Camphor

Camphor, also known as Kapur, is a white, waxy solid with a strong, aromatic odor, valued for its medicinal and fragrant properties. Traditionally obtained by steam distilling the wood of the Cinnamomum camphora tree, the process involves burning the wood to release vapors, which are then cooled to form solid crystals. In regions without natural camphor trees, it can also be produced synthetically from pine or turpentine oil. Used for centuries across various cultures, camphor remains popular in medicine, aromatherapy, and household applications.
Kapur (Camphor) is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) and Ayurvedic therapy to control bacteria, fungi, and inflammation. Pain, inflammation, and skin issues are treated with kapoor oil, creams, lotions, and balms. There are many more uses for camphor than only medicine. It keeps bugs away and is used in religious ceremonies and even massage due to its calming and cooling properties. Because camphor, whether natural or artificial, can be used in many different ways, it has been used for hundreds of years in home and medical settings. 

Camphor is referred to by several names depending on the language or culture. Camphor is usually also called kapur or kapoor; both these words come from the Sanskrit language. In Ayurvedic methods and traditional Indian homes, these words are used a lot. Zhāng nà, the Chinese name for camphor, denotes its widespread use in conventional Chinese medicine and daily life. Japanese people have used shō in various traditional techniques for thousands of years.
All across the West, the name "camphor" is used, and most people associate it with applications in medicine, cosmetics, and home goods like mothballs. Camphor has many different names in different countries, which shows how popular and valuable it is as a medicine, in rituals, and as an aromatic substance. Camphor is used worldwide for its advantages despite its many names.

How Camphor is Made?

Before utilising camphor, we must comprehend how it is manufactured. Camphor (Kapur) is made by steam distillation, which extracts the substance from the camphor tree wood. This heats the wood after it has been broken. Steam heat splits wood-derived camphor into gas. Fumes are cooled and condensed first. This makes solid camphor crystals that may be utilised immediately after cleaning.

Instead, camphor may be manufactured from turpentine oil distilled from pine sap. This technique converts pine oil into a camphor-making chemical (pinene). Industry uses this human-made approach because it performs better and costs less than natural extraction.

Camphor is made in two ways: naturally through steam distillation from camphor trees and artificially from pine trees. Both produce the solid form of camphor, which can be refined and used in many ways, from medicine to massage to everyday items. 

The main chemical component of camphor is camphor itself, which belongs to the class of compounds known as terpenoids. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₆O. This organic substance is derived from isoprene units and is recognised for its distinctive, strong, and long‑lasting aroma.

Terpenoids, including camphor, are widely studied for their aromatic properties and their role in various natural and industrial applications. In traditional systems of medicine and household use, camphor has been associated with antimicrobial and soothing purposes.

Its distinct chemical profile is derived from other minor compounds, such as borneol and pinene. The bicyclic monoterpene pinene is responsible for the scent of camphor. Its stimulant and anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial to lung health. Another terpenoid with a cooling reputation is borneol, often used in traditional medicine to reduce pain and promote patient calmness. These active ingredients increase the value of camphor, which is utilized in anything from direct treatments and lotions to camphor water for medical and cosmetic purposes.

Camphor naturally eliminates germs, fungus, and inflammation, which has several health advantages. Some of the top benefits of Kapur (Camphor) are:

• Relief from colds, coughs, and stuffy nose: 

Camphor helps clear the nose and lowers congestion. It also helps manage bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma by adding it to vapour rubs. Edible camphor can be employed in such cases when taken with suitable adjuvants.

• Pain relief: 

Camphor relieves muscle, joint, and arthritic pain. Various creams, balms, and oils contain camphor, which act as ointments and liniments. These medications stimulate nerve endings and reduce pain and inflammation.

• Helps with indigestion: 

Edible camphor aids digestion because of its digestive properties. It also helps improve the weak digestive fire. It is recommended to consume Camphor in small amounts as increased usage might lead to indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. 

• Has Anti-inflammatory Properties: 

Camphor decreases inflammation and edema. It has anti-inflammatory properties, allowing it to act as a natural analgesic agent. There are various camphor balms and creams that reduce inflammation caused by burns.

• Obesity

According to Ayurveda, obesity is linked to weakened digestive fire (Agni), leading to the accumulation of Ama (undigested residues) and imbalance in Meda dhatu (fat tissue), which contribute to weight gain. Traditionally, edible camphor is described as supporting digestion through its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties, and its Lekhana (scraping) quality is noted for reducing excess bodily fat. 

Because of its many valuable qualities and forms, camphor is used in various ways, such as in camphor oil, creams, ointments, and raw crystals. Here are some of the most popular uses of camphor mentioned below:

• Aromatherapy: Diffusers and camphor heaters often help with breathing problems like coughs, colds, and stuffy noses. The powerful, fresh scent helps asthmatics, congestion sufferers, and others cleanse their lungs.
• Topical Applications: Camphor oil, lotions, and ointments treat skin discomfort, itching, and other ailments. Muscle and joint pain are significant reasons for taking it. Camphor destroys germs and bacteria, treating rashes, pimples, and minor burns.
• Internal Consumption: Camphor, derived from Cinnamomum camphora, is generally used for internal consumption due to its therapeutic application in managing respiratory conditions such as cough, sore throat, indigestion, obesity, etc.

Camphor has several health advantages but must be taken to minimise side effects. Remember these crucial precautions:

• Do Not Eat: Camphor is dangerous and should never be eaten raw. Small amounts can cause significant health problems like sickness, vomiting, and seizures. In the worst cases, it can even be fatal. The only safe camphor is edible camphor that has been derived from natural sources and, employed for cooking and medicinal uses.It is important to avoid mixing edible camphor with normal camphor and other unedible reasons.
• Not for kids or pregnant women: Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should not use camphor. Camphor administered via the skin may rapidly make children unwell and induce convulsions or respiratory issues. Camphor products are harmful to pregnant women due to their powerful ingredients.
• Correct dose: Camphor must be used as directed. If you overuse, breathe it in, put it on your skin, or do anything else, you might experience skin irritation, swelling, rashes, or allergic reactions. If you use camphor too much, you can get a camphor overdose, which can have signs like dizziness and confusion or even more severe nerve effects. 

Camphor has several uses depending on the benefit and application technique. Common camphor uses:

• Internal Consumption: Edible Camphor Powder/ granules can be consumed with jaggery or mishri after meals to soothe respiratory tract. Do not exceed the dosage above 1 pinch.
• Topical Application: Camphor oil is used topically to treat pain, inflammation, and itching. It may be administered on the skin as creams, balms, or diluted oils. This approach relieves muscular, joint, arthritic, and mild skin irritations. Camphor should be used at 3-11% to prevent skin irritation and burns. Camphor powder can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the scalp to control dandruff.
• Aromatherapy: Camphor is extensively used in aromatherapy to treat respiratory difficulties. A few drops of camphor oil in a diffuser or vaporizer expand nasal passages, decrease congestion, and alleviate colds, coughs, and sinusitis. Its relaxing aroma makes it a popular option in holistic health techniques.

Disclaimer: Camphor has diverse applications in traditional household and Ayurvedic practices, but its safety depends on the form and dosage. For topical use, higher concentrations can cause irritation or burns, and camphor oil should never be applied to broken skin. Inhalation or aromatherapy should also be practised cautiously, especially for children and those with chronic conditions.

The recommended dosage of camphor varies based on the application:

• Topical Use: Only 3–11% concentration is considered safe.
• Aromatherapy: A few drops of camphor oil in a diffuser.
• Steam Inhalation: A pinch of camphor crystals in boiling water.
• Internal use: A pinch of camphor along with suitable adjuvants

• Camphor is a multi-purpose substance used in health, skincare, and home remedies.
• Always follow recommended dosages to avoid side effects.
• Avoid using camphor in large amounts or on vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.