Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Camphor has a long history of traditional use in supporting the muscles body system, particularly for its topical analgesic and counterirritant properties. In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Western herbalism, camphor has been applied to the skin to relieve muscle pain, stiffness, and minor aches. The cooling sensation produced by camphor is believed to distract from deeper pain and promote a feeling of relief. Camphor is a common ingredient in over-the-counter balms, liniments, and ointments intended for muscle soreness, strains, and sprains.

From a scientific perspective, some clinical evidence supports the topical use of camphor for mild pain relief. Camphor acts as a counterirritant, stimulating nerve endings and producing sensations of coolness or warmth that can mask deeper pain sensations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows camphor in concentrations up to 11% in over-the-counter topical products for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain. However, high-quality clinical trials are limited, and most evidence comes from traditional use and small studies rather than large-scale research. Oral ingestion or excessive use of camphor can be toxic and is not recommended. Overall, while the tradition of using camphor for muscle relief is strong, the scientific validation is moderate, mainly supporting its topical use for temporary, mild symptom relief.

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