Camphor oil is one of those wonderfully old-fashioned ingredients that seems to have been sitting in our cupboards forever. I remember camphor being associated with strong-smelling balms, chest rubs and those little bottles of medicinal-looking oils that seemed to promise relief for all sorts of everyday complaints.
But what exactly is camphor oil, and what can you actually use it for?
Camphor has a long history in traditional remedies, cosmetics and household products. Today, you’ll find camphor in everything from topical creams and muscle rubs to inhalation products and skincare preparations.
However, this is one natural ingredient where I think a little caution is particularly important. Camphor is potent, and concentrated camphor can be toxic if swallowed or used incorrectly. Natural doesn’t automatically mean harmless.
So, let’s look at what camphor oil is, how it’s commonly used, what the potential benefits are, and—perhaps most importantly—how to use it safely.
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.
Why Does Camphor Feel So Cooling?
One of the most interesting things about camphor is the sensation it produces.
When applied to the skin in an appropriate formulation, camphor can create a cooling or warming sensation. This is partly because it interacts with sensory receptors involved in detecting temperature and irritation.
That’s why camphor is so common in products designed to provide temporary relief from minor aches, pains and muscle discomfort.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that the underlying problem has been treated. Rather, the sensation can temporarily alter how discomfort is perceived.
What is Camphor Oil 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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 Should You Never Use Camphor Oil?
There are several areas where I would keep camphor well away.
Avoid using camphor preparations:
Inside the mouth
Inside the nose
Around the eyes
On mucous membranes
On open wounds
On severely irritated or damaged skin
On large areas of skin unless the product specifically says this is appropriate
And please don’t use camphor oil as a homemade internal remedy.
Camphor should never be swallowed.
What Happens If You Swallow Camphor?
This is one of the most important safety points in this entire guide.
Camphor can be poisonous when swallowed. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, dizziness and seizures.
Even relatively small amounts can be dangerous, particularly for children.
For this reason, camphor products should always be stored securely and kept away from children and pets.
If someone has swallowed a camphor-containing product, don’t wait for symptoms to develop. Seek urgent medical advice or contact your local poison information service.
Is Camphor Safe During Pregnancy?
I’d be particularly cautious about using concentrated camphor products during pregnancy.
There’s insufficient reason to experiment with strong camphor preparations when safer alternatives may be available.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and considering using a camphor-containing product, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist first.
Can Children Use Camphor Oil?
This is another area where I’d err strongly on the side of caution.
Camphor can be particularly dangerous to children if swallowed, and concentrated preparations shouldn’t be casually used on young children.
Don’t put camphor oil or camphor-containing products somewhere a child could mistake them for something edible.
For children, always follow the age restrictions and directions on the specific product.
What About Pets?
I’d also avoid experimenting with camphor around pets.
Animals can be particularly sensitive to concentrated essential oils and aromatic compounds. Don’t apply camphor oil to your pet or use it as a homemade flea treatment unless a veterinary professional has specifically recommended a suitable product.
If your pet has a skin, flea or respiratory problem, a vet-approved treatment is a much better option.
Camphor isn’t suitable for everybody.
Topical use can potentially cause:
Skin irritation
Redness
Burning or stinging
Dryness
Allergic reactions
Increased sensitivity
If your skin becomes painful, very red, swollen or blistered after using a camphor product, stop using it.
I’d also avoid applying more product in an attempt to make it “work better.”
More camphor doesn’t necessarily mean more relief—it can simply mean more irritation.
What If Camphor Gets in Your Eyes?
This is one ingredient I’d definitely keep away from the eye area.
If camphor gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists or you develop significant pain or vision changes.
Don’t deliberately use camphor oil near the eyes for cosmetic purposes.
A Patch Test Is Sensible
If you’re using a properly diluted topical camphor preparation for the first time, a small patch test can be sensible.
Apply a small amount according to the product’s instructions to a limited area of intact skin and monitor for irritation.
If you experience burning, itching, redness or swelling, wash it off and don’t continue using it.
A patch test doesn’t guarantee that you won’t react later, but it can help identify obvious sensitivity.
Camphor Oil vs Camphor Balm
Personally, I’d choose a properly formulated balm or topical product over pure camphor oil for most everyday uses.
Why?
Because a commercial formulation generally gives you:
A known concentration
Clear application instructions
Appropriate supporting ingredients
Directions about where the product should and shouldn’t be used
Safety information
That’s considerably less guesswork than trying to formulate your own camphor preparation at home.
Don’t Confuse Camphor With Camphor Laurel Oil
There’s another reason to read labels carefully.
The term “camphor oil” can be used rather loosely in online shops and traditional-remedy discussions.
Some products may refer to an essential oil derived from Cinnamomum camphora, while others may contain isolated camphor or synthetic camphor.
These aren’t necessarily interchangeable.
If I’m buying anything containing camphor, I want to know exactly what I’m purchasing, how concentrated it is and what the manufacturer says it is intended for.
My Approach to Using Camphor Oil
Camphor is one of those ingredients where I think the best approach is respect rather than fear—and definitely not experimentation.
I can understand why people love it. The distinctive cooling sensation can feel wonderfully refreshing, especially when incorporated into a properly formulated muscle rub.
But I wouldn’t regard camphor as a miracle ingredient for everything from acne and hair growth to respiratory problems and pain.
I’d use it only for an appropriate purpose, choose a properly formulated product, follow the instructions and avoid putting it anywhere it shouldn’t go.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use camphor oil every day?
That depends on the specific product and how it is intended to be used. Don’t assume that daily application of concentrated camphor is safe simply because it is a natural ingredient.
2. Can camphor oil remove dark spots?
I wouldn’t recommend camphor as a dark-spot treatment. Irritating the skin can potentially make pigmentation problems worse.
3. Does camphor oil grow hair?
There isn’t good reason to regard camphor oil as a proven hair-growth treatment. Persistent hair thinning is better discussed with a doctor or dermatologist so the underlying cause can be investigated.
4. Can camphor oil treat dandruff?
Camphor is found in some traditional scalp products, but it’s not my first choice for persistent dandruff. A properly formulated anti-dandruff treatment is generally more appropriate.
5. Can I put camphor oil on a pimple?
I’d avoid applying concentrated camphor directly to a pimple. It may irritate already inflamed skin.
6. Can I put camphor oil in my bath?
I’d be cautious about this. Concentrated camphor can irritate the skin, and using essential oils in bath water doesn’t automatically dilute them safely. A purpose-made bath product is preferable.
7. Can I inhale camphor oil?
Camphor has traditionally been used in aromatic preparations, but concentrated camphor should not be inhaled casually or used in improvised steam treatments. Follow the instructions for the particular product.
8. Can you ingest camphor oil?
No. Camphor can be poisonous when swallowed. It should not be used as an edible oil or homemade internal remedy.
9. Is camphor oil good for sore muscles?
Camphor-containing topical preparations can provide temporary soothing sensations for minor muscle aches. Use a product formulated for this purpose and follow its directions.
10. Is camphor oil safe for sensitive skin?
It may be irritating, particularly when concentrated. If you have sensitive skin, I’d be especially careful and favour a properly formulated product over pure camphor oil.
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!
1. 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:
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.
2. 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!
