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Camphor is a chemical that used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Today, camphor is usually made from turpentine oil.

Camphor has a very distinct smell. It seems to stimulate nerves and help with symptoms such as pain and itching. In the nose, camphor seems to create a cold sensation so that breathing feels easier. It’s used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.

People use camphor for cough, pain, and itching. It is also used for insect bites, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Taking camphor by mouth is unsafe. Camphor products include camphorated oil or camphorated spirits. Camphorated oil was removed from the US market in the 1980s due to accidental poisonings.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

Cough. Applying camphor to the skin as a chest rub seems to reduce cough. It is FDA-approved for this use in concentrations of less than 11%.
Acute pain. Applying camphor to the skin seems to reduce pain. It is FDA-approved for this use in concentrations of 3% to 11%.
Itching. Applying camphor to the skin seems to reduce itching. It is FDA-approved for this use in concentrations of 3% to 11%.

There is interest in using camphor for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Camphor is unsafe. Consuming camphor can cause severe side effects, including death.

When applied to the skin: Camphor is possibly safe when used in a cream or ointment in concentrations ranging from 0. 1% to 11%, short-term. Side effects might include skin redness and irritation. But camphor is likely unsafe when used on broken skin. Camphor is easily absorbed through broken skin and can reach toxic levels. Do not heat camphor-containing products (Vicks VapoRub) in the microwave. This can cause severe burns.

When inhaled: Camphor is possibly safe when the vapor is inhaled from rubs applied to the chest. But camphor is likely unsafe when inhaled in large amounts. Inhaling large amounts of camphor can cause toxic effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Camphor is unsafe. Consuming camphor can cause severe side effects, including death.

When applied to the skin: Camphor is possibly safe when used in a cream or ointment in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 11%, short-term. Side effects might include skin redness and irritation. But camphor is likely unsafe when used on broken skin. Camphor is easily absorbed through broken skin and can reach toxic levels. Do not heat camphor-containing products (Vicks VapoRub) in the microwave. This can cause severe burns.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking camphor by mouth is unsafe during pregnancy or breast-feeding. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if applying camphor to the skin is safe when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Camphor is possibly unsafe in children when applied to the skin. Young children tend to be more sensitive to the side effects. It’s recommended that camphor products be avoided in children. Camphor is unsafe when taken by mouth. Seizures and death can occur. Keep camphor-containing products away from children.

Liver disease: Taking camphor by mouth or applying it to the skin has been linked to liver damage. Using camphor might make liver disease worse.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Camphor might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking camphor along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.

Dosing

Camphor is most often used in ointments and other topical products that contain concentrations of 4.7% to 5.3%. It has typically been applied to the skin by adults 3-4 times daily. It’s also commonly used as a chest rub in products such as Vicks VapoRub. Camphor is unsafe when taken by mouth. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Camphor – description of the substance, pharmacology, use, contraindications, formula

Structural formula
Russian name
English name
Latin name
chemical name
Gross formula
Pharmacological group of the substance Camphor
Nosological classification
CAS code
pharmachologic effect
Pharmacology
Application of the substance Camphor
Contraindications
Side effects of camphor
Dosage and administration
Trade names with the active substance Camphor

Structural formula

Russian name

Camphor

English name

Camphor

Latin name

Camphora (born Camp horae)

Chemical name

1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2. 2.1]heptan-2-one

Gross formula

C ₁₀ H ₁₆ O

Pharmacological group of substance Camphor

9 0042
Antiseptics and disinfectants

Local irritants

Sedatives

Breathing stimulants

Nosological classification

ICD-10 code list

I50.0 Congestive heart failure
I50.1 Left ventricular failure
L89 Decubital ulcer
M13. 9 Arthritis, unspecified
M79.0 Rheumatism, unspecified
M79.1 Myalgia
R55 Fainting [syncope] and collapse
T40 Drug and psychodysleptic [hallucinogen] poisoning
T42. 7 Anticonvulsants, sedatives and hypnotics, unspecified

CAS code

76-22-2

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

analeptic , antiaggregant , antiseptic , local irritant .

Pharmacology

Reflex excites the vasomotor and respiratory centers, showing analeptic activity. When administered s / c, it stimulates respiration and increases vascular tone. It also has a direct effect on the heart muscle, enhancing metabolic processes in it and increasing its sensitivity to sympathetic impulses. Has peripheral vasopressor activity. Inhibits platelet aggregation. Excreted from the body through the respiratory tract, promotes expectoration. With local application, it exhibits distracting properties.

The use of the substance Camphor

Complex therapy – acute and chronic heart failure, collapse, depression of the respiratory center in pneumonia and other infectious diseases, in case of poisoning with hypnotics and narcotic drugs. Topical application – myalgia, rheumatism, arthritis, bedsores.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, epilepsy, tendency to convulsive reactions.

Side effects of the substance Camphor

Infiltration at the injection site, allergic reactions.

Method of administration and doses

SC (heated to body temperature), extravasally only – to avoid embolism. Administered 1-3 times a day to adults from 1 to 5 ml of a 20% oil solution, children under 1 year old – 0.5-1 ml, 1-2 years old – 1 ml, 3-6 years old – 1.5 ml, 7- 9 years – 2 ml, 10-14 years – 2.5 ml. Externally, rub the affected area.

Trade names with active substance Camphor

Reset filters

Lek. form
All lek. forms ointment for external use solution for external use solution for external use and inhalation oily solution for external use oily solution for external use alcoholic substance substance-powder

Dosage
All dosages 10% 2% No dosage

Manufacturer
All manufacturers of Aktiv AO Aktiva CJSC BEGRIF VIFITECH CJSC Vladivostok Pharmaceutical Factory Dalchimpharm Jianyang Qingsong Green Pine Chemical Co. Ivanovo Pharmaceutical Factory Iodine Technologies and Marketing Kazan Pharmaceutical Factory Kirov Pharmaceutical Factory JSC Kirov Pharmaceutical Factory JSC Moscow Pharmaceutical Factory Murom Instrument-Making Plant JSC (MPZ JSC) Murom Instrument-Making Plant JSC Murom Instrument-Making Plant FGUP Omsk Pharmaceutical Factory RFC JSC RFC CJSC Rostov Pharmaceutical Factory CJSC Samaramedprom Suzhou Yohe Science and Technology Co., Ltd. Suzhou Synthetic Chemical Co. Ltd. Tatkhimpharmpreparaty JSC Takhimpharmpreparaty JSC Tver Pharmaceutical Factory JSC Tula Pharmaceutical Factory LLC Pharmaceutical Factory State Enterprise of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Pharmaceutical Factory JSC [Astrakhan] Pharmaceutical Factory JSC [Izhevsk] Pharmaceutical Factory FSUE [Astrakhan] Flora of the Caucasus JSC Flora of the Caucasus JSC ECOlab JSC Yaroslavl Pharmaceutical Factory (CJSC ” JFF”)

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Camphor – ingredient description, instructions for use, indications and contraindications
ProWellness

Table of contents

Description of camphor
Pharmacological properties
Aromatherapy uses
Contraindications and side effects

Disclaimer

Please note that all information posted on the site
Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure. Consult your physician before using any technique or using any product. This site is not a specialized medical portal and does not replace the professional advice of a specialist. The Site Owner is not liable to any party who has suffered indirect or direct damage as a result of misuse of materials posted on this resource.

Description of camphor

Camphor is a terpenoid, which is a volatile, colorless crystals with a characteristic pungent odor. It contains many essential oils, including those that are part of rosemary, basil. Natural d-camphor is extracted from camphor laurel. Semi-synthetic (l) – from fir oil. Synthetic racemic – from turpentine or α-pinene.

Pharmacological properties

Camphor is used in pharmacology, aromatherapy, perfumery, and cooking. The use as a drug is due to the following pharmacological properties of the terpenoid:

improved blood circulation;
prophylaxis of conjunctivitis;
reduction of flatulence;
normalization of digestion;
improved metabolism;
elimination of joint pain;
muscle relaxation;
disinfection of wounds;
treatment of fungus on the feet;
suppression of itching from insect bites;
elimination of acne and skin rashes;
strengthening of immunity;
soothing effect.

Attention! Camphor is a powerful analeptic. It tones the respiratory and stimulates the vasomotor centers.

The terpenoid has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, improving its metabolic processes and increasing its sensitivity to the influence of sympathetic nerves. It constricts peripheral vessels, stimulates sputum discharge, improves blood microcirculation.

Camphor solutions are used as part of complex therapy for collapse, respiratory depression, heart failure, infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. Terpenoid as an antidote for overdose of narcotic and sleeping pills.

Camphor oil is used to make compresses for inflammatory skin diseases, wounds and burns. It is instilled into the ears for otitis media, used for massage and rubbing for respiratory diseases, joint and muscle pain.

Aromatherapy use

Camphor oil is used in aromatherapy. It is indicated in the following diseases:

neuropsychiatric – depression, insomnia, irritability, aggressiveness, shock, stress, chronic fatigue;
cardiovascular – bradycardia, hypotension, disorders of blood microcirculation;
gastrointestinal – flatulence, constipation, cholelithiasis, helminthic invasion, colic;
respiratory system – bronchitis, influenza, SARS, colds, pneumonia;
of the genitourinary system – urolithiasis, urination disorders;
musculoskeletal – arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, sprain.

Aromatherapy with the use of camphor oil is indicated for excessive sweating and oily skin, toothache, inflammatory skin diseases, non-healing wounds, bedsores (only for prevention), frostbite, burns, bruises.

Attention! The dosage of camphor in aromatherapy should not exceed 10%. High dosages are fraught with toxic effects on the nervous system.

Contraindications and side effects

Camphor is contraindicated in individual intolerance, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, bronchial asthma, convulsive tendencies. Do not apply it on open wounds, with increased skin sensitivity, on the skin of the face.

Attention! Camphor is toxic in high doses. Abuse of the drug can lead to the development of side effects. The most common are vomiting, colic, headache.

Disclaimer

Effects of camphor: Camphor: Uses, Benefits, Precautions, Side Effects & More!

Camphor: Uses, Benefits, Precautions, Side Effects & More!