Camphor is a white crystalline compound derived from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora. One of the most important properties of Camphor is its strong odour and pungent taste. Camphor is obtained by the process of steam distillation, purification, and sublimation of bark and wood of Cinnamomum camphora.
Camphor comes in many chemical varieties, each having different compositions of essential oils. The main component of the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora is Camphor. It contains other components like linalool, eugenol, safrole, cineol, ß-myrecene, nerolidol, camphene, and borneol. Throughout the world, Camphor has been used for centuries for treating a variety of ailments.
Camphor has a wide variety of topical uses due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat skin conditions, improve respiratory function, and relieve pain.
- It may show antiseptic activity
- It may have antipruritic (used to relieve itching) property
- It may have analgesic (relief from topical pain) property
- It may show anti-inflammatory activity
- It may demonstrate expectorant (secretion of sputum) property
- It may be anti-infective properties
- It may have anticancer activity
- It may have antispasmodic property
- It may have antifungal property
