Camphor is a clear white solid with a menthol-like, nose tingling fragrance. Most people associate camphor with vapor rubs, as it’s often used as an ingredient in these products.
Camphor is taken from the bark of a tree that is native to Japan. It can be used in multiple ways – and we’ll be covering everything you need to know in this video, so stay tuned!
1. Can soothe skin conditions
Camphor has antifungal and antibacterial properties that have shown to help in alleviating some skin-related issues like itching and irritation.
One animal study found camphor to be an effective wound-healing agent. This is because it can increase collagen and elastin production. Camphor is also a key anti-wrinkle ingredient in many cosmetic products used today.
2. Can reduce pain
Camphor can be used to reduce pain and swelling. This was proven in a study conducted in Pakistan, which found that a spray consisting of menthol, eucalyptus, clove, and camphor displayed pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Can heal burns
You can use camphor as a treatment for minor burns, and to heal burn scars. In one animal study, it was found that a herbal ointment containing camphor, sesame oil, and honey reduced the healing time of burns. To try this for yourself, you’ll just need to dissolve a small amount of camphor in water and apply it onto your burn. You should make sure to do this on a daily basis until the scars disappear.
4. Can treat acne
We all suffer from acne from time to time, and studies have found that camphor has the potential to treat the skin condition. Experts think it can bring down the pain and swelling caused by the inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The antibacterial activity of certain bioactive compounds in camphor is effective in acne treatment
5. Can soothe eczema
Acne isn’t the only skin condition camphor can soothe – according to research, it can also be used to relieve eczema and control itching. It’s an especially effective remedy when eczema flares up, and you need to control the inflammation and itching.
6. Can cure nail fungus
Fungus on toenails can be painful and not the prettiest sight, and luckily, there’s a natural remedy to get rid of it: camphor paste. This can help inhibit the growth of fungus. Camphor has been found to be effective in treating nail fungus because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties.
7. Softens cracked heels
We still need more scientific proof on this one, but evidence by camphor users suggests that it can soften cracked heels. Many people swear by camphor for keeping the soles of their feet soft and smooth. Try it out for yourself and soak your feet in a solution of camphor and water, giving them a good scrub. Finish with an application of moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
8. Can relieve skin rashes
We already know that camphor can soothe eczema, so it comes as no surprise that it can relieve skin rashes in general. It contains certain anti-inflammatory compounds that makes it particularly good for skin rashes that occur due to heat and perspiration. When you dissolve camphor in water and apply it to skin rashes, your rashes will gradually fade over several days of use.
9. Can treat bacterial and fungal infections
Being a cooling topical ingredient, camphor is often used in skin ointments that are designed to treat a whole range of fungal and bacterial infections. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of camphor have made it a must-use ingredient in the cosmetic industry.
10. Can strengthen the hair and fight hair loss
Again, we’ve not seen a lot of research on this yet, but evidence from camphor users shows that the use of camphor strengthens hair roots. It’s thought that combining egg or yogurt with camphor oil can supply your hair with a wide variety of much-needed nutrients.
Camphor oil can also improve the texture of hair strands and give you smooth and soft hair. Some users even claim that it can reduce hair loss and boost hair growth by stimulating blood circulation at the scalp. We look forward to more scientific study into the subject.
11. Can kill headlice
Camphor keeps your hair looking at its best, which is helped by is ability to kill headlice. It acts as an excellent cleaning and disinfecting agent, which helps to create an environment on the scalp that headlice can’t survive in. If you’re having a lice problem yourself, just mix camphor oil with coconut oil and apply it to your scalp for immediate effect.
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