Natural Living Tips

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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Healing herbs have a very long history. Before anything else herbs were the only medicines around. Knowledge was passed on from generation to generation.

Keepers of this knowledge were revered by their tribes. They were probably discovered over time by observing other animals taking them and by trial and error. The error side of things must have been expensive in terms of life and health.

But no matter how they were discovered, they are gifts of nature we should treasure and use.
Modern drugs are in fact derived from nature so in a round about way, medical science still believes in them. In fact there is a very interesting trend where many formally and scientifically trained physicians are combining modern and traditional medicine - with excellent results.
Healing herbs can help prevent illnesses, can cure illnesses and can help reduce secondary effects of modern drugs.
Below you will find 5 highly beneficial medicinal herbs that are:

• less expensive
• easily available
• and have clear medicinal benefits

Aloe Vera. This is now wildly recognized and used. The gel is taken by making a cut on the leaves. It can be applied to cuts and burns. Many people use it as a sort of cream against wrinkles and making the skin smoother. It is also effective against infections and also used for constipation. Application: Topically (don’t ingest)
Balm, Lemon. As a compression you can apply it on cuts and abrasions. In the form of an infusion it can aid your digestion. The leaves can also be placed in a bath for a relaxing soak. Application: Infusion or compression.
Basil. This is very good against infections, it helps with your immune system and very useful to treat acne. Application: Infusion or tincture.
Chamomile. Many people recommend you always have some chamomile leaves in the house. As tincture you can use it for inflammation of the joints, for cuts and for abrasions. It is also used to help with digestion and menstrual cramps.Application: Infusion or tincture.
Garlic. Has been used since before history began. Its beneficial properties have been known for centuries. Apart form its cooking properties, it is very good for blood circulation and therefore cardiovascular, cholesterol and blood pressure benefits. For breathing ailments such as flu, colds and coughs. Application: Infusion or tincture. You can also eat the cloves, or squash them. Even in tablet form.

Note: Herbal remedies do not replace your physician’s care. If you are undergoing treatment always consult your doctor.

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