Camphor Tree

Latin name: Cinnamomum camphora (Linn.) (Presl.) (Lauraceae)

Sanskrit/Indian name:  Kapur, Karpura

General information:

The essential oil of Camphor is a revered ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for skin remedies. It is known to reduce inflammation, repel insects and clear the respiratory tract. The German Commission E has documented the use of the herb externally in catarrhal diseases of the respiratory tract and muscular rheumatism.

Therapeutic constituents:

Camphor is the active constituent of the plant. The ethanolic extract of the herb exhibits antibacterial activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil from the plant possesses antifungal properties.

Pharmacology

It has antibacterial and anti-fungal activities¹.

Toxicology

Camphor in large doses is toxic. Toxicity symptoms include a headache, nausea, excitement, confusion, and delirium.

It also affects the central nervous system and is toxic to humans. Toxicity symptoms in adults have been noted after use of as little as 2 gram.

Key therapeutic benefits:

• Camphor liniment is used for relief of pain in muscular rheumatism.
• Camphor oil is used externally for rheumatism. Applied externally to the skin, It acts as a rubefacient.
• It is taken internally as a carminative. It has stimulant, antispasmodic, rubefacient and analgesic properties.
• It clears infections from the lungs and the respiratory tract. Its inflammatory property is helpful in alleviating joint aches as a result of rheumatism and arthritis.Its aroma is calming, which makes oil and excellent relaxant.

Used in Movido

References

1. Adhikari et. al., J Instn Chem India, 1976, 48, 223; Thind & Suri, Indian Perfum, 1979, 23, 138; Naqvi et. al., Pakist J sci industr Res, 1985, 28, 269.