What is camphor used in?

Note: This article is not for consumption, should it otherwise prove tempting because someone thought they were a moth… facepalm

Ahem. Let’s talk about camphor – that white crystalline substance with a pleasingly strong aroma. You may have noticed its scent in balms, oils or even room fresheners! But do you know all the other multipurpose things it can be used in? Well let me tell you my dear friend – get comfortable!

Introduction to camphor

Although predominantly found in Asian countries where Cinnamomum trees are grown and cultivated (1), camphor has expanded its reach since ancient times due to its medicinal properties.

Even the Greeks believed it alleviated pain better than ambrosia from those generous handmaidens of Olympus (2). And if nothing else, we trust Greek mythology wouldn’t lie!

This waxy substance is also very insoluble in water which makes it useful and safe to handle by even the newbie chemist out there (3).

Keep on reading as we delve into some of these nooks of wonder under ‘cam-phore’ moonlight.

Insect Repellant

If only moths knew what was good for them! Oh wait …

Back on track. Camphor oil acts like an insect repellant keeping away pesky fleas or carpet beetles(4) among others. If you fill up a few small sachets with crushed crystals and place them randomly around your pantry or storage spaces, this keeps uninvited guests away while leaving behind a fragrant aroma that smells like clean laundry!

Small children often mistake little insects moving around as exciting new toys so keep their fragile lungs healthy using natural alternatives instead of harsh chemicals –kids swallow almost everything!! Imagine consuming pesticides (grimace)

Decongestant

Blocked nose giving you the blues? Allow me to tell you about camphor’s decongestant properties that help in clearing blocked sinuses and penetrating deep into the. lungs too! It works as an anti-spasmodic on our respiratory system helping soothe coughs, asthma attacks, bronchitis etcetera(5).

Just prepare your inhaler solution by mixing 2 drops of camphor oil with a carrier e.g coconut oil. Apply topically or add it to a diffuser during winter seasons for much needed relief.

Skin Care

Bet some of y’all weren’t expecting this one huh?

Camphor has got antiseptic and analgesic properties which make it super ideal for burns, rashes or insect bites (6). Most over-the-counter muscle balms also use camphor to provide pain-relieving therapeutic benefits while working as an effective remedy for dandruff when mixed with sesame oil!

Four tablespoons of sesame oil can be combined with two teaspoons of melted camphor crystals gently applied before washing hair – result: calming nerves down after a long day will take on new meaning entirely!

Acne best friend

Remember those teenage pimples right before prom night … we feel ya wink

Camphor is great at combating acne by drying out sebum secretion, preventing excessive skin buildup followed by reduced inflammation resulting in less prominent breakouts!(7) Combine one spoonful yogurt (active cultured kind) along with half tablespoon nutmeg powder then stir properly till cloudy. Add ten crushed grains from within clove buds followed suit +half tablespoon turmeric finally adding ten drops rose water alongside freshly cut cucumber slice(s).

Apply facial mask on affected areas leaving it intact overnight preferably post-cleansing regime & rinse off using cold water next morning reap benefits galore…

You’re welcome <3

Note: Don’t forget proper storage practices – refrigerate leftover mixture x2 using ice trays for better benefits.

Aromatherapy

One of camphor’s most cherished properties is its, aromatic and calming effects. This makes it a great ingredient to use in home settings like candle wicks or bath salts that contain essential oils (8).

It’s also used as a vitalizing odorant added to potpourri blends because who wants bad odours lurking around the house eughh!?

Let’s get crafty with it!

Note: You may need crafting skills before attempting DIY blend at home – we heard you!

Add creativity to your daily routine by making homemade organic candles using camphor: melt beeswax or soy wax flakes followed suit by adding 2 teaspoons melted coconut oil alongside few drops vanilla extract then + about ¾th portion of camphor crystals finally adding some lavender/ rosemary sprigs on top before mold setting!

This will make an incredibly relaxing ambiance while burning away tension and anxiety immediately upon lighting up.

Flavor Enhancer

To many, the thought of cooking with something that they are more familiar with as medicine might seem counterintuitive but not entirely so – right chicken curry lovers out there?

Camphor is often featured in Indian cuisine especially dishes from northern regions aka “kashmiri cuisine” giving them their signature aroma(9). It can be blended easily into curries or any broth based food soups yielding subtle mint-like notes which never fail giving off those deliciously intense flavors having anyone salivating from far scratch…

Pro Tip: To prevent overuse leading towards unnatural bitterness mainly when baking try blending Camphor alongside other spices such as cinnamon powder whilst being conscious regarding % limit – less sometimes just nuff!!

C’mon now let our taste buds have some fun while embracing new discoveries; That’s what life’s all about eh?!

Refrigeration

Say bye-bye musty smells!

Aroma emanating from slowly growing mold in your closets can be a real pain but avoid panic raid and just seal camphor crystals within a sachet or even pillow cover inside cabinets along with various household spaces for 24/7 fresh smells (10).

Just remember to change the sachets every couple of months to ensure maximum benefits!

Analgesic

Looking for reliable pain relief? Camphor comes through time and again soothing mild ache blues(11).

Doesn’t matter whether you are experiencing soreness after an intense workout or some other form of muscle tension – this substance has it covered! By increasing blood flow into inflamed areas, camphor promotes healing throughout affected tissues thereby reducing discomfort dramatically…

Massage delight

You best believe giving yourself that much needed massage on Sundays should always include our multipurpose friend called Camphor ending up becoming regular routine!!

Camphor combines well alongside carrier oils like Almond /Jojoba support topically applied massages all across body region going deep down relieving fatigue induced stiffness. And yes, we promise not leave any knead-ed request unfulfilled… Oh punning

Pro Tip: Don’t forget post-massage; don’t shave off hair needing wax protect both skin & muscles.

With so many things one could use camphor in its always advisable doing small patch tests before venturing out full force.

So amigos: stay safe while enjoying endless health advantages 😉

Random Posts