What is camphor used for?

Camphor Uses

Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities, camphor has a wide range of topical uses. It can be applied to ease pain, enhance respiratory health, and treat skin disorders. Read on to discover more about the various applications for camphor and the accompanying scientific data.

Skin-friendly camphor

Camphor-containing lotions and creams can be used to soothe itchy, irritated skin and possibly even help skin look better overall. It is effective in treating infections thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Camphor has the potential to be used as an ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics due to its effectiveness in repairing wounds and wrinkles brought on by ultraviolet light. This might be as a result of its capacity to boost collagen and elastin production. Apply a cream containing camphor to the region you want to treat at least once each day.

Alleviates discomfort

The skin can be soothed by applying camphor to reduce pain and inflammation. A 2015 small study by Trusted Source discovered that a spray with natural components like camphor, menthol, and clove and eucalyptus essential oils was efficient in reducing mild to moderate discomfort. For a total of 14 days, the joints, shoulders, and lower back were treated with the spray. When you use products containing camphor, you can experience a tingling, warming, or chilling sensation. Several times daily, apply a camphor spray or ointment to the affected area.

Sooths burns

Burn wounds can be treated using lotions and balms containing camphor. An ointment with camphor, sesame oil, and honey was found to be more effective than Vaseline in a 2018Trusted Source animal study at speeding up the healing of second-degree burn lesions. Apply an ointment to the affected area once daily to use.

Arthritis treatment

Products containing camphor, such as Icy Hot and Biofreeze, may be useful in reducing arthritis-related pain, swelling, and inflammation. You might be able to block out the pain with the hot or cold sensations that follow use of these lotions. In animal models, camphor has also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in the treatment of arthritis. Apply the camphor cream several times daily to any affected areas.

Some of the alleged uses of camphor have received little scientific study, and the data is primarily anecdotal. Further uses for camphor oil include:

• hair fall
• acne
• warts
• earaches
• chilly sores
• haemorrhoids
• cardiovascular symptoms
• impeded blood flow
• flatulence
• anxiety
• depression
• muscles cramping
• weak libido