Camphor - Natural Medicinal Herbs
Camphor (Cinnamomum Camphor / Camphor)
The camphor laurel tree belongs to the Lauraceae family and in fact camphor can be extracted from other trees from the Laurel family. Camphor is found in the wood of the tree.
The camphor tree is considered in China as the tree of life. Its scent is fresh, clean and very penetrating.
Description of the Camphor Tree:
The camphor tree is long-lived, some reaching one thousand years,and belongs to the Lauraceae family. It is an evergreen and has compact wood. It can grow to a height of 30 meters (nearly 100 feet). It has small fragrant yellow flowers and red berries that grow among the small leaves. Its leaves are red which turn to dark green as they mature.
History and Symbolism of Camphor:
The word camphor originates from the Arabic al-Kafur it. In Sumatra traders used to arrive at the Barus port to buy camphor and so the name became kapur Barus (in Sanskrit the name for camphor is “karpuura”.Some civilizations of the Far East considered it sacred to the gods and used it for ceremonial purposes.
Marco Polo, during his travels to China in the 13th century, noticed it was used as a medicine and scent. In the East it was also used, in small quantities, as a sweetener.
Origin and Distribution:
The camphor tree originated in China and Japan, and are now found in Egypt, Formosa, Madagascar, the Canary Islands, Argentina, Brazil, southern Europe, and the US.
The camphor tree is cultivated in tropical and semi tropical areas where the camphor medicinal (essential) oil is extracted from its wood.
Camphor Extraction:
Camphor is found almost anywhere in the tree, although it is taken mainly from its wood and bark. As the tree is long lived this means it has a slow growth so it is best to wait until it reaches 40 o 50 years before extracting the camphor. The wood or bark is steamed producing a whitish crystalline mass. The essential oil is distilled from the trunk and branches of the camphor plant.
Features of Camphor:
Among its beneficial features we find it used as: analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, expectorant, stimulant and deodorants.
- At the physical level it stimulates the heart, breathing and circulation.
- It is effective in cases of hypertension.
- It helps clean congested lungs, making breathing easier and is used as inhalant.
- It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, muscle aches and so is recommended for use in sports.
- Cold packs are effective in case of bruises and sprains.
- It is used to treat skin inflammations, acne and oily skin.
Camphor - Application Guide:
- For the Nervous System: General weakness - Friction baths, massages dilution inhalations.
- Circulation, muscle and joint aches: Baths, friction, massage dilution.
- Respiratory ailments: Cough, congestion, inhalation.
- Immune System: Inhalation, baths, massages dilution.
Natural Products available with Camphor:
- Body Balm
- Spray
- Thyme Cream
- Deodrant Spray for feet
- Foot Creams
Caution: Do not use camphor essential oils in pregnancy, epilepsy or asthma. As with any essential oil, camphor oil should never be applied on the face or inside the nostrils of young children or patients with asthma, as this can cause bronchospasm, convulsions and asphyxia.
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