Botanical Name: Cinnamomum camphora, Laurus camphora
Family: Lauraceae
The Camphor essential oil is obtained from the wood and related to the cinnamon and cassia trees. Camphor has been used in Chinese medicine for 2,000 years.
It is a semi-evergreen tree native to Asia. The tree grows to a height of about 40-1 (12-30.5 meters), has red leaves that turn shiny green, and clusters of yellow flowers. The price of camphor was once higher than the price of gold.
Ayurvedic medicine uses the plant for headaches, infections, and snake and insect bites.
The scent of camphor repels insects and was used in clothes and linen closets.
Practical Uses
Vapors open the sinus and breathing passages
Mood uplifting
Documented Properties
Analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, anti- spasmodic, antiviral, cardiac, carminative, counterir ritant, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypertensive, insect repellent, insecticide, laxative, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant (central nervous system; adrenal glands; respiratory system), sudorific, tonic, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge, vulnerary.
Caution: Camphor is an adrenal stimulant and can be harmful. The oil should be avoided by people prone to epileptic seizures. Do not use on children. If used on adults, use only very small amounts.
CAMPHOR OIL BENEFITS
The main chemical constituents of Camphor Essential Oil are: a-Pinene, Camphene, Limonene, 1,8-Cineole, and p-Cymene.
PINENE is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-septic
Expectorant
Bronchodilator
CAMPHENE is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-oxidant
Soothing
Anti-inflammatory
LIMONENE is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-oxidant
Nervous system stimulant
Psychostimulant
Mood-balancing
Appetite suppressant
Detoxifying
Digestive
1,8 CINEOLE is known to exhibit the following activity:
Analgesic
Anti-bacterial
Anti-fungal
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-viral
Increased blood flow
Reduced tension headaches
Anti-tussive
Expectorant
Cough suppressant
P-CYMENE is known to exhibit the following activity:
Anti-oxidant
Sedative
Soothing
Neuroprotective
Anti-anxiety
Anti-inflammatory
What you Need:
white vinegar
baking soda
unscented liquid Castile soap
olive oil
rubbing alcohol
cornstarch
Camphor essential oil
microfiber cloth
jar
Mold & Mildew Cleaner
1 cup white vinegar
15 drops camphor essential oil
15 drops basil or chamomile essential oil
Shake to combine, spray on surface to be cleaned, wipe with microfiber cloth, spray again with cleaner and allow to air dry.
Soft Scrub
3 Tbsp. unscented liquid Castile soap
1 cup baking soda
15 drops Camphor essential oil
Glass jar
Mix together into a paste, take a small amount on a damp microfiber cloth, and scrub the surface. If the stains are really tough, let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Store the remaining soft scrub mixture in a jar.
Daily Shower Spray
2 cups distilled water
2 Tbsp. unscented liquid Castile soap
10 drops Camphor essential oil
15 drops basil or chamomile essential oil
Shake to combine, spray it on shower doors and tile every day after you shower and you should have to clean a whole lot less often.
Wood Floor Cleaner
2 cups distilled water
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
10 drops Camphor essential oil
Shake to combine, squirt a little on the floor, and mop up with a damp mop or swifter.
Dusting Spray
1 cup distilled water
¼ cup white vinegar,
2 Tbsp. olive oil
15 drops Camphor essential oil
Shake to combine, spray on surface to be cleaned, wipe clean with microfiber cloth. Avoid vinegar on natural stone.
Wood polish
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
10 drops Camphor essential oil
Shake to combine, apply to a microfiber cloth, and wipe wood surface clean. Repeat every 2-3 months or as often as needed. Avoid vinegar on natural stone.
All-Purpose Cleaner (great for counters)
¼ cup white vinegar or dish soap
1 ½ cups distilled water
25 drops Camphor essential oil
Shake to combine, spray on surface, and wipe clean. Avoid vinegar on natural stone.
Mirror & Window Cleaner
½ cup white vinegar
½ cup rubbing alcohol
1Tbsp cornstarch
10 drops Camphor essential oil Spray bottle
Spray bottle Shake to combine, spray on surface, and wipe clean.
Carpet Freshner
1 cup baking soda
10 drops Camphor essential oil
Jar
Shake all over carpet and let sit for half hour and then vacuum.