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Camphor refers to a resinous mass that is now also produced industrially but naturally occurs in the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). The resin was already known as a remedy by Hildegard of Bingen. Camphor is of particularly good quality when obtained from older trees. The camphor tree should be at least 50 years old for this. For the tree itself, which can live up to 1500 years in its native habitat, this is just a short moment in its long life.

 

The native range of the camphor tree extends across the subtropical regions of East Asia, starting from the island of Taiwan. The camphor tree or camphor laurel has since been cultivated in other regions, even in the Mediterranean. Larger cultivation areas are found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa. Like the related cinnamon tree, it belongs to the laurel family (Lauraceae).

 

The highest camphor content is found in the bark and wood of the tree, especially in the lower parts of the trunk, as well as the roots. This is also indicated by the aromatic balsamic scent, which is strongest in these areas. Camphor itself is a white solid extracted from the essential oil of the camphor tree. Besides camphor oil (main component: cineole), the following compounds are also part of the camphor tree’s ingredients: 

• Linalool
• Safrole
• Borneol
• Eugenol
• Terpineol

Camphor is obtained by steam distillation from the wood of camphor trees. The extracted resin is colorless and barely soluble in water. High-quality preparations still contain natural camphor. Make sure to avoid preparations with synthetic camphor, as they lack the full spectrum of plant compounds found in the camphor tree. Additionally, camphor from natural sources is always dextrorotatory.

 

In traditional Asian medicine, camphor has long been an important component. When it reached Europe in the 9th or 10th century, local healers were also impressed by it. Hildegard of Bingen prescribed camphor for fever attacks. However, this use has since been discontinued. Today, it is still a popular remedy for colds. Camphor can relieve bronchial muscle cramps and stimulate breathing and circulation. It has now established itself as a herbal medicine for various ailments.

The main use of camphor is in the treatment of muscle pain and rheumatic diseases. It is believed to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle cramps. Camphor is also thought to have positive effects on heart conditions and low blood pressure when combined with other active ingredients, but there is currently a lack of conclusive studies in this area.

In small amounts, the cosmetics industry now also makes use of camphor, giving ointments, creams, and soaps a fresh scent with its aromatic smell. Additionally, camphor seems to relieve skin irritations and itching, partly by cooling the skin.

Interestingly, camphor appears to have antifungal effects, which is why it could help against nail fungus, for example. Fans of natural remedies often rely on camphor for nail fungus to avoid using synthetic pharmaceutical agents. Other uses, for which there is no research but only anecdotal reports, include:

• Warts
• Bloating
• Ear pain
• Anxiety and depression

Important: Treatments with camphor and similar herbal home remedies are not an alternative to medical treatment! If you have existing problems, seek medical advice promptly.

 

With camphor, it is extremely important to pay attention to dosages, frequency of use, active ingredient concentration, and other factors. In excessively high doses, camphor can be toxic and psychoactive.

Preparations such as lotions or tinctures for external use can be used several times a day. Sprays, bath additives, and similar products are also no problem as long as they are applied to intact and not too large areas of skin. 

For internal use, you should never take camphor for too long and strictly follow the dosage recommendations. Also, please consult your doctor for advice. Children under four years old as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not use camphor.

 

As already mentioned, too much camphor can lead to poisoning. Even slightly elevated doses (taken in excess or applied over too large an area) can cause symptoms of poisoning. So be sure to pay attention to the dose taken and follow the dosage recommendations!

Also make sure to always keep camphor out of reach of children. In children, camphor can lead to respiratory arrest.

Taking two grams of camphor can already cause the following side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Cramps

The lethal dose for adults is 20 grams of camphor, and for children, one gram of camphor.

 

The founder of homeopathy himself, Samuel Hahnemann, introduced camphor into homeopathic literature in 1796. Today, camphor is a common homeopathic remedy that should ideally be used in consultation with naturopaths.

Camphora globules are used at the onset of a cold or flu infection. In homeopathy, it is also used as an antispasmodic and to treat shock.

 

Appearance of the Camphor Tree

The evergreen camphor tree grows up to 50 meters tall and can reach a circumference of up to 5 meters. It branches into many gnarled limbs, with leaves that are pink when sprouting, gradually turning light green and later a rich green. Between April and May, it is covered with tiny green-yellow, rather inconspicuous flowers that turn into fleshy, almost black fruits.

 

A camphor tree can live up to 1500 years. So if you decide to plant a camphor tree now, it will likely still be standing many centuries after you. The wood smells of balsam, spreading an aromatic scent in the garden that reminds one of summer.

Camphor trees can also be grown here in Central Europe if placed in pots or greenhouses. They require slightly loamy soils rich in nutrients. 

If you want to germinate the seeds yourself, ideally start at room temperature at home. Otherwise, camphor seeds can take weeks to sprout.

The moist seed can then be placed in a very small pot, making sure the soil remains slightly moist but not wet (to avoid mold) throughout germination.

When the seed germinates and the first shoot becomes visible, move the pot to a sunny to partially sunny location. Our German summers are quite tolerable for the camphor tree, but in the cold winter, the camphor tree must be placed in a sunny spot that stays between 5° C and 15° C.

Leaves are mainly harvested from a tree 2 to 3 meters tall. In industry, trees are cut down at about 50 years old to extract their essential oil. In home cultivation, you can cut individual branches according to the tree's needs and use them to obtain oil.

 

Because camphor is toxic in high doses, caution is advised when handling it. Its use is not recommended for children and pregnant women.

 

No, camphor is not safe for children. Camphor can be deadly or toxic in high doses. The lethal dose for children is one gram of camphor. Therefore, camphor should not be used on children under 4 years old, and even above that age, medical advice must be sought first.

The composition differs. Naturally derived camphor is obtained from the wood and partly from the leaves of the camphor tree. The extract is distilled and processed into an essential oil. This essential oil contains numerous compounds, such as camphor, cineole, linalool, and several others. 

Synthetic camphor is produced so that the chemical compounds are as similar as possible. Unfortunately, this does not include the highly complex and natural collection of compounds (full spectrum) found in natural camphor.

Here are some simple aspects you can use as a guide:

Purity: It should ideally contain only the essential oil without any additives. Check the ingredient list for this.

Origin: High-quality products come from the appropriate country of origin and are not synthetically produced. The camphor plantation should also be sustainably managed.

Certification: Organic or GMP is considered standard.

Smell: Camphor has a characteristic balsamic scent. The higher the quality of the scent, the better the product.

Be sure to start with small doses and gradually increase to the doses you want or need. For topical use, it’s best to start with the elbow test and increase slowly. For internal use, you can start with half the recommended dose and wait to see if any side effects occur.