Camphor (or Kapur as popularly known) has a significant role in Hinduism. Burning of Camphor is considered auspicious, mainly because of its medicinal and antiseptic, disinfectant and germicidal properties. Burning camphor is known to drive away insects, kills germs, cleanses environment and creates healthy atmosphere. Camphor is also used as a disinfectant and can be added to purify water. Lot of Ayurvedic medicines has camphor as their ingredient for its medicinal property and positive effect on body and mind. Camphora is the Homeopathic medicine made from Camphor and is used in treatment of number of diseases.
Traditionally Camphor is obtained from the bark and wood of Camphor tree. There are two types of Camphor trees viz. Cinnamonum camphora (common camphor tree) and Dryobalanops camphora (Borneo Camphor). The Camphor obtained from both has similar properties, but differ slightly in terms of aroma and concentration of other ingredients. Nowadays Camphor is chemically manufactured from turpentine oil and is used in number of products such as Vicks VapoRub.
Benefits of Camphor:
- Camphor oil massage improves circulation system, metabolism, digestion and secretion. This helps in treatment of diseases related to improper digestion, irregular circulation, sluggish metabolism etc.
- Camphor oil in bathing water disinfects body and helps fight bacterial infections.
- Camphor oil is very useful in treating skin itching and irritation problems.
- Massage from camphor oil and ointment relaxes muscle and treats muscular pain.
- Camphor oil and ointment also give relief in arthritis.
- Camphor is antispasmodic in nature and gives relief in cramps and spasms.
- Camphor is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps in all kind of inflammation related problems, both internal and external.
- It is a common component of cold rubs as strong aroma of camphor makes it a very useful decongestant. On application it decongests bronchi, larynx, nasal tract and lungs. FDA approves camphor to be used as a chest rub, in concentration less than 11%.
- Camphor causes numbness of sensory nerves, has a soothing effect and helps in anxiety and nervousness.
- Camphor is also known for its aphrodisiac properties. It boosts libido by stimulating brain parts responsible for sexual desires. By applying externally it is also known to help in erectile dysfunction by increasing blood circulation.