Camphor oil and edible camphor are products many of us have never heard of. But we use them more often than we realize! It is a common ingredient in many medicinal products. If you have ever used Vicks Vaporub, muscle rubs or skin care products, there is a pretty good chance they contain this powerful ingredient.
One of the main reasons you may not have heard of this incredible product is because it is derived from a plant found in Asia. It mainly grows in Japan, China, and parts of India. So it makes sense that it is widely known and used in those parts of the world. Since these product are commonly used and extremely beneficial, I think it’s high time we all learn a little more about them! So I want to give you all the details you need to know on how to use this product for hair and skin care, muscle aches and pains, as a natural decongestant and so much more!
What is Camphor?
There are two forms of camphor you need to focus on. The first is camphorated oil. It is an essential oil that can be used topically for a variety of benefits. The second form is edible camphor which can be ingested. Edible camphor is normally used in traditional Indian dishes, religious ceremonies, and for a few different health benefits.
It is imperative that you do not confuse these products. There is no such thing as edible camphor oil. Camphor oil is now chemically manufactured from turpentine. If ingested it can cause serious side effects and may be lethal, depending on the amount you consume. It is also not safe for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is It Used For?
When used correctly, camphor oil has incredible benefits! I want to talk about a few of the most common uses. Always remember that in oil form, this product should only be used topically, never ingested.
Acne
Camphor oil is widely used in acne products because it is a natural disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic. By mixing it with a carrier oil, you can apply it to your skin directly. Since it is so strong, you need to make sure that you mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or even grapeseed oil.
This oil will work to dissolve dirt in your pores, disinfect the area and reduce inflammation. These multiple benefits will help cleanse your skin and get rid of acne. It can also reduce redness and the appearance of acne scars and inhibit more acne from forming.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Although you might not realize it, you probably already use camphor oil when you are sick. It can be used as a decongestant and is an ingredient in Vick Vaporub. By adding 2-3 drops of the oil to boiling water or a diffuser, you can inhale the steam to decongest your sinuses.
If you have a bad cough or respiratory issues, you can apply Vick’s to your chest. Also, you could add 2-3 drops of camphor oil to a carrier oil and rub it on your chest in the same way.
Skin Care
Camphor oil isn’t only used for acne. It can also be used if you have a skin infection, rash or itchiness. By mixing the oil with a carrier oil, you can apply it to the affected area. It will relieve itching and pain by numbing the nerve endings in the area. Toe fungus is a regular problem for people who wear shoes regularly and sweat regularly. The moisture created by your sweat contributes to the growth of fungus. If you have Vick’s on hand, you could also apply it a few times a day as another effective treatment.
Camphor oil is also used in anti-aging products. If you have fine lines or wrinkles caused by the suns UV rays, this oil can help reverse the effects. It can help increase the production of elastin and collagen, both of which improve the elasticity in your skin to smooth out wrinkles.
Bug Repellent
Camphor oil has a very intense and distinct smell. You may be familiar with the smell if you have ever used mothballs. They are camphor balls that can be used to repel many different kinds of invasive bugs. If you have issues with insects on a regular basis, you can soak a cloth in the powerful oil and put it in any place that insects usually bother you. Many people place them outside their houses. You can also use the mothballs to keep insects from damaging your clothing while in storage.
Muscle and Joint Pain or Arthritis
Camphor oil is also an ingredient in many muscle rub creams such as Icy Hot or Biofreeze. The essential oil works quickly and penetrates deeply. By numbing and soothing the area, it can relieve aches and pains temporarily. If you have ever experienced the warming or cooling sensation from these products, you are feeling this incredible oil at work on your body!
Heal Burns
By making an ointment out of camphor oil, honey, and sesame oil, you can speed up the healing of second-degree burns. Not only will it assist in healing, but it will also moisturize and prevent scarring.
Edible Camphor
Most people are even less familiar with edible camphor than they are with the essential oil. Unless you are from Asia, in which case you might be surprised no one in the USA seems to know about this wonder product!
Edible camphor can be used to sweeten candy and many tradition Indian dishes. It adds a unique flavor, and it is impossible to get the right flavor in these dishes without it!
But there are a few other benefits you can take advantage of when using edible camphor. I want to make a quick list, but since this product can be ingested you will get all of the listed benefits from eating it. All you have to do is add a just a pinch of edible camphor to a liquid, like warm milk or hot herbal tea.
Uses and Benefits of Edible Camphor:
- Aids in digestion
- Relieves and prevents gas buildup
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps you get restful sleep
Where to Buy Camphor
It depends on what kind of camphor you are shopping for. You can find the essential oil at any store you would generally get other essential oils, even Walmart. You can also find it online, which might be better because you could find an all natural version like this camphor oil by Organic Pure Oil, found on Amazon.
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When shopping for edible camphor, you may have the best luck online. Many customers who bought this product regularly preferred to shop online for the best quality.
DIY Recipes for Camphor Oil
Since I mentioned all these incredible uses for camphor, it’s only fair to give you a few recipes to use at home! There are so many different uses for this amazing oil and you should take advantage of the incredible benefits!
Camphor Oil Hair Mask
Camphor oil can be used to treat hair loss and balding, speed up hair growth and strengthen your hair. There are quite a few other essential oils that can help with each of these issues, but most of them don’t treat all three at once.
Ingredients:
- 1 raw egg
- 3 drops of camphor oil
- 1 cup of yogurt
Mix the ingredients and apply to your hair. Make sure to focus on your roots and scalp. Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes before washing out as usual. You may see the best results when using this mask with a nourishing shampoo.
Camphor Oil and Coconut Oil
This recipe is the perfect one to use for most of your everyday issues!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of camphor oil
- 1 TSP coconut oil
Mix these two ingredients and store in an airtight glass jar. You can also use this recipe as a ratio for a larger batch. Make sure to store any leftovers in a sealed glass container.
You can use this mixture for foot fungus, chest congestion, acne, wrinkles, or muscle tension and arthritis! It is one of the best recipes that you can use as a cure-all topical remedy!
Conclusion
Camphor oil and edible camphor are incredible ingredients you can use to improve your health and solve small problems. It’s just critical to remember that you should see your doctor for any severe or reoccurring issues. Also, remember that in oil form it has some significant benefits, but it can also have some serious or life-threatening side effects if used in the wrong way. Never use it on an open wound or broken skin, as it absorbs quickly and could be fatal. Never ingest camphor oil or try to use it in place of edible camphor. They are not the same thing and should not be used in the same way. Avoid using it entirely for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As long as you use both correctly, there are some incredible benefits to using these products. You should absolutely take advantage of it! Let us know your favorite benefit in the comments below!
Last update on 2023-04-18 at 02:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API