Camphor

Safety Data -- Brown and yellow camphor (containing safrol) are toxic and carcinogenic.  White camphor does not contain safrol and its relatively non-toxic, nonsensitizing and non irritant; not compatible with homeopathic treatment.

Family -- Lauraceae

Synonyms --  True Camphor, Hon-Sho, Laurel Camphor, Gum Camphor, Japanese Camphor, Formosa Camphor

Herbal/folk tradition - A long-standing traditional preventative of infectious disease; a lump of camphor would be worn around the neck as a protection.  In addition it was used for nervous and respiratory diseases in general and for  heart failure!  However, in its' crudeform it is a very poisonous in large doses and has been removed from the British herbal Pharmocopoeia.

Aromatherapy/home use

Brown and yellow camphor should not be used in therapy, either externally or internally.  White camphor may be used with care for;

Skin care -- Acne, inflammation, oily conditions, spots; also for insect prevention (flies, moths etc.).

Circulation, muscles and joints -- arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains etc.

Respiratory system -- bronchitis, chills, coughs.  

Immune system -- colds, fever, influenza, infectious diseases.

Other uses -- white and brown camphor are used as a starting material for the isolation of many perfumery chemicals, for example safrol and cineol.  White camphor is used as a solvent in the paint and lacquer industry and for the production of celluloid.  Fractions of white oil are used as a fragrance and masking agents in detergents, soaps, disinfectants and household products.  It is however, an environmental hazard or marine pollutant.  

Distribution -- native to Japan and Taiwan principally, also China; cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Madagascar, Southern Europe and the USA.  

EO118A   Camphor, White     1/2oz    $3.10

EO118B  Camphor, White     1oz        $5.80

EO118C   Camphor,White    2oz         $9.00