Camphor ointment has a characteristic smell that most people associate with illness. This is because it is quite commonly used as a warming agent for colds. Find out about the other uses of camphor ointment and its properties!
Contents:
- Camphor ointment: properties
- Camphor ointment: application
Camphor ointment , as the name suggests, contains camphor. It is obtained from the oil of the camphor tree, also known as camphor tree or camphor cinnamon.
Camphor tree is found in China and Japan. It is a tree that grows up to 30 meters. The diameter of the trunk can be even several meters. Trees can live up to 1,000 years.
In our conditions, camphor cinnamon usually grows up to about 3 meters. There are also attempts to grow these trees in pots.
Synthetic camphor is obtained from alpha-pinene.
Camphor ointment: properties
Camphor ointment (camphor) stimulates the central nervous system, respiratory and vasomotor centers.
Causes deepening of breathing, improves blood circulation and causes mental arousal.
It also has antiseptic properties, dilates the skin vessels and paralyzes the sensory nerve endings, which translates into pain-relieving properties.
Rubbing camphor ointment into the skin soothes:
- pains accompanying a cold
- neuralgia
- muscle aches
The ointment is also helpful in rheumatic pains.
With minor frostbite and itching, camphor also brings relief.
Helps get rid of cold sores and other skin eruptions.
In the old days, camphor was used to treat depression and the so-called hysterical states. The sick were ordered to inhale camphor fumes.
Camphor ointment: application
Camphor ointment and oil should be used with caution and for external use only. Too much of the drug may lead to dermatitis or rash.
Usually it is recommended to apply the ointment no more than 2 times a day.
Due to the toxicity and properties of accumulation in the body, preparations containing camphor (ointments, oils, lotions, rubbing alcohol solutions) should not be used in children under 6 years of age.
Camphor ointment should not be applied to damaged skin and mucous membranes, and to the entire face, especially the eyes.
You shouldn't take hot baths before and after applying the ointment.
Use should be discontinued if irritation or redness of the skin occurs. When this happens, contact your doctor.
The ointment must not be used internally, i.e. do not swallow! In the event of accidental ingestion of the drug, consult a doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting.
An overdose of camphor ointment is unlikely. If we apply too thick a layer of ointment on the skin, wash it off with warm water.
Camphor: interesting factsCamphor is a component of gunpowder and explosives.
Expensive furniture is made of camphor wood.
The smell of camphor repels moths.
Camphor is added to perfumes, deodorants and also to some sweets.
In Hinduism, it is believed that camphor drives an evil spirit from the body. It was also recommended to keep a bag of camphor sprigs or a box of ointment at the door of the house so that the evil did not cross the threshold of the house.
The older the tree from which the talismans were prepared, the more powerful they were.
Zinc ointment: properties and application
Allantoin in cosmetics: in which products is it present?
Antibacterial soap: helps or harms the skin?
About the author
Anna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.
Read more articles by this author