Surprising benefits of camphor: camphor skin benefits for whitening and radiance
Commonly known as kapoor, camphor is a translucent white solid with a strong, pleasant odour reminiscent of menthol. It is widely used in temples for prayers.
It is a combustible substance, but it is known for its healing properties. This flammable, translucent solid has been used in many pain relievers and ointments over the centuries.
The benefits of camphor are numerous, especially the camphor skin benefits, which are prominent. It is easily absorbed and has cooling effects, making it a suitable ingredient for many skin and hair treatments.
It is also well known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which have amazing benefits for both our health and appearance. Moreover, this small ingredient also has various uses in the beauty field, as it’s said, "Camphor’s good for skin’.
To keep your skin and hair naturally healthy and beautiful without chemical treatments, camphor is a great natural ingredient to incorporate into your beauty routine. You can also use camphor for skin whitening.
It reduces stress, increases mental clarity, reduces irritability, relieves itching, minimises muscle soreness, promotes sleep, aids weight loss, promotes hair growth, It can strengthen hair roots, improve blood circulation, and treat colds and coughs.
Camphor Benefits for Skin
Relieves skin itching and inflammation: Camphor has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help reduce skin problems such as itching and irritation. Camphor increases the production of collagen and elastin in dermal fibroblasts and supports wound healing. It is also used as an effective anti-wrinkle ingredient in many cosmetics - corroborating that camphor is good for skin.
Can relieve pain. Camphor can be used to reduce pain and swelling. Moreover, it is also used to remove burn scars. A study in rats found that an herbal ointment containing camphor, sesame oil, and honey reduced the healing time of burns.
Dissolve a small amount of camphor in water and apply it to the burn. This should be done every day until the scar disappears.
Can treat acne. Camphor has the potential to treat acne. It is said to relieve pain and swelling caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and oil glands. The antibacterial effects of bioactive compounds in camphor, such as 1,8-cineole, -pinene, and camphene, are effective in treating acne.
While this attribute helps with many skin diseases, there is more to camphor's benefits for the skin.
Can Treat Eczema
Camphor is also used to soothe eczema and fight itching. It is an effective treatment when eczema recurs and needs to reduce inflammation and itching.
Can Cure Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can be unsightly and painful. However, camphor paste can slow nail growth. Camphor has been shown to be effective in treating nail fungus due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties, making it good for cracked heels.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that camphor can soothe cracked heels. However, there is no scientific evidence for this. To soften cracked heels, you need to soak your feet in a solution of camphor and water and rub your feet. Then apply a moisturiser or Vaseline. This will keep your skin moisturised and prevent cracking.
Camphor Soothes Rashes
Camphor contains certain anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce rashes. It is said to be particularly effective against rough skin caused by excessive heat and sweat. Dissolved in water and applied to skin rashes, camphor is claimed to clear the rashes after several days of repeated use.
Can be Used to Treat Fungal and Bacterial Infections
Cooling and soothing, camphor is used in many skin ointments to treat various fungal and bacterial infections. Camphor's antifungal and antibacterial properties make it an essential ingredient in the cosmetics industry.
Note: Before believing “camphor’s good for skin” problems, it is important to check if you are allergic to camphor. If it does not suit you, it may worsen your skin condition. Also, do not use it on damaged skin.
Especially when the concentration of camphor in the body is elevated, it can enter the body through broken skin and cause poisoning. Also, in some instances people use camphor for skin whitening; but always consider your skin type before trying any remedy like this.
Camphor not only treats cracked heels and relieves pain but also soothes, moisturises, and relieves the skin. Soaking your feet in a solution of camphor and water can remove dead skin cells and treat cracked heels. It has one more use:
Camphor has Beneficial Effects on Health
- Menthol and camphor oil can be used to reduce pain, especially back pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of this blend also help reduce muscle tension.
- The antispasmodic properties of camphor can calm the nerves. The soothing effects of camphor oil's aromatic vapours are believed to be enhanced by reducing stress.
- Camphor oil contains P-cymene, which calms the mind and body and promotes sleep. 4. Colds and coughs are often treated with camphor. Camphor can be used to treat coughs and constipation in a number of ways, including inhalation, topical application, and vapour evaporation.
Risks and Precautions:
Camphor is toxic within 5–90 minutes after ingestion. Symptoms include muscle contractions, nervous system effects, and confusion. Do not use products containing camphor as an ingredient.
Do not take camphor in any form (internally or externally) if you have liver problems. People with asthma are also advised to avoid using camphor. Even small amounts of camphor can cause seizures in children.
