Camphor oil (cinnamomum camphora)
Synopsis of camphor oil
Camphor oil is an essential oil distilled from the wood of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including camphor, cineole, safrole, and borneol, which give it its characteristic sharp, penetrating aroma and a wide range of topical and aromatic medicinal uses. While pure camphor is a crystalline substance, camphor oil is typically used in diluted or blended forms for external application and inhalation.
Camphor oil is used for:
- Pain relief in sore muscles, joints, and arthritic conditions (as a counterirritant and analgesic)
- Clearing congestion in colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis (via vapor rubs or inhalation)
- Reducing inflammation and swelling in topical formulations
- Relieving itching, rashes, and skin irritation
- Stimulating circulation and warming cold extremities
- Calming nerve pain, often used in liniments and massage oils
Camphor is frequently found in balms, salves, ointments, and chest rubs, often blended with menthol, eucalyptus, or clove oil for enhanced respiratory or musculoskeletal relief.
Historical Use:
Camphor has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Islamic Unani medicine for centuries. In TCM, it was prized for its ability to "dispel cold," move qi, and treat stagnation and pain. In Ayurveda, camphor (known as karpura) was used for fevers, respiratory issues, and purification rituals.
In medieval Europe, camphor was considered a protective agent against plagues and infections, burned as incense or worn as a talisman. By the 18th and 19th centuries, camphor oil was a staple in Western herbal pharmacopoeias for respiratory relief, muscle pain, and anti-infective purposes.
Today, camphor oil remains a popular ingredient in topical remedies, especially for cough, cold, rheumatic pain, and minor skin irritations. Though highly effective externally, camphor should not be ingested or applied undiluted, as it can be toxic in large amounts. Modern formulations typically contain 0.5–11% camphor, depending on the intended use, and are regulated accordingly in over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Camphor oil is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Athlete's Foot (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Blisters (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Herpes (Traditional)
Insect Repellant (Scientific)
Itching (Scientific)
Jock Itch (Traditional)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Poison Ivy or Oak (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Scratches and Abrasions (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Sprains (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Sunburn (Traditional)
Toothache (Traditional)
Ulcerations (external) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
camphor oil is used to support these body systems
Bronchials (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Smell (Traditional)
Products containing camphor oil
Nature's Sunshine Tei-Fu Essential Oils
Nature's Sunshine Tei-Fu® Soothing Blend
