Camphor Essential Oil: 10 Health Benefits

Camphor essential oil is extracted from two types of camphor trees, the Common camphor and the Borneo camphor. The two types differ slightly in aroma, but they have similar properties and health benefits. Camphor oil is a natural stimulant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, anesthetic and sedative that can be used for medicinal purposes.

Camphor Essential Oil Health Benefits

1. Improves Circulation

Camphor essential oil has natural stimulant properties which work to boost metabolism and digestion. The stimulant effects can help health problems linked to improper circulation, poor digestion and improper metabolic rates.

2. Prevents Skin Infections

Camphor oil can be used to help prevent skin infections, thanks to its disinfectant, insecticide and germicide abilities. Camphor essential oil can be added to warm bath water to disinfect the body, treat lice and other infections. (1)

3. Reduces Inflammation

Camphor oil has cooling effects that provide sedative and anti-inflammatory benefits. The oil can help cure both internal and external inflammation. It works by relaxing the body and mind through its cooling properties.

4. Reduces Nervous Disorders

Camphor essential oil has the ability to numb the sensory nerves when applied topically. It can help reduce the severity of nervous disorders, convulsions, epileptic attacks, nervousness and chronic anxiety. (2)

5. Relieves Spasms

The natural antispasmodic properties of camphor oil can help provide relief from painful cramps and spams. The oil can also help cure extreme spasmodic cholera.

6. Boosts Libido

Camphor essential oil has the ability to boost the libido by stimulating certain parts of the brain. When applied topically, it acts as a stimulant to help increase blood circulation.

7. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Camphor essential oil stimulates and detoxifies the circulatory system by improving blood circulation. It can help provide relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and gout by reducing swelling.

8. Relaxes the Brain and Nerves

Camphor oil has narcotic effects that can help relax the nerves and brain. The oil works by temporarily desensitizing the nerves, which can be dangerous if taken in excess.

9. Relives Congestion

The powerful smell of camphor oil can work as a natural decongestant. The oil has the ability to relieve congestion of the larynx, nasal tracts and lungs. It's often an ingredient in decongestant balms and cold rubs. (3)

10. Eliminates Gas

Camphor oil can be used to help relieve pain caused by excess gas in the intestines. The oil works to eliminate gas by naturally removing and expelling it from the body. Caution: Camphor oil can be toxic and fatally poisonous if ingested in large amounts. Two grams has the potential to be lethal. Slight overdose symptoms can include extreme thirst, vomiting and a drop in body temperature. Be extremely careful when using camphor oil for medicinal purposes. Use the oil under the care of an expert for extra caution.