Camphor (कर्पूरम्) – The Chalk of Barus

Camphor

Introduction

Camphor, scientifically known as Cinnamomum Camphor, is a combustible, translucent white solid which has a piquant smell and sour taste, though some people quite like its menthol-like, nose tingling fragrance. It is obtained from the bark of the tree Cinnamonun camphora. Only 50-years old trees produce a waxy substance which is used as camphor oil.

The process of steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the stems of the tree. The tree is said to be a native of Hiroshima, Japan. It is evergreen and now grows all over Asia, primarily in Indonesia. The Indonesian variety is named Dryobalanops camphora.

Health Benefits

Relieves Pain and Swelling

On the skin it acts as a counter irritant and is therefore used topically to relieve pain and swelling. It causes numbness of sensory nerve endings of skin, thereby reliving pain and inflammation, and preventing skin redness.

Treatment of Nail Fungus

It has been found to be effective in treating nail fungus because of its undeniable antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Nail fungus may require treatment by oral anti-fungal, but topical preparations like Vaporub containing camphor oil can be added for faster clearing of the fungus.

However, it is effective against onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida parapsilosis, which are species of fungi.

Camphor For Hair Care

It’s oil can reinvigorate the hair roots. Egg or yogurt combined with the oil can supply your hair with the much-needed nutrients. Not only does the oil promote hair growth, but it can also fight hair-loss.

When the oil is combined with essential oils, it can boost hair growth. You can use any essential oil. Lavender and chamomile essential oils can leave your hair smelling fresh and fragrant.

Periodic use of the oil can improve the texture of your hair making it soft. Massaging the scalp and hair with camphor oil on a regular basis can boost hair growth and fight hair fall.

Narcotic Effects

It can provide relaxation and momentarily desensitize the nerves. If consumed in excess, it can cause a person to lose control. The smell of oil can be addictive. Many are known to get addicted to its smell or even ingest it.

Treats Cold and Cough

It helps in treating cold and cough and relieves throat congestion. It’s oil is an ingredient of many vaporub and decongestants.

There are many ways to use camphor to get rid of a cough and congestion including inhaling, rubbing and using it as a steam vaporization. Dissolving it in hot water for ten minutes and inhaling it via a steam can work wonders. It even soothes throat irritation and treats bronchitis.

Importance of Camphor in Hindu worship

Camphor

In Hindu worship camphor is practiced since from ages. It is widely used in aarti and in all forms of Hindu worship. According to traditional beliefs, by the use of camphor in worship, gods and goddesses gets happy and agree the worship even.

It also destroys all kinds of evil energies and enhances the flow of positivity in the place. Camphor even makes your surroundings perfumed and filled with energy.

Destroy All The Negative Energies Around You & Fill With Positive Vibes

Side Effects

A slight overdose can manifest severely in the body causing poisoning, vomiting, and drop in body temperature. Remember to store camphor products away from children. An overdose of camphor can result in seizures in children. Usually, symptoms of overdose and poisoning show up within minutes.

Overdose can cause to irritation of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. This can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, fainting and even convulsions.

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Camphor