You probably would have seen camphor. You might have seen camphor balls placed inside puja rooms or kitchens, and even inside wardrobes. You must be wondering what is camphor used for, did you ever think these little aromatic balls might have some benefits as well?
Camphor is full of medicinal properties. In fact, Ayurveda has always recognized these benefits of camphor by recommending it for several medicinal uses. Religious relevance of this crystalline material is well known. But most people are not aware of its therapeutic usage. It helps to cure multiple disorders in the body and other skin related problems.
Traditionally, camphor is prepared by distilling the wood of the camphor tree. With its strong odour and bitter taste, it is quite cold to touch. Along with these, it is also known to have emollient, expectorant, and anaesthetic properties.
Want to know what all camphor can do? Do read and get amazed!
The anti-inflammatory properties of camphor make it an ideal remedy for certain skin issues. These include stubborn acne, pimples, itching, and skin rashes. It helps to cure swollen wounds too. Also, it is widely used for making anti-itching ointments.
Inhaling of camphor cures cough and cold along with many other respiratory problems. Its smell acts as a nasal decongestant and opens the airflow. With hot water steam, it controls the irritation caused by throat infections. It is extensively used to treat severe cough and bronchitis.
Camphor helps to keep you fit by inducing better blood circulation. It ensures a healthy heart too. It also aids in faster healing of cuts and wounds.
Camphor is an effective home remedy for treating fungal and viral skin infections. By dissolving it in water, the application of this medicine on affected parts gives great results. Even in extreme cases of neuro dermatitis, it lessens the pain and relieves excess itchiness.
If you suffer from acute pain, camphor can be a respite for you. With its calming properties, it helps to heal the pain. But most importantly, it reduces the sensation of pain by relaxing your mind and refreshing your body.
Intake of camphor prevents formation of gas in your body. As such, you get rid of gas related ailments that subsequently lead to severe conditions like gastroenteritis and diarrhoea.
Camphor used as an ingredient in creams can treat stiff joints. Along with other compounds, it relieves osteoarthritis faster. So it is an effective remedy for joint pain.
The odour of white camphor has been proven to relieve asthma. Its regular inhalation can largely mitigate such respiratory problems.
The antispasmodic properties of this medicinal substance help to calm the nerves. It reduces pain caused by cramps or spasms in the body. In some cases, it can help cure severe diseases like spasmodic cholera as well.
Apart from these, camphor is also used for a few other medicinal uses. These include relief from minor burns. It can be used as ear drops too. Also, it can treat warts, gout, rheumatism, haemorrhoids, and cold sores through inhalation or topical application. With its antimicrobial properties, it can make your skin oil free.
These medicinal uses of camphor establish its effectiveness. But it has certain poisonous side effects as well. Hence, avoid ingestion of camphor and its application on broken skin. Refrain from oral intake of this substance as it may lead to serious outcomes. Its intake in large doses can be detrimental to your health and can cause seizures. Although it is advisable to include camphor in your daily routine, it is always better to exercise some caution!
Have you ever used camphor as a home remedy? Tell us in the comments section below!