Camphor (Kapoor) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Pruritus is a condition marked by an itching sensation in the body which is usually relieved by scratching. Presently, there is no known cause or mechanism which leads to the development of this condition. So, the current line of treatment includes the use of topical agents that work as immune enhancers or target the nervous system. Studies suggest that TRPA1, which is an ion channel in the body, may be one of the factors responsible for the development of chronic itching. It initiates the brain signal that mediates the itching response in the skin.

A recent review article agrees with the TRPA1 inhibition theory. It was further stated that the application of menthol or camphor provides a cooling sensation in cases of wound based pruritus. According to a study published in the 'Journal of Investigative Dermatology', camphor reduces the intensity of itching by inhibiting the action of TRPA1.

But there has been no clinical study to prove safety and dosage of the antipruritic effects of camphor in humans.

(Read more: Itching treatment)

Camphor has traditionally been used for the treatment of various skin conditions, like skin allergies and infections. It is considered an excellent anti-ageing compound. In fact, camphor is used to prepare various creams and lotions that fight signs of ageing, like wrinkles and dark spots.

(Read more: Treatment of allergy)

Initial studies have suggested that camphor stimulates the growth of skin cells and significantly improves the levels of collagen, which is a skin-tightening protein present in our body. It was further proposed that topical application of camphor reduces UV damage in animal models.

A study conducted in Japan indicated that camphor increases blood circulation of the skin tissue. Adequate blood circulation leads to healthier and glowing skin due to the increased supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Looking at the current research, it can be said that the use of camphor may increase within the cosmetic industry.

Arthritis is a condition marked by inflammation and pain in and around joints like knee, fingers or wrists. It could either be due to over-straining of a particular joint, as observed in sportspersons (osteoarthritis) or due to the development of an autoimmune disorder (rheumatoid arthritis). In the latter, the body’s immune system destroys its own bone tissues. In traditional and folk medicine, camphor has been used for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders, like arthritis and bronchitis since long.

Several studies suggest that camphor interferes with the action of inflammatory agents, like cytokines and nitric oxide. Recent animal-based studies indicate that a formulation made from camphor, menthol and thymol had significant anti-inflammatory potential at a dosage of 250-500 mg/kg.

This evidence provides some insight into the traditional use of camphor in arthritic inflammation.

Apart from the inflammation-reducing properties of camphor, it is also known to be a strong analgesic (pain reliever) for osteoarthritis patients. According to a random clinical trial on 63 patients, topical application of a cream with camphor as a primary ingredient has a marked pain-relieving effect.

Camphor is a known analgesic (pain reliever) in traditional medicine. It is one of the primary ingredients of various pain relieving creams and lotions. Research indicates that camphor acts as a pain reliever by interfering with signalling pathways in the body. These pathways are known to be responsible for many sensory perceptions including pain, which explains the analgesic action of camphor.

Recent studies suggest that a formulation/spray with camphor as one of its ingredients is very useful for alleviating pain associated with most physiological conditions.

Nasal and chest congestion is one of the common problems associated with cough and cold. The current line of treatment includes cough suppressants or decongestants (removing congestion). Camphor as a chemical compound is one of the major components of a number of cough and congestion relieving topical formulations. These formulations have been evidenced to be useful in reducing nocturnal cough and congestion, particularly in children. Another study has suggested that inhaling camphor can increase airflow through the nose.

However, there isn't enough evidence to confirm the independent benefit of camphor as a decongestant.

(Read more: Nasal congestion causes)

Fungal infections are one of the most common types of skin, nail, and hair infection. Fungi grow easily in hot and humid conditions of the tropics and are particularly difficult to get rid of. Of the many home remedies used for treating fungal infections, camphor ranks at the top. Numerous studies have been done to test the efficiency of camphor in destroying various kind of fungus. In vitro (lab-based) studies suggest that camphor is efficient in killing several soil-borne fungi like Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Aspergillus niger. This may correlate to a similar antifungal effect on skin fungal infections.

As per a clinical study published in the 'Journal of American Board of Family Medicine', topical application of camphor-based cream can efficiently remove toenail fungus in a duration of 48 weeks.

However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of camphor in the particular treatment of human fungal infections.

(Read more: Treatment of fungal infections)

In vivo (animal-based) studies suggest that a formulation made of camphor, sesame oil, and honey is very beneficial in the treatment of second-degree burns. It was reported that the application of this formulation not only lead to a faster healing, but also improved the blood circulation of the burnt skin.

A continuous study (running for many years) was done on 2000 people with superficial burns in India. At the end of the study, it was reported that using camphor along with coconut oil has a marked efficiency in healing burn wounds and burn-related pains.

Camphor may have a lot of benefits for the hair. It is a potent antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Together, these properties may not only help in dealing with conditions like fungal infections, but it has some benefits in slowing the rate of hair fall. It has also been evidenced to be useful in reducing itching.

However, long-term use of camphor has been associated with skin irritation. So, before using camphor for its hair benefits, talk to your doctor.

Hair lice are both a social and physical problem. According to doctors, hair lice are quite easy to spread by contagious clothes or hats. The presence of lice is usually marked by an itchy skin which is irritating to the skin.

Most of the currently used chemicals are starting to lose their efficiency due to the development of resistant strains of lice. So, there has been a growing trend towards natural and organic lice-killing agents. According to an in vitro study, camphor and coconut oil make for an excellent formulation for getting rid of hair lice. It was further suggested that this formulation doesn’t only kill lice, but also prevents their recurrence.

However, camphor can cause skin irritation as stated above. Additionally, there are no clinical studies to evidence the exact mechanism of action of safety concerns of camphor for hair.

So, it is best to check in with a dermatologist to know about the benefits of camphor in keeping off hair lice.

(Read more: Head lice treatment)

Insect-borne diseases are one of the leading causes of death all over. According to WHO, diseases like malaria and dengue are endemic (occurring in restricted areas) to at least 91 countries in the world and dengue is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases. Resistance to the current mosquito repellents worsens the scenario, so, modern science suggests making a turn towards natural and plant-based repellents. Camphor is one such compound. Traditionally, camphor balls are kept in the cupboards to ward off common insects and pests. This also prevents the development of microbes in an enclosed environment.

A recent research claims that camphor can be used along with lavender, tulsi (basil) and neem to make mosquito repellent cakes. Another study suggests that camphor essential oil is more potent repellent than whole camphor. This suggests the extraction of certain active compounds in camphor essential oils, which can be utilised.

According to a study published in the 'International Journal of Mosquito Research', camphor oil contains chemical compounds known as p-Menthane and champene, which are responsible for repelling mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti (that spreads dengue and chikungunya).

So, it can be safely considered that camphor can keep you safe from these common disease vectors.

As per the traditional belief, camphor is very effective in improving libido or sexual desire. But when it comes to scientific evidence, the results are unclear. Two different in vivo studies claim that camphor has some libido enhancing benefits, but a study published in the 'International Journal of Molecular and Cellular medicine' suggests that camphor doesn’t have any significant effect on libido or sex hormones.

(Read more: How to increase libido)