Camphor is quite unique and has been used as a culinary spice, an ingredient in gunpowder, an insect repellant, a flea killing substance, a component of incense, and, most important for our purposes, a medicine. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, most commonly as a decongestant, but also to treat sprains, swellings, and inflammation.

Where Does Camphor Come From?

Camphor is a waxy substance that can be found in the leaves and bark of several trees belonging to the laurel family. However, it’s most commonly extracted from the wood of the camphor laurel; a large evergreen that grows in many parts of Asia. Camphor laurels are huge trees with long life spans. They can grow to be 100 feet tall, and some still alive today are estimated to be over 1,000 years old! 

A Little History On Camphor

Although doctors now believe it’s best to avoid ingesting Camphor at all, it was used in many food recipes throughout history. Camphor was found in one of the earliest known recipes for ice cream dating to the Tang dynasty. Ancient Egyptians used it in bread recipes, and it was used as an ingredient in sweets in medieval Europe.

Camphor has a very distinctive scent that’s difficult to pinpoint. It can be described as herbal, spicy, cooling, earthy and similar to moth balls. Considering what a strong and biting odor it has, it’s hard to imagine it ever being used to flavor something sweet to eat.

How Camphor Stimulates Nerve Endings To Relieve Pain

Today, Camphor can be found in many topical creams, lotions, and oils. It works to relieve pain and reduce itching, and it does so in an interesting way. Camphor acts as a “counterirritant,” stimulating nerve endings in the skin, and mildly irritating the skin in order to draw blood to the area of application. By increasing blood flow to an injured area, pain and irritation are reduced, and injuries are healed more quickly. When applied vigorously, it can produce a warming sensation, and when gently applied, it will create a cooling sensation.

It’s also commonly used to help relieve coughing and upper airway congestion due to the common cold through steam inhalation.

Additional Ways to Treat External Pain and Irritation Using Camphor

Topical applications of camphor are used to treat muscle aches, osteoarthritis, cold sores, insect bites and stings, coughs and congestion, skin irritation, osteoarthritis, and even acne and fungal infections. While some people take small amounts of camphor orally to treat coughs, clear congestion, and reduce intestinal gas, large doses of camphor are toxic to ingest, and health care professionals warn against this practice.

What To Look For When Purchasing Camphor Products

Although Camphor has a waxy consistency when first extracted, it comes in four different grades and colors. The only safe and acceptable form to use for therapeutic and medicinal needs is white in color with a watery or milky consistency. Camphor oils that are yellow, brown, or blue are extremely toxic, and one should only use a Camphor oil if it is clear or very pale. It’s best to purchase reputable Camphor products from safe resources in order to ensure accurate dosing and efficacy of the product, rather than attempting to use a pure form of Camphor. 

Camphor’s proven ability to stimulate blood flow, and its natural, organic origin, make it an effective ingredient that we’re proud to include in Dr. Khalili’s 100% vegan KhaliliTM Natural Pain Relief Cream.