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eucalyptus oil
Camphor is an organic compound from the terpene group, scientifically called Cinnamomum camphora, and is usually used in creams, ointments, and lotions, and camphor oil is extracted from the wood of its trees and is treated by steam distillation, and camphor has a strong smell and taste, and is easily absorbed Through the skin , it is worth noting that camphor is currently manufactured from Turpentine oil, yet it is considered safe as long as it is used correctly, and it can cause side effects, especially if used in high doses, and camphor is applied topically due to its anti-bacterial and anti- fungal properties. And infections, and it can be used to treat skin diseases, improve respiratory function , and applying camphor to the skin stimulates nerve endings that relieve some symptoms such as pain and itching.While using it in the nose leads to better breathing. [1] [2]
Benefits of camphor oil
Camphor is used in many cases, and it has been divided based on the degree of scientific proof thereof, as follows: [2]
- Effective for cough sufferers: It is used topically and rubbed on the chest with a concentration of less than 11%, and it has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration .
- Reducing pain: where the skin is rubbed with it at a concentration ranging between 3-11% to relieve pain related to cold sores, insect stings and bites, minor burns, and others, and it should be noted that the Food and Drug Administration has approved On its use
- Contribute to reducing skin irritation or itching: when camphor is used on the skin in concentrations of 3-11%, and its use has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration .
- The likelihood of reducing the severity of symptoms associated with osteoarthritis by nearly half, after rubbing it with a cream containing camphor, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulphate .
- Likelihood to contribute to reducing insect bite size: Research has shown that using camphor with menthol and Eucalyptus oil can help reduce mosquito bite size , and more evidence is still needed to confirm its effectiveness.
- The possibility of helping to treat fungal nail infection : Onychomycosis, research has shown that using camphor with eucalyptus oil and menthol in the area of the toes may help treat toenail fungus , as it causes topical application of chest massages that contain camphor on the affected nail Infection on a daily basis helps clear it from infection in some people.
- The possibility of contributing to preventing a severe drop in blood pressure: Research indicates that taking a product containing camphor and hawthorn by mouth can help prevent a severe drop in blood pressure upon standing. However, it is not clear if consuming camphor alone provides the same. the benefits.
- Other benefits: Camphor oil can be used to treat some conditions and more evidence is still needed to confirm its effectiveness, such as hair loss , acne, warts, ear pain, hemorrhoids , and symptoms of heart disease, Poor blood circulation, gas , anxiety, depression , muscle spasms, and decreased sexual desire. [2] [1]
Damages and dangers of camphor oil
There are camphor oil in different colors, including brown, yellow and white, and it should be noted that white camphor oil is the only safe for health uses, and it is used in camphor products, while brown or yellow oil contains large quantities of the compound safrole. What makes it toxic and carcinogenic , and therefore it is recommended to make sure when buying pure camphor oil that it is of the white type, and a skin prick test should be performed before using camphor on the skin, to see if there is any reaction by applying a small amount of camphor product on the forearm The procedure and waiting for 24 hours, [1] The following points should also be taken into consideration when using products containing camphor: [3]
- Camphor is probably safe for most adults when applied to the skin in the form of cream or fat in low concentrations, but it may cause some minor side effects, such as redness and irritation of the skin, and it is worth noting to avoid using camphor products that are not diluted or contain more than 11% of camphor.
- Camphor is considered unsafe when taken orally by adults. Where it can cause serious side effects including death, burns in the mouth and throat, nausea , and vomiting, and it should be noted that the first symptoms of camphor toxicity appear quickly within 5-90 minutes.
- Camphor products are likely not safe when applied to broken or broken skin. It is absorbed, causing its concentration in the body to reach toxic levels.
- It is recommended to avoid heating products containing camphor in the microwave ; As it causes severe burns as a result of the product exploding.
- The consumption of camphor during pregnancy should be avoided in order not to risk the health of the mother or the child, as it is considered unsafe to take camphor during pregnancy and breastfeeding during pregnancy and breastfeeding . As for the topical application of camphor to the skin, the safety of its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not known.
- It is considered unsafe for children to ingest eucalyptus products, and it causes seizures and death. Applying camphor to the skin may also be unsafe. Because they are more sensitive to its side effects, these products should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Taking camphor by mouth or applying it to the skin is associated with possible liver damage. Therefore, its use by people with liver disease has the potential to worsen and make it worse.
