Definition of Camphor:
Camphor is a waxy, colorless solid with a strong aroma that is classified as a terpenoid and a cyclic ketone. It is commonly used in creams, ointments, and lotions to relieve pain, irritation, and itching. Camphor is also used for cough, insect bites, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Camphor has a very distinct smell and seems to stimulate nerves and help with symptoms such as pain and itching.
Positive effects of Camphor:
- Relieves pain and inflammation when applied to the skin
- Heals burn wounds
- Has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it useful in healing infections
Negative effects of Camphor:
- Taking camphor by mouth is unsafe.
- Camphorated oil was removed from the US market in the 1980s due to accidental poisonings.
- Camphor has the potential for side effects, especially if used in high doses.
- Never take camphor internally or apply it to broken skin, as it can be toxic.
Ingredients or materials:
- Camphor is usually made from turpentine oil.
- Camphor is produced from geranyl pyrophosphate, via cyclisation of linaloyl pyrophosphate to bornyl pyrophosphate, followed by hydrolysis to borneol and oxidation to camphor.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-709/camphor
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor
- https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-camphor
