10 Ways You Can Use Camphor At Home

Camphor has a fresh and refreshing fragrance similar to menthol and is widely used in Hindu ceremonies and rituals. Apart from its prominent role in religious aspects, it has been highly regarded for several years for its natural therapeutic properties.

Camphor plays a vital role in every Indian household, as it is an excellent home remedy for several ailments, ranging from cough and insect bites to cardiac issues. This white-cubed wonder never fails when you need a magic healer to get better relief from several topics.

How to Use Camphor at Home

You can use camphor at home in the following ways to remain free from pain, infection, cold, and insects.

1. For Curing Breathing Problems

Camphor can eliminate congestion in the lungs, bronchial tracts, and nasal region to promote normal breathing. To clear the mucus, add a teaspoon to boiling water and steam for 10 minutes.

When you inhale this steam mixture, it acts like the respiratory organs’ lining to protect it against cold and flu. This steam also cures bronchitis and lowers throat irritation.

2. Relieve Acute Pain and Inflammation

As camphor has sedative properties, it is mixed with hot sesame oil or coconut oil and massaged on the body to relieve pains, aches, and swelling associated with arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and osteoarthritis.

Regularly applying a mixture of hot olive oil and camphor can relieve those suffering from neuralgia. This painful condition occurs due to inflammation of the cranial nerve. The icy cooling sensation produced by camphor numbs and lowers the pain.

It is used for the treatment of muscle cramps and joint pains. Let us have a look at the recipe for the same –

• Joint Pain: Drop 2-3 pieces of camphor in heated sesame oil. Mix it well. Now apply it to the painful joints. In winter or cold places, mustard oil could be used in place of sesame oil.
• Muscle Cramp: The above recipe is primarily used for muscle cramps as an ointment.

3. To Treat Cold

A home remedy prepared with camphor and coconut oil is an excellent choice for treating colds and coughs in infants. Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and remove it from the fire. Now add a small piece of camphor and wait until it melts completely.

Apply this warm oil to the infants’ necks, spines, and chests to help them breathe freely and sleep well.

It could also be used to smell salt when suffering from a cold. Put a few drops of it on a handkerchief and inhale it. It will clear the stuffy nose.

4. To Get Relief From Itchy And Irritating Skin

The refreshingly cool camphor is a great choice to alleviate irritation and itching on the skin. When you develop skin irritation or itchiness, apply a paste made with camphor and a little water to get relief instantly.

Camphor acts on the affected skin immediately. Its compounds soothe nerve endings to alleviate the itchiness. It also removes the reddish color on the skin surface.

Camphor is a natural compound that has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It is useful in preventing and treating skin infections as per the research done by Wroclaw Medical University. It shows great potential when combined with medical devices or cosmetics. However, the researchers have cautioned about its toxicity, which needs to be addressed. They also inferenced that its role in wound healing and fighting drug-resistant microbes would require further studies and deeper investigation.

5. For Fighting Fungal Infections

Camphor is used to fight against toenail fungal infections, as it has antiseptic and antifungal properties and prevents them from recurring. You can dissolve a teaspoon of camphor in a half cup of water and apply it over the infected area. Its anti-inflammatory properties help lower the pain of gum infections.

6. To Rectify Cracked Heels

You need not feel wrong about your cracked heels anymore, as camphor can gently treat them. Its rich cleansing properties soothe coarse and rough heels by relieving and toning the skin. Make a solution with water and camphor and soak your feet in this mixture for 7 minutes.

Also, use a foot scrub to exfoliate the dead skin, and then pat dry using a soft towel. Follow with a moisturizing cream. Repeat this every week to get smooth and toned heels.

7. Treating Burns

Camphor can be used to treat minor burns and alleviate burn scars. Mix a small piece of camphor in water and spread it over the affected area. Repeat every day until the burn scars disappear. The cooling and calming effects of camphor soothe the nerves and the skin to lower the burns’ pain.

Its powder mixed with oil also helps heal burns. However, Do not apply camphor oil on heavily burned or when the skin is open, is injured or the skin is broken. University of Texas at EL PASO

8. To Improve Hair Health

Using a blend of coconut oil and camphor to massage your scalp will improve the strength of the hair roots. It has active substances that enhance the blood circulation in the scalp and keep the follicles well-nourished to induce hair growth.

This hair mixture also prevents hair thinning and restores the sheen and gloss of the hair strands. Mix camphor with yogurt, essential oils, or eggs to have dandruff-free hair.

9. To Lower Pimples, Eczema And Acne

This miraculous white substance from the camphor tree contains beneficial compounds that cure acne by lowering its irritation and redness. Regular use of camphor will give you flawless skin that is free from blemishes. It is an excellent choice to reduce the swelling and pain associated with pimples.

Camphor’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the recurrence of pimples and acne breakouts. It also helps treat eczema by keeping itching under control and preventing it from flaring up.

10. Repel Moth and Insects

Camphor is known to have the ability to repel moths and other insects. Soak a small piece of cloth in camphor oil and leave it in an open place in your room to drive away from insects like flies and fleas. This oil is also helpful for head lice and can repel germs at home.

Placing some pieces of camphor in your wardrobes and cupboards will keep them free from moths. You can also use it to repel mosquitoes by holding a small cup of boiling water with a few camphor pieces in the room.

Camphor Dosage and Safety

Safety Precautions and Side Effects

Safety Precautions

• Do Not Ingest: Camphor is toxic if swallowed, even in small doses. – Source
• Avoid Use on Broken Skin: Applying camphor on broken or damaged skin can lead to rapid absorption and toxicity. – Source
• Keep Away from Children: Even small amounts can be fatal if accidentally ingested by children. – Source
• Use in Moderation: Excessive topical use or inhalation from vaporizers can cause side effects.
• Avoid During Pregnancy: Camphor may pose risks during pregnancy and should be avoided unless prescribed. – Source

Side Effects

• Skin Irritation or Rash: Topical camphor may cause redness, itching, or rash in sensitive individuals. – Source
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience swelling, redness, or itching after applying camphor. – Source
• Seizures (in severe cases): Ingesting camphor or using too much can lead to serious neurological effects. – Source
• Dizziness or Nausea: Prolonged exposure to camphor vapors may lead to mild systemic effects.

About Camphor

How to make Camphor essential oil at home?

Take pieces or blocks and make a powder out of them. Pour 2 cups of coconut oil into a pan and heat it on medium flame. Stir it at intervals so that it doesn’t burn. Take two tablespoons of powdered camphor and mix it in the oil while the oil is still heating. Mix it well till all the powder is dissolved completely. Once the powder is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the stove and allow it to cool down. While the solution is cooling, mix 2 tbsp lemon juice. Store the oil in an airtight container.

History of Camphor

Camphor is an aromatic substance naturally sourced from the camphor tree, which belongs to the Eastern Asian region. This evergreen tree grows in cold climate areas and reaches over 100 feet in height. The botanical term for the camphor tree is Cinnamomum camphora, where “Kinnamomon” means spice in Greek.

This tree has pointed green leaves, yellowish-white flower clusters, and oval-shaped red berries. It is a natural, pleasant-smelling substance and part of the terpenoid family, which includes perfumed plant substances like menthol and citral. Earlier, during the 1920s, camphor was produced through camphor laurel.

Later, it was synthesized through a distillation process by combining the camphor tree’s wood, leaves, and bark with turpentine oil to produce white waxy camphor crystals and formulate C10H160. It is widely used to prepare ayurvedic medicines, pain sprays, balms, tinctures, ointments, and emulsions.

Now that you have learned about using camphor at home, start using this pure waxy substance in white as an effective home remedy.

Camphor Product Types

Ways You Can Use Camphor At Home FAQ

What is an important commercial use for camphor?

Camphor is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It is often used in herbal medicine to treat various medical conditions, including but not limited to pain relief, fever reduction, headaches, toothache, menstrual cramps, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, etc. In addition, camphor can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by other medical conditions such as burns, cuts, and fractures. Camphor is also used as a fragrance and flavor agent in foods and beverages. It has a pleasant odor and is often used in sweets, savory dishes, and sometimes even alcoholic drinks.

Can we keep camphor in the bathroom?

Yes, camphor can be kept in the bathroom. Camphor is a natural oil used to treat wounds and aches. It can also be used as a deodorant to freshen up the room.

Is camphor safe to use on the skin?

Camphor is safe for skin use if diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Avoid applying it directly to broken skin, as it may irritate. Always perform a patch test before use. Overuse can lead to redness or allergic reactions, so use it sparingly. For best results, consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin.

Can burning camphor purify indoor air?

Burning camphor helps purify indoor air by removing bacteria, viruses, and unpleasant odors. Its fragrance creates a calming effect while repelling mosquitoes and insects. Use it in a ventilated space to avoid smoke buildup. Camphor is popular in homes for religious and wellness purposes, combining functionality with tradition.

How can camphor repel mosquitoes and insects?

Camphor repels mosquitoes and insects with its strong scent. Burn camphor or dissolve it in water to spray around the home. It’s a natural alternative to chemical repellents. Place camphor tablets in cabinets or near windows to keep pests away effectively. This simple method is eco-friendly and safe when used responsibly.

Can camphor help with hair growth?

Camphor promotes hair growth by improving scalp circulation and reducing dandruff. To apply it, mix camphor with oils like coconut or castor oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp, leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash thoroughly. Regular use can strengthen hair roots and improve overall scalp health.

What precautions should I take when using camphor at home?

Use camphor in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhaling excess fumes. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as ingestion is toxic. Always dilute camphor for skin applications and avoid direct use on sensitive or broken skin. Do not consume camphor unless prescribed in minimal amounts by a doctor.