Camphor

Camphor, also called gum camphor, is a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone obtained from the resin of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). This evergreen tree originally comes from Southeast Asia and is native in particular to China, Taiwan, and Japan. The characteristic, penetratingly aromatic scent of camphor made it a sought-after component of traditional healing and incense cultures early on. Camphor crystallizes into a white, waxy solid with a strong odor and is produced both from natural sources and synthetically. In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, camphor has been used for centuries for various complaints, above all because of its cooling, stimulating, and antiseptic properties. In Western phytotherapy, home medicine, and sports care as well, camphor is still used in versatile ways today – for example in ointments, liniments, or inhalants.

What benefits does camphor offer for health? Camphor is a classic natural substance with diverse areas of application, particularly external ones. Its effects are both physical and pharmacological in nature – however, far more research is necessary in order to conclusively understand its effect. Here are some of the most frequently described effects:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Studies link camphor to anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially be helpful in conditions such as atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin problems (1,2,3,4).
  • Pain-relieving effect: Camphor showed pain-relieving effects in scientific investigations (2,4,5,6).
  • Antimicrobial properties: In laboratory studies, camphor shows an inhibitory effect on certain bacteria and fungi (4,7).
  • Circulation-promoting & muscle-relaxing: Camphor is applied externally to loosen muscles, release tension, and increase local blood flow – for instance in ointments and sports gels. This effect is partly supported by science (8).

How does camphor work in the body? Camphor exerts its effect primarily via the skin or mucous membranes. When applied, it first produces a sensation of cold, followed by a mild warming effect. Pharmacologically, camphor influences nerve endings that are involved in pain and temperature sensations (6).

Are there any risks or side effects?

  • Do not overdose: Highly dosed or internally applied camphor can have a toxic effect – caution is advised especially for children, pregnant women, and people with epilepsy.
  • Skin reactions possible: With sensitive skin, irritation, burning, or allergic reactions can occur.
  • Do not apply to open wounds or mucous membranes: Camphor should be used only externally on intact skin and only after consultation with medically trained personnel.

Conclusion Camphor is a time-tested natural substance with diverse possible uses in external application. Its effect is being researched further and further and points to great medicinal potential. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to proper use, since health risks can exist with improper dosing.

Sources:

  1. Duda-Madej, A., Viscardi, S., Grabarczyk, M., Topola, E., Kozłowska, J., Mączka, W., & Wińska, K. (2024). Is Camphor the Future in Supporting Therapy for Skin Infections?. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 17(6), 715. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060715
  2. Dos Santos, E., Leitão, M. M., Aguero Ito, C. N., Silva-Filho, S. E., Arena, A. C., Silva-Comar, F. M. S., Nakamura Cuman, R. K., Oliveira, R. J., Nazari Formagio, A. S., & Leite Kassuya, C. A. (2021). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular effects of essential oil and camphor isolated from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke leaves. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 269, 113697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113697
  3. Xiao, S., Yu, H., Xie, Y., Guo, Y., Fan, J., & Yao, W. (2021). The anti-inflammatory potential of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl essential oil in vitro and in vivo. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 267, 113516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113516
  4. Naaz, A., Wani, G. N., Begum, W., & Fathima, S. (2024). Therapeutic potential of Nankhawah/Ajwain (Tracyspermum ammi Linn): A comprehensive review article. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. Verfügbar ab 15.03.2024 unter http://jddtonline.info
  5. Xu, H., Blair, N. T., & Clapham, D. E. (2005). Camphor activates and strongly desensitizes the transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 channel in a vanilloid-independent mechanism. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 25(39), 8924–8937. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2574-05.2005
  6. Li, Z., Gan, Y., Kang, T., Zhao, Y., Huang, T., Chen, Y., Liu, J., & Ke, B. (2023). Camphor Attenuates Hyperalgesia in Neuropathic Pain Models in Mice. Journal of pain research, 16, 785–795. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S398607
  7. Duda-Madej, A., Viscardi, S., Grabarczyk, M., Topola, E., Kozłowska, J., Mączka, W., & Wińska, K. (2024). Is Camphor the Future in Supporting Therapy for Skin Infections?. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 17(6), 715. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060715
  8. Kotaka, T., Kimura, S., Kashiwayanagi, M., & Iwamoto, J. (2014). Camphor induces cold and warm sensations with increases in skin and muscle blood flow in human. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 37(12), 1913–1918. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b14-00442