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Calcarea Phosphorica (Camphor)
Camphor for Healing
A white solid with sour taste, used for its pains and odorured, and cool menthol, just right for burning, camphor just may serve in almost any painful event to turn the entire thing upside down. While historical camphor was obtained from wood in camphor, most are preferred synthetically.
Over-the-Counter
Camphor acts as an excellent pain reliever for each Over-the-Counter (OTC) application. It has an immense usefulness in topical application to remedy inflamed skin, clear the breath of congestion, and relieve sore muscles.
Benefits and Uses
Prompt Alleviation of Pain: When applied to the skin, camphor acts gently as a local anesthetic and as an antimicrobial agent.
Respiratory Support: An important component in vapor rubs to apply to the chest for mucous relief and the bubble gums for quick and pleasurable coughing away.
Anti-inflammatory: It is part of the venerated minor illness incision swellings and getting red and blue by association.
Rapid Cooling: Provides an immediate “distraction” from itching or stinging sensations.
Quick Facts about Camphor
Feature
Details
Drug Class
Topical Analgesic / Rubefacient
Primary Use
Pain, Itching, Cough, Congestion
Common
Injuries
Ointment, Oil, Cream, Liniment
Scent
Strong, Aromatic, Penetrating
Safe and Practical Applications of Camphor
- Just topical: Do not put camphor in the mouth as it is poisonous when ingested.
- Patch test: To be on the safer side, test the camphor preparation on your forearm before exposing it to the allergen that could have passed.
- Do not use on broken skin: No re-kneading to any fresh wound areas, burns, or inflamed skin.
- Keep cold: Do not place a heating pad over anywhere on the camphor-treated body, as this will rapidly saturate the skin with camphor’s active chemical constituents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is camphor useful for treating coughs in children?
A: Camphor is widely used in various chest rubs. It mustn’t be employed for babies less than 2 years old. As for other children, consult the pediatrician prior to any demonstration. Make the product’s container far from the reach of any child.
Q: Is directly applying camphor to the skin safe?
A: Pure camphor oil or crystals are very potent. It is usually best when delivered in a carrier oil or as part of a pre-formulated cream or ointment (typically at a concentration of 11% or above).
Q: Can one use camphor for Steam inhalation?
A: Smoke camphor is only allowed if directed so on the product label (e.g., certain inhalation solutions). Camphor products should never be heated on one’s stove, or for that matter even in the microwave since they can flame up with bursts and give injury burns immediately.
Q: What should I do if someone swallows camphor accidentally?
A: This is a medical emergency. Do not induce vomiting. Call your local poison control center or bring the person immediately to the emergency room since the onset of camphor poisoning can be very fast.