CAMPHOR

OTHER NAME(S):

Alcanfor, Arbre à Camphre, Camphor Tree, Camphora, Camphora Officinarum, Camphre, Camphre de Laurier, Camphre Gomme, Camphrier, Cemphire, Cinnamomum Camphora, dl-Camphor, dl-Camphre, Gum Camphor, Kapur, Karpoora, Karpuram, Laurel Camphor, Laurus camphora.<br/><br/>

Overview

Overview Information

Camphor used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Today, camphor is chemically manufactured from turpentine oil. It is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.

Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin (topical application) or inhaled. Be sure to read the label to find out how the product should be administered.

People use camphor topically to relieve pain and reduce itching. It has also been used to treat fungal infections of the toenail, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, and osteoarthritis.

Camphor is used topically to increase local blood flow and as a “counterirritant,” which reduces pain and swelling by causing irritation. It is important not to apply camphor to broken skin, because it can enter the body quickly and reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning.

Some people use camphor topically to treat respiratory tract diseases and to treat heart disease symptoms. Camphor is also used topically as an eardrop, and for treating minor burns.

Some people inhale camphor to reduce the urge to cough.

Although it is an UNSAFE practice, some people take camphor by mouth to help them cough up phlegm, for treating respiratory tract infections, and for intestinal gas (flatulence). Experts warn against doing this because, when ingested, camphor can cause serious side effects, even death.

Camphor is a well-established folk remedy, and is commonly used. Camphorated oil (20% camphor in cottonseed oil) was removed from the U.S. market in the 1980s because of safety concerns. It continues to be available without a prescription in Canada.

How does it work?

Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Likely Effective for

  • Cough.Camphor is FDA-approved as a chest rub in concentrations less than 11%.
  • Pain. Camphor is FDA-approved for use on the skin as a painkiller in concentrations of 3% to 11%. It is in many rub-on products for cold sores, insect stings and bites, minor burns, and hemorrhoids.
  • Skin itching or irritation. Camphor is FDA-approved for use on the skin to help itching or irritation in concentrations of 3% to 11%.

Possibly Effective for

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Insect bite. Early research shows that applying camphor along with menthol and eucalyptus oil might help reduce the size of mosquito bites.
  • Low blood pressure after standing up. Early research suggests that taking a product containing camphor and hawthorn by mouth helps prevent drops in blood pressure upon standing. However, it is not clear if taking camphor alone provides the same benefits. Also, this product is not available in the US.
  • Warts.
  • Hemorrhoids.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of camphor for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Camphor is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when applied to the skin in a cream or lotion in low concentrations. Camphor can cause some minor side effects such as skin redness and irritation. Do not use undiluted camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Camphor is also LIKELY SAFE for most adults when inhaled as vapor in small amounts as a part of aromatherapy. Don't use more than 1 tablespoon camphor solution per quart of water.

Do not heat camphor-containing products (Vicks VapoRub, BenGay, Heet, many others) in the microwave. The product can explode and cause severe burns.

Camphor is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in higher concentrations for a short time.

Camphor-containing products are LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to broken or injured skin. Camphor is easily absorbed through broken skin and can reach toxic levels in the body.

Camphor is UNSAFE when taken by mouth by adults. Ingesting camphor can cause severe side effects, including death. The first symptoms of camphor toxicity occur quickly (within 5 to 90 minutes), and can include burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking camphor by mouth is UNSAFE during pregnancy or breast-feeding. The safety of applying camphor to the skin during pregnancy or breast-feeding is unknown. Do not risk your health or your baby’s. Avoid using camphor during pregnancy.

Children: Camphor is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in children when applied to the skin. Children tend to be more sensitive to the side effects. Camphor is definitely UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Seizures and death can occur if these products are eaten. Keep camphor-containing products away from children.

Liver disease: Taking camphor by mouth or applying it to the skin have been linked to potential liver damage. In theory, using camphor might make liver disease worse.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for CAMPHOR Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For pruritis and pain: A 3% to 11% ointment is typically used three to four times daily.
  • For cough: A thick layer of 4.7% to 5.3% camphor ointment is applied to the throat and chest. The area may be covered with a warm, dry cloth or left uncovered.
  • For osteoarthritis: A topical cream containing camphor (32 mg/g), glucosamine sulfate (30 mg/g), and chondroitin sulfate (50 mg/g) as needed on sore joints for up to 8 weeks.
INHALATION:
  • One tablespoon of solution per quart of water is placed directly into a hot steam vaporizer, bowl, or washbasin. Sometimes 1.5 teaspoons of solution are added to a pint of water and boiled. The medicated vapors are breathed. This inhalation may be repeated up to three times a day.

Previous:
Next: Uses

View References

REFERENCES:

  • Agarwal, A. and Malhotra, H. S. Camphor ingestion: an unusual cause of seizure. J.Assoc.Physicians India 2008;56:123-124. View abstract.
  • Berggren, L. [Drugs and poisons in the life of Vincent van Gogh]. Sven.Med Tidskr. 1997;1(1):125-134. View abstract.
  • Burrow, A., Eccles, R., and Jones, A. S. The effects of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol vapour on nasal resistance to airflow and nasal sensation. Acta Otolaryngol. 1983;96(1-2):157-161. View abstract.
  • Dutta, B. K., Karmakar, S., Naglot, A., Aich, J. C., and Begam, M. Anticandidial activity of some essential oils of a mega biodiversity hotspot in India. Mycoses 2007;50(2):121-124. View abstract.
  • Eccles, R., Lancashire, B., and Tolley, N. S. The effect of aromatics on inspiratory and expiratory nasal resistance to airflow. Clin Otolaryngol.Allied Sci 1987;12(1):11-14. View abstract.
  • Emery, D. P. and Corban, J. G. Camphor toxicity. J.Paediatr.Child Health 1999;35(1):105-106. View abstract.
  • Hempel, B., Kroll, M., and Schneider, B. [Efficacy and safety of a herbal drug containing hawthorn berries and D-camphor in hypotension and orthostatic circulatory disorders/results of a retrospective epidemiologic cohort study]. Arzneimittelforschung 2005;55(8):443-450. View abstract.
  • Kroll, M., Ring, C., Gaus, W., and Hempel, B. A randomized trial of Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen as add-on treatment in older patients with orthostatic hypotension. Phytomedicine 2005;12(6-7):395-402. View abstract.
  • Lee, H. J., Hyun, E. A., Yoon, W. J., Kim, B. H., Rhee, M. H., Kang, H. K., Cho, J. Y., and Yoo, E. S. In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of Cinnamomum camphora extracts. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1-16-2006;103(2):208-216. View abstract.
  • Lim, G. C., Chen, Y. F., Liu, L., Huang, S. C., Lin, K. K., and Hsiao, C. H. Camphor-related self-inflicted keratoconjunctivitis complicating delusions of parasitosis. Cornea 2006;25(10):1254-1256. View abstract.
  • Martin, D., Valdez, J., Boren, J., and Mayersohn, M. Dermal absorption of camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate in humans. J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2004;44(10):1151-1157. View abstract.
  • Mascie-Taylor, B. H., Widdop, B., and Davison, A. M. Camphor intoxication treated by charcoal haemoperfusion. Postgrad.Med.J. 1981;57(673):725-726. View abstract.
  • Moqrich, A., Hwang, S. W., Earley, T. J., Petrus, M. J., Murray, A. N., Spencer, K. S., Andahazy, M., Story, G. M., and Patapoutian, A. Impaired thermosensation in mice lacking TRPV3, a heat and camphor sensor in the skin. Science 3-4-2005;307(5714):1468-1472. View abstract.
  • Ragucci, K. R., Trangmar, P. R., Bigby, J. G., and Detar, T. D. Camphor ingestion in a 10-year-old male. South.Med.J. 2007;100(2):204-207. View abstract.
  • Rampini, S. K., Schneemann, M., Rentsch, K., and Bachli, E. B. Camphor intoxication after cao gio (coin rubbing). JAMA 7-3-2002;288(1):45. View abstract.
  • Schmidt, U., Albrecht, M., and Schmidt, S. [Effects of an herbal crataegus-camphor combination on the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases]. Arzneimittelforschung 2000;50(7):613-619. View abstract.
  • Skoglund, R. R., Ware, L. L., Jr., and Schanberger, J. E. Prolonged seizures due to contact and inhalation exposure to camphor. A case report. Clin.Pediatr.(Phila) 1977;16(10):901-902. View abstract.
  • SMITH, A. G. and MARGOLIS, G. Camphor poisoning; anatomical and pharmacologic study; report of a fatal case; experimental investigation of protective action of barbiturate. Am.J.Pathol. 1954;30(5):857-869. View abstract.
  • Theis, J. G. and Koren, G. Camphorated oil: still endangering the lives of Canadian children. CMAJ. 6-1-1995;152(11):1821-1824. View abstract.
  • Trestrail, J. H., III and Spartz, M. E. Camphorated and castor oil confusion and its toxic results. Clin.Toxicol. 1977;11(2):151-158. View abstract.
  • Vasey, R. H. and Karayannopoulos, S. J. Camphorated oil. Br.Med.J. 1-8-1972;1(5792):112. View abstract.
  • Weiss, J. and Catalano, P. Camphorated oil intoxication during pregnancy. Pediatrics 1973;52(5):713-714. View abstract.
  • Xu, H., Blair, N. T., and Clapham, D. E. Camphor activates and strongly desensitizes the transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 channel in a vanilloid-independent mechanism. J Neurosci. 9-28-2005;25(39):8924-8937. View abstract.
  • Cohen M, Wolfe R, Mai T, Lewis D. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol 2003;30:523-8.. View abstract.
  • Committee on Drugs. American Academy of Pediatrics. Camphor revisited: Focus on toxicity. Pediatrics 1994;94:127-8. View abstract.
  • Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  • Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 2000;143:923-9. View abstract.
  • Fung AE, Oxford KW. Microwave-superheated Vics Vapo Rub: an ocular public health danger. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;137:379-80. View abstract.
  • Gomes-Carneiro MR, Felzenszwalb I, Paumgartten FJ. Mutagenicity testing of (±)-camphor, 1,8-cineole, citral, citronellal, (-)-menthol and terpineol with the Salmonella/microsome assay. Mutat Res. 1998;416(1-2):129-36. View abstract.
  • Gouin S, Patel H. Unusual cause of seizure. Pediatr Emerg Care 1996;12:298-300. View abstract.
  • Love JN, Sammon M, Smereck J. Are one or two dangerous? Camphor exposure in toddlers. J Emerg Med 2004;27:49-54.. View abstract.
  • Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Tiyaboonchai W, Tawatsin A, Rojanawiwat A, Thavara U. Efficacy and safety of topical Trikatu preparation in, relieving mosquito bite reactions: a randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 2014;22(1):34-9. View abstract.
  • Ramsewak RS, Nair MG, Stommel M, Selanders L. In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens. Phytother Res 2003;17:376-9.. View abstract.
  • Ruha AM, Graeme KA, Field A. Late seizure following ingestion of Vicks VapoRub. Acad Emerg Med 2003;10:691. . View abstract.
  • Uc A, Bishop WP, Sanders KD. Camphor hepatotoxicity. South Med J 2000;93:596-8. View abstract.

More Resources for CAMPHOR

Search for another Vitamin

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018.