Camphor oil is derived the wood of the camphor tree. It is extracted from the wood by distilling it and separating it from the wood pulp. The tree grows mainly in China and other subtropical Asian countries and southern Europe. In the United States, it can be found in Florida and California. The strongly scented oil can be toxic: care should be taken to use it safely.
Medicinal Uses
As an essential oil, camphor oil is used to treat many common medical conditions, including acne and respiratory illnesses, such as colds or bronchitis.
Skin Care
Camphor oil is often recommended as a home remedy for oily skin. Many high-end skin care products include it among their ingredients.
Cooling Agent
Some over-the-counter cooling creams and anti-itch products include camphor oil among their active ingredients because it cools the skin.
Religious Uses
Hindus use camphor oil in many of their religious ceremonies and rituals. For many centuries, it was used for indoor ceremonies, but more recently its use has been mainly restricted to outdoor ceremonies because of carbon deposits the oil leaves behind.
Repellent
Because camphor oil has such a strong odor, it is sometimes used as an insect and moth repellent. It is also thought to deter snakes.
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