Camphor essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of chipped barks, roots, and branches of the camphor tree. Purified camphor oil is a white liquid with a very strong but pleasant aroma. Camphor oil has been used for centuries due to its great medicinal properties.
The most common camphor oil uses are as follows:
- Because of its wonderful decongestant properties, camphor oil is widely used for nasal decongestion. If you happen to suffer from a blockednose due to common cold or any other ailment, massage your chest with camphor oil diluted with some good carrier oil such as olive oil or lavender essential oil. It will give you immediate relief from nose and chest congestion as well as cough. Because ofthis property, camphor oil is used in manufacturing decongestant ointments and balms.
- Camphor oil is also well known for its great analgesic properties. In order to get rid of muscle pain, massage the affected area with diluted camphor oil. It also gives immediate relief from pain due to cramps and spasms because ofits unmatched antispasmodic properties.
- Camphor oil also possesses great antibacterial anti-fungal properties. It is therefore used in the manufacture of antifungal and anti itching skin ointments.
- Camphor oil is also used as an aphrodisiac. For this purpose, it is administered internally.
- It is also used in the treatment of joint pain, gout, and disorders of the circulatory system because of its wonderful stimulating properties. This oilis widely used by most aromatherapists.
- Camphor oil is also used for keeping the insects away. For this, simply open the container in your room. Its sweet aroma will spread in the atmosphere and the insects will go away. For storing considerably large quantities of food grain, pour a few drops of camphor oil in the container and your grain will remain free from moths and other insects for quite a long time. Because ofthese properties of camphor oil, it is used in making deodorants, insecticides, and disinfectants as well.
- In Asian countries, camphor oil is used in manufacturing incense sticks for religious ceremonies due toits divine aroma.
Like any other essential oil, camphor oil is also very strong in nature and should never be used without dilution. Also, you must take care that you do not inhale its vapors directly as it can be toxic and fatal in some extreme cases. Before using the camphor oil to treat any medical condition, you must consult your physician or an aromatherapy expert.