Camphor Oil – Properties and Benefits Worth Considering

If you are one of those who don't care to change TV channels when the commercial ads are being telecasted, you must be familiar with the name camphor oil. A lot of skin care products, ointments, and cold rub proudly advertise camphor oil as one of their constituents. Some big names such as Ben Gar and Vicks Vapor Rub are also in the list. The point to note here is that if such big names are using the name of camphor oil for marketing their products, there must be something about this oil that is worth considering.

Camphor oil is produced by the steam distillation method from the Camphor tree otherwise known as Cinnamomum Camphora. The oil has a sharp, penetrating smell. It is obtained in three different colors, white, yellow and brown. While the white camphor oil is non-toxic and non-sensitizing, brown and yellow camphor oil are toxic and carcinogenic.

During the extraction of this, another solid and partially crystalline substance known as camphor is also obtained. Solid camphor also has many medicinal uses and it is widely used for religious purposes in Indian sub-continent. However, properties and uses of this is a whole new chapter in itself and I will address it in a different article.

Listed below are some of the benefits and uses of camphor oil:
This is both antiseptic and anti-bacterialr
It is a wonderful relaxant and can calm nerves and aid depressionr
A gentle massage using this can help in reliving sore muscles and joints. It can also help in curb of painful rheumatoid arthritisr
This oil is very good for skin. In addition of being a constituent for skin care and beauty products, the oil is also very helpful in offering acne relief. A homemade soap made using a blend of essential oil can help in prevention of acne as well as prevent the spread of bacteriar
The oil is good for heart and is known to increase heart-resistance. It can help in increase of blood flow and improvement of blood circulationr
It can help in treatment of cold, flu, cough, anxiety and other infectious diseases.
This oil can repel moths, worms, and flies.

While this has an endless list of benefits, you need to be very careful while using this oil. You should never consume neither ingest the oil. It should be kept away from pets, children and pregnant women. Always use it in diluted form by blending it with carrier oils. Camphor oil has numerous benefits and lot of potential. All you need is to use with care!