Camphor

Posted on March 10, 2026 by AyurvedicOils

Camphor has a chemical formula of C10H16O. It has a strong aromatic odor and is highly flammable. It is seen in trees related to the laurel family, such as Ocotea usambarensis. The dried leaves of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which belong to the mint family contain a composition of up to 20% camphor.

It is a terpenoid with a white or transparent solid like appearance that has a waxy texture.

It’s also found in large evergreen trees of Sumatra, Indonesia and Borneo in Asia, kapur tree which is a tall timber tree from the same region, and the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora).

Besides this, camphor can also be synthetically produced from the oil of turpentine. Another major resource of camphor spotted in Asia is the parent of African blue basil, which is also known as camphor basil.

Uses of Camphor:

Camphor is usually used for its scent; commonly used in India for the purpose of cooking and medicine, as an embalming fluid in religious ceremonies. Camphor can also be used as a plasticizer for nitrocellulose in explosives, fireworks and in certain explosive ammunition.

While looking through Arabic language cook books, and through the history of ancient and medieval Europe, we see that camphor is used for cooking both sweet and savory dishes as well.

As of today, most sweets of Asia use camphor as a flavoring agent. In India it’s known as kachha karpooram or “pachha karpoora” in the common tongue and is available in Indian grocery stores under the label of “edible camphor”. It’s also used as a pest deterrent and preservative.

Since its properties make it toxic to insects, it’s also used as a repellent. In India it’s commonly used as mothballs and kept to protect clothes in the cupboard. Ironically, camphor crystals are used to avoid damage to insect collections by other small insects.

Therapeutic Uses of Camphor:

Camphor as an essential oil has the properties of an antispasmodic, stimulant, anti-neuralgic, decongestant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, antiseptic, and nervous pacifier, disinfectant, and insecticide substance.

The property of camphor makes it easily absorbed through the skin; using this ability camphor is used as a local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance. It is also commonly used as a decongestant, and a cough suppressant; it’s used along with menthol in vapor-steam products, such as Vicks VapoRub.

Camphor was also used in ancient Sumatra to treat sprains, swellings, and inflammation. It also dates back to the 18th century, where camphor was used by Auenbrugger to treat mania. Camphor dissolved in alcohol was used in 1854-1855 to treat the cholera epidemics in Naples.

Camphor as an Anesthetic & Nervous Pacifier:

Camphor when applied to an area causes lack of sensation of the sensory nerves and reduces the severity of nervous disorders and convulsions, nervousness, epileptic attacks, and chronic anxiety; hence it acts as a good anesthetic and is very effective for local anesthesia.

A study on ‘The anaesthetic effect of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)’ was conducted, where the aim of this study was to assess the use of camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), mint (Mentha arvensis), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum), essential oils as anesthetics on clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris).

The result proved that “all of the essential oils exhibited the biological activity of an anesthetic on the specimen A. ocellaris. The 27, 70 and 500 μL L−1 concentrations of clove, mint, and camphor oils promoted surgical anaesthesia after 310.5, 312.0, and 535.0 s (medians) respectively.”

Camphor in Treatment of Cancer, Diabetes & Alzheimer’s:

Camphor has been used traditionally for many years, on its own and in combination with other chemicals in the treatment for inflammation and irritation in body and skin, and for the relief of pain. It has been used for centuries, all around the globe in the treatment of a variety of symptoms such as inflammation, infection, congestion, pain, irritation, etc.

Several studies have proved that some of the components of Cinnamomum camphora achieve suppressive and anti-mutagenic results on a variety of human cancer cells without harming the healthy cells.

A study on ‘Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), a traditional remedy with the history of treating several diseases’ focused on making use of camphor as a quick household medication to solve day to day minor problems; as well as looking into information about the new applications of this traditionally used, naturally occurring medication to treat or prevent some critical acute diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Since Cinnamomum camphora has been very effective in treating and preventing some serious, life threatening diseases; Camphor and its components should be investigated further as a viable option in the treatment of different types of cancer.

Additionally, more studies on the application of camphor for patients with memory disorders and brain dysfunctions such as in autism and Alzheimer’s are needed.

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Menthol

Posted on March 10, 2026 by AyurvedicOils

Menthol solid at room temperature, and is white, crystalline and waxy in nature. It retains its solid state at room temperature and melts slightly above. It is originally found in the form of corn mint, peppermint, or other mint oils, and the organic compound made synthetically from it.

It imparts a minty flavor, fragrance and cooling effect to essential oils it’s seen in.

It is widely used to relieve minor throat irritation, as menthol has local anesthetic and counter-irritant qualities. This makes it very common in non-prescription products for short-term relief of minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat irritation.

It is also used to relieve minor aches and pains, such as sprains, muscle cramps, headaches and similar conditions. It is mixed with chemicals such as camphor, eucalyptus oil or capsaicin to form topical analgesics.

It is also used as an antipruritic to reduce itching. In perfumery, menthol is used to prepare menthyl esters to emphasize floral notes. It is used as a decongestant for chest and sinuses, used to treat sunburns and in aftershave products to relieve razor burns.

Menthol is used in certain cigarette brands as a smoking tobacco additive, which also increases the density of nicotine receptors, making it an addictive potential of tobacco products. It is used in soda to alleviate nausea, in particular motion sickness, by pouring a few drops on a lump of sugar.

A study on ‘Menthol: a simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties’ stated that menthol can only be found as a constituent of a limited number of aromatic plants, and hence not a prime compound of most essential oils.

This compound is known to show signs of high biological activity in vitro and in vivo, displaying antibacterial, antifungal, antipruritic, anticancer and analgesic effects, and are also an effective fumigant.

Menthol is used in food and in oral hygiene products such as mouth and tongue-spray, mouthwash, toothpaste and more generally as a flavoring agent in chewing gums and candies. It acts as an antispasmodic or a muscle relaxant in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It is also used in the cosmetic industry in products such as hair conditioners.

A 2013 study on ‘Chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils of Two mint species by Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science and Providence University, published in the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research’ established the effects of menthol against inflammation and microbes.

This study showed that the two mint essential oils contain more alcohol and terpene and the major compound was menthol. The antimicrobial activity of peppermint against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was stronger than that of chocolate mint.

For the anti-oxidation test using DPPH radical and β-Carovtene-linoleic acid assay, peppermint showed better properties than chocolate mint. However, for the scavenging NO radical activity, chocolate mint was superior to peppermint. Chocolate mint also showed stronger anti-inflammatory activity than peppermint.

Based upon the Gas chromatography report and Material Safety Data Sheet, both the oils of Peppermint and Chocolate mint contains menthol as the primary chemical constituent, responsible for its promising remedial attributes.

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Thanksgiving Day: Time To Remember Your Near Ones With An Ayurvedic Tribute

Posted on March 10, 2026 by AyurvedicOils

The Almighty has sanctified us with innumerable blessings for which we are obliged to thank Him all through the year and throughout our life. He doesn’t appear right in front of us to make us happy, instead He assigns people in the form of our friends, relatives and other respectable persons and Thanksgiving day is such a special day to remember, thank and feel the difference they have made to our lives.

Just knock their door with an elegant gift pack of invaluable Ayurvedic essential oils to make them feel special, honored and loved. Ayurveda is an ancient healing methodology that aims at bringing good health, harmony and a happy living with increased life expectancy. You can never honor your near and dear ones in any other better ways other than gifting them with an extensive collection of their favorite essential oils with tremendous therapeutic properties.

Ayurvedic essential oils to garland this Thanksgiving Day: Only I can feel the delight of my daughter when I gift her with her favorite Lavender oil remembering all the love she gives me all the way through the year. Here are some suggestions to thank the worth-remembering people in your life.

1. For your Mom and Dad: No one can replace our Mom or Dad for they are the direct representatives of our Creator. Ayurveda, the holistic healing science has a separate branch for treating the elderly people and is known as Gerontology or Jara Chikitsa. Rosemary oil, Eucalyptus oil, Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, Grapefruit oil and Cypress oil are the best Ayurvedic essential oils that can aid them in treating their pains, swollen joints, fever, cold, memory problems, respiratory infections and other health issues. The spiritual aroma and the incredible healing values of these oils will make them remember you every day.

2. For the Love of your Life: Better half is always the best half when both of your minds speak the same words and when your hearts run on the same page. Besides differences and boundaries, the love of your life shares all the good and bad times with you. Nothing can cheer them when they are given a hug with few special words like ‘You mean a lot to me’. The glorious essential oils that can make them feel your presence even when you are away are Patchouli essential oil, Sandalwood oil, Lavender oil, Ylang Ylang oil, Jasmine oil and Rose oil. All of these essential oils can give a great start to your romantic evening or to a grand day with an invigorating bath when added to your bath tub.

3. For the little ones: Babies bring in natural joy to your family and are aptly called as the Kings and Queens of our families. In the celebrated book, ‘Aromatherapy for Babies and Children’, Shirley Price has listed 19 Ayurvedic essential oils that are safe for babies and children. The best among them that can nurture your little one’s growth especially when they are 1 to 3 years old are Roman Chamomile oil, Tea tree oil and Lavender oil. A gentle massage with these essential oils, carefully blended with safe carrier oils like Almond oil, Jojoba oil or Olive oil can help your baby grow up strong both physically and mentally. Only such natural Ayurvedic essential oils used in the early stages of their life can lay a good basis for their intellectual and muscular strength, making them bold enough to face the challenges of this competitive world.

You may wonder what kind of essential oils to bequest your friends, teachers and other relatives. Just check their age and consider under which of these above mentioned groups their age falls and gift them accordingly. Just a small ‘Thank you’ note along with an endearing collection of Ayurvedic essential oils is more than enough to deliver your love and gratefulness with no mistakes. Happy Thanksgiving Day!!! And thanks for your time on my post!!!!

Thought for the day:

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. –Henry Van Dyke

Suggested Reading:

Chemistry Of Essential Oils Made Simple: GOD’S LOVE MANIFEST IN MOLECULES By David Stewart
Seven Secrets to Raising a Happy and Healthy Child: The Ayurvedic Approach to Parenting By Joyce Seyburn
Making Room for Mr. Right: How to Attract the Love of Your Life By Robin Mastro, Michael Mastro

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