Camphor in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Camphor

Scientific name

Cinnamomum camphora

Family

Lauraceae

Origin

Tree native to Asia but also cultivated in Italy.

Parts Used

For phytotherapeutic purposes, the resin extracted from the bark and branches of the tree is used.

Chemical constituents

• Camphor or borneol ketone (Official Pharmacopoeia).

Camphor in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Camphor

The pharmacological properties attributed to camphor justify its use as a fluidifying agent for bronchial secretions, bronchial spasmolytic, hyperemizing and antirheumatic.

Camphor is available in creams, ointments, sticks, hydroalcoholic solutions and oily solutions.