CAMPHOR

Camphor is used topically as a skin antipruritic and as an anti-infective agent.
Camphor is used to make moth proofings, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings.
Camphor is used to manage skin infections due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. 

CAS Number: 76-22-2
464-49-3 (R) 
464-48-2 (S) 
EC Number: 200-945-0
MDL Number: MFCD00074738
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum camphora
Chemical formula: C10H16O

SYNONYMS:
(±)-Camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 2-Bornanone, Bornan-2-one, 2-Camphanone, Formosa, Alcanfor, Camphora, Camphre, Camphre de Laurier, Camphre Gomme, Camphrier, Cemphire, dl-Camphor, dl-Camphre, Formosa Camphor, Gum Camphor, Kampfer, Karpoora, Karpuram, Laurel Camphor, Spirit of Camphor, 2-Bornanone, 2-Camphanone, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one., camphor, 76-22-2, 2-Camphanone, DL-Camphor, 2-Bornanone, (+/-)-Camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, Bornan-2-one, (+)-Camphor, 21368-68-3, Alphanon, Kampfer, Formosa camphor, Laurel camphor, Matricaria camphor, Camphor, synthetic, Bornane, 2-oxo-, 464-48-2, l-(-)-Camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor, Japan camphor, 2-Camphonone, Huile de camphre, 2-Kamfanon, DL-Bornan-2-one, 2-Keto-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane, D-(+)-Camphor, Norcamphor, 1,7,7-trimethyl-, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone, DTXSID5030955, CHEBI:36773, 4,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-3-one, Caswell No. 155, SYNTHETIC CAMPHOR, DTXCID3010955, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1)-2-heptanone, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1)heptan-2-one, Zang Qi, Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-, HSDB 37, (-)-Alcanfor, MFCD00074738, ( inverted exclamation markA)-Camphor, Camphor, (1R,4R)-(+)-, Camphor, (+/-)-, EINECS 200-945-0, EINECS 244-350-4, UNII-5TJD82A1ET, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 015602, BRN 1907611, BRN 3196099, AI3-18783, (1RS,4RS)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1)heptan-2-one, Formosa, Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-, (.+/-.)-, Camphor (USP), EC 200-945-0, 0-07-00-00135 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), 4-07-00-00213 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-, (1R)-, racemic camphor, NSC26351, DisperseYellow3, Camphor, natural, DL-2-Bornanone, ()-Camphor, Heet (Salt/Mix), Sarna (Salt/Mix), (?)-Camphor, dl-Camphor (JP17), (. + / - .)-Camphor, SCHEMBL16068, Camphor, (.+/-.)-, MLS001055495, CHEMBL15768, DivK1c_000724, GTPL2422, HMS502E06, KBio1_000724, Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-, (1S)-, NINDS_000724, HMS2268A06, HMS3885J06, 8008-51-3, HY-N0808, Tox21_200237, BBL012963, s3851, s4516, STK803534, AKOS000118728, AKOS022060577, AC-5284, CCG-266237, CCG-266238, DB14156, LMPR0102120001, UN 2717, CAS-76-22-2, IDI1_000724, USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 015602, NCGC00090681-05, NCGC00090730-01, NCGC00090730-02, NCGC00090730-05, NCGC00257791-01, AC-15523, SMR000386909, SY035827, VS-03622, (1R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylnorbornan-2-one, C1251, CS-0009813, FT-0607017, FT-0607018, FT-0608303, 4,7,7-trimethyl-3-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanone, EN300-19186, 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-6-one, C00809, C18369, D00098, E75814, 1,7,7-Trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, A838646, Q181559, Q-200784, W-109539, W-110530, (+/-)-1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2-one, F0001-0763, Z104473074, (1R,4R)-camphor, (R)-camphor, Camphor (natural), Camphor D-form, Camphor oil, Camphor(D), Camphora, D-Camphor, Dextrocamphor, Natural camphor, Alcanfor, Camphora, Camphre, Camphre de Laurier, Camphre Gomme, Camphrier, Cemphire, dl-Camphor, dl-Camphre, Formosa Camphor, Gum Camphor, Kampfer, Karpoora, Karpuram, Laurel Camphor, Spirit of Camphor, 2-Bornanone, 2-Camphanone, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, Cinnamomum camphora, Karpura, Karpur, Kapur, Karpuram, Chutakkapuram, Kaapurl, Kapura, Karpram, Karpuraamu, Riyaahi Kapphur, Kaaphoraa, 2-Bornanone​, Bornan-2-one​, Camphor gum​, Formosa camphor​, Gum camphor​, Laurel camphor​, Spirit of camphor​, 2-Camphanone​, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one​, Alcanfor, Camphora, Camphre, Camphre de Laurier, Camphre Gomme, Camphrier, Cemphire, dl-Camphor, dl-Camphre, Formosa Camphor, Gum Camphor, Kampfer, Karpoora, Karpuram, Laurel Camphor, Spirit of Camphor, 2-Bornanone, 2-Camphanone, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one

Camphor (/ˈkæmfər/) is a waxy, colorless solid with a strong aroma.
Camphor is classified as a terpenoid and a cyclic ketone.
Camphor is found in the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree found in East Asia, and in the kapur tree (Dryobalanops sp.), a tall timber tree from South East Asia.

Camphor also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably Ocotea usambarensis.
Rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis) contain 0.05 to 0.5% camphor, while camphorweed (Heterotheca) contains some 5%.
A major source of camphor in Asia is camphor basil (the parent of African blue basil).

Camphor can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine.
Camphor is chiral, existing in two possible enantiomers as shown in the structural diagrams.
The structure on the left is the naturally occurring (+)-camphor ((1R,4R)-bornan-2-one), while its mirror image shown on the right is the (−)-camphor ((1S,4S)-bornan-2-one).

Camphor has few uses but is of historic significance as a compound that is readily purified from natural sources.
Camphor appears as a colorless or white colored crystalline powder with a strong mothball-like odor.
Camphor is about the same density as water.

Camphor emits flammable vapors above 150 °F.
Camphor is a cyclic monoterpene ketone that is bornane bearing an oxo substituent at position 2.
Camphor is a naturally occurring monoterpenoid.

Camphor has a role as a plant metabolite.
Camphor is a bornane monoterpenoid and a cyclic monoterpene ketone.
Camphor is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone found widely in plants, especially Cinnamomum camphora.

The FDA ruled that camphorated oil could not be marketed in the United States and that no product could contain a concentration higher than 11%.
Camphor appears in the list of drug products withdrawn or removed from the market for safety or effectiveness.
However, camphor can be found in several nonprescription medications at lower concentrations.

Camphor has been reported in Otanthus maritimus, Tetradenia riparia, and other organisms with data available.
Camphor is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone found widely in plants, especially CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA.
Camphor is used topically as a skin antipruritic and as an anti-infective agent.

Today, camphor is usually made from turpentine oil.
Camphor has a very distinct smell.
Camphor seems to stimulate nerves and help with symptoms such as pain and itching.

In the nose, camphor seems to create a cold sensation so that breathing feels easier.
People use camphor for cough, pain, and itching.
Camphor is also used for insect bites, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Taking camphor by mouth is unsafe.
Camphor products include camphorated oil or camphorated spirits.
Applying camphor to the skin as a chest rub seems to reduce cough.

Camphor is FDA-approved for this use in concentrations of less than 11%.
Applying camphor to the skin seems to reduce pain.
Camphor is FDA-approved for this use in concentrations of 3% to 11%.

Applying camphor to the skin seems to reduce itching.
Camphor is FDA-approved for this use in concentrations of 3% to 11%.
There is interest in using camphor for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether Camphor might be helpful.

Camphor is a waxy, scented substance derived from the wood of the camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, an evergreen tree native to Asia.
Camphor is known for its refreshing scent, native to Asia.
As a waxy substance, Camphor is obtained from the wood of the evergreen tree Cinnamomum camphora or camphor tree.

Camphor is purified to obtain white, colorless crystals with a penetrating scent.
Camphor is a naturally occurring terpene found in trees in the laurel family (Lauraceae), notably camphor laurel, or Cinnamomum camphora, that is native to east and south Asia and now grows worldwide.

Camphor has been used in folk medicine for centuries.
Camphor is a powder that originally came from the bark and wood of the camphor tree.
Today, most camphor is synthetic.

Camphor is in some products that are applied to the skin, including FDA-approved treatments.
Camphor is a common ingredient in remedies applied to the skin for cough and skin irritation.

Camphor can exist in two enantiomers: (+)- or (R)-camphor (shown), the predominant natural isomer, and (–)-or (S)-camphor1, which occurs in sand sage (Artemisia filifolia), a flowering plant native to the western United States.
Synthetic camphor is usually a racemic mixture2 of the two enantiomers.

USES and APPLICATIONS of CAMPHOR:
Camphor is used topically as a skin antipruritic and as an anti-infective agent.
Camphor is used to make moth proofings, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings.
Camphor is a chemical that used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree.

Camphor is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.
Camphor is used to manage skin infections due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. 
Washing your face regularly with Camphor water prevents bacterial growth and gives you youthful skin. 
Massaging with Camphor oil mixed with mustard or coconut oil on the scalp helps manage dandruff, itchy scalp and lice infestations.

It is recommended to use Camphor with coconut oil for better medicinal results. 
Camphor should always be consumed under medical supervision. 
It is advisable to consume Camphor in small amounts as over dosage of Camphor might cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting.

Aromatic Uses: Due to its strong scent, Camphor is used in mothballs and as a repellent against insects.​
Industrial Uses: Camphor is employed as a plasticizer for cellulose esters and ethers, and in the production of lacquers and explosives.​
Other Uses: Historically, Camphor has been used in embalming fluids and as a component in fireworks.​

Camphor is also used as an antimicrobial substance. 
In embalming, camphor oil was one of the ingredients used by ancient Egyptians for mummification.
Solid camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating and is therefore stored in tool chests to protect tools against rust.

Camphor, with its familiar, penetrating odor, has a wide range of uses, including as a plasticizer for modified celluloses; in lacquers, varnishes, and plastics; as a moth repellent alternative to p-dichlorobenzene; and as a preservative in cosmetics and embalming fluids.
In medicine, Camphor is an ingredient in topical creams and ointments to treat itching, irritation, and joint pain; and Camphor is used internally to prevent or relieve gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

Camphor used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree.
Today, Camphor is usually manufactured from turpentine oil.
Camphor is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.

Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin (topical application) or inhaled.
People apply Camphor to the skin to relieve pain and reduce itching.
Camphor has also been used to treat toenail fungus, warts, insect bites, cold sores, hemorrhoids, and osteoarthritis.

Camphor is applied to the skin to increase local blood flow and as a "counterirritant," which reduces pain and swelling by causing irritation.
Some people apply Camphor to the skin to treat diseases of the airway and to treat heart symptoms.
Camphor is also applied as an eardrop and for treating minor burns.

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is a terpene (organic compound) that’s commonly used in creams, ointments, and lotions. 
Camphor oil is the oil extracted from the wood of camphor trees and processed by steam distillation. 
Camphor can be used topically to relieve pain, irritation, and itching. 

In cosmetics Camphor is used as a preservative, masking agent and denaturant.
Camphor also has refreshing and analgesic properties when applied topically.
Camphor is also used to relieve chest congestion and inflammatory conditions.

When used with its relaxing and refreshing effects, Camphor has the potential to relax muscles, relieve fatigue and relieve pain. 
In hair care products, Camphor helps to revitalize the scalp. It also helps to cleanse the skin.

The usage rate of Camphor varies between 0.1% and 2% depending on the product's demonstrative effect and interactions with other substances.
Camphor is one of those shape-shifting compounds that is ubiquitous, and has been prevalent throughout history. 

In its many avatars, Camphor has been used as a fumigant during the era of Black Death, an ingredient in Vicks and perfumes and lastly, in its edible form as a culinary ingredient. 
Camphor is used topically as a skin antipruritic and as an anti-infective agent.

-Uses of Camphor:
The first significant manmade plastics were low-nitrogen (or "soluble") nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) plastics. 
In the early decades of the plastics industry, camphor was used in immense quantities: 130  as the plasticizer that creates celluloid from nitrocellulose, in nitrocellulose lacquers and other plastics and lacquers.

-Medicinal Uses of Camphor:
Camphor is utilized in topical analgesics to relieve pain and itching.
Camphor is also an active ingredient in remedies for cough suppression and decongestion.​

-Alternative medicine and scent uses of Camphor: 
Camphor has been used for its scent, as an embalming fluid, as topical medication, as a manufacturing chemical, and in religious ceremonies.
Camphor has been used as a folk medicine over centuries, probably most commonly as a decongestant.

Camphor was used in ancient Sumatra to treat sprains, swellings, and inflammation.
Camphor also was used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes.
In Europe, camphor was used after the Black Death era.

In the 20th century, camphor was used as an analeptic by injection, and to induce seizures in schizophrenic people in an attempt to treat psychosis.
Camphor has limited use in veterinary medicine by intramuscular injection to treat breathing difficulties in horses.

-Topical medication uses of Camphor:
Camphor is commonly applied as a topical medication as a skin cream or ointment to relieve itching from insect bites, minor skin irritation, or joint pain.

Camphor is absorbed in the skin epidermis, where it stimulates nerve endings sensitive to heat and cold, producing a warm sensation when vigorously applied, or a cool sensation when applied gently, indicating its properties as a counterirritant.
The action on nerve endings also induces a slight local analgesia.

-Respiratory aerosol uses of Camphor:
Camphor is also used via an aerosol, typically by steam inhalation, sometimes in the form of branded nasal inhaler sticks, to inhibit coughing and relieve upper airway congestion due to the common cold.
However, the clinical efficacy of these remedies is challenged

-Other niche uses of Camphor:
Camphor is used by marksmen to blacken the front and rear sights of rifles to prevent the sights from reflecting.

This is done by setting light to a small amount of camphor, which burns at a relatively low temperature, and using the soot rising from the flame to deposit a coating on a surface held above it. 
Historically, this soot blackening was also used to coat barograph record charts.

-Pest deterrent and preservative uses of Camphor:
Camphor is believed to be toxic to insects and is thus sometimes used as a repellent.
Camphor is used as an alternative to mothballs. 

Camphor crystals are sometimes used to prevent damage to insect collections by other small insects. 
Camphor is kept in clothes used on special occasions and festivals, and also in cupboard corners as a cockroach repellent. 

The smoke of camphor crystal or camphor incense sticks can be used as an environmentally-friendly mosquito repellent.
Recent studies have indicated that camphor essential oil can be used as an effective fumigant against red fire ants, as it affects the attacking, climbing, and feeding behavior of major and minor workers.

-Religious rites uses of Camphor:
Camphor is widely used in Hindu religious ceremonies. 
Aarti is performed after placing it on a stand and setting fire to it usually as the last step of puja or devotional worship ritual to one or more deities.
Camphor is mentioned in the Quran as being the fragrance of wine given to believers in heaven.

-Perfume uses of Camphor:
In the ancient Arab world, camphor was a common perfume ingredient.
The Chinese referred to the best camphor as "dragon's brain perfume", due to its "pungent and portentous aroma" and "centuries of uncertainty over its provenance and mode of origin".

-Culinary uses of Camphor:
One of the earliest known recipes for ice cream dating to the Tang dynasty includes camphor as an ingredient.
Camphor was used to flavor leavened bread in ancient Egypt.

In ancient and medieval Europe, camphor was used as an ingredient in sweets. 
Camphor was used in a wide variety of both savory and sweet dishes in medieval Arabic language cookbooks, such as al-Kitab al-Ṭabikh compiled by ibn Sayyār al-Warrāq in the 10th century.

Camphor also was used in sweet and savory dishes in the Ni'matnama, according to a book written in the late 15th century for the sultans of Mandu.
It is a main constituent of a spice known as "edible camphor" (or kapur), which may be used in traditional South Indian desserts like Payasam and Chakkarai Pongal.

-Other uses of Camphor: Scientific research is limited for some of the purported uses for camphor and the evidence is largely anecdotal. 
Camphor oil may also be used to treat:
*hair loss
*acne
*warts
*earaches
*cold sores
*hemorrhoids
*heart disease symptoms
*poor blood circulation
*flatulence
*anxiety
*depression
*muscle spasms
*low libido

SYNTHETIC CAMPHOR:
Camphor is produced from alpha-pinene, which is abundant in the oils of coniferous trees and can be distilled from turpentine produced as a side product of chemical pulping. 

With acetic anhydride as the solvent and with catalysis by a strong acid, alpha-pinene is converted to isobornyl acetate. 
Hydrolysis of this ester gives isoborneol which can be oxidized to give racemic camphor. 
By contrast, camphor occurs naturally as D-camphor, the (R)-enantiomer.

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED:
The oil extracted from the tree, although the leaves, root and stems are also used in traditional medicine.
The production of natural camphor has been replaced mainly by industrial chemical synthesis employing compounds found in turpentine.

HOW IS CAMPHOR USED?
The essential oil is diluted in almond oil and applied externally to improve capillary circulation, and raise blood pressure.
The vapors of Camphor are inhaled as treatment for upper respiratory tract ailments.

WHAT IS CAMPHOR USED FOR?
Camphor oil preparations have been used both internally and externally for a variety of ailments, ranging from respiratory problems to rheumatic pain.
The principal use of Camphor is to reduce coughs.

The plant contains substances, which upon contact with water, form a protective layer that covers the lining of the upper respiratory system, thus reducing mechanical irritation and preventing the cough reflex.

Teas are sometimes ingested to remove secretions from the upper respiratory tract, but this form of application is not recommended, due to Camphor’s potential toxicity.
The therapeutic dose closely approximates the toxic dose.

REACTIONS OF CAMPHOR:
The reactions of camphor have been extensively examined. Some representative transformations include sulfonation:
oxidation with selenium dioxide to camphorquinone .
Camphor can also be reduced to isoborneol using sodium borohydride.

BIOCHEMISTRY OF CAMPHOR:
Biosynthesis of camphor from geranyl pyrophosphate
Biosynthesis
In biosynthesis, camphor is produced from geranyl pyrophosphate, via cyclisation of linaloyl pyrophosphate to bornyl pyrophosphate, followed by hydrolysis to borneol and oxidation to camphor.

WORKABILITY OF CAMPHOR:
Camphor’s moderate density makes Camphor easy to shape and machine with minimal effort.
Areas of interlocked grain may cause tearout issues, but complications are usually minimal.
Camphor glues and finishes well.

ODOR OF CAMPHOR:
Camphor has a very characteristic odor, for which the tree is named.
The most recognizable product that contains the extracts of Camphor are medicated chest rubs, which have the same distinct scent.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CAMPHOR:
Camphor is a terpenoid with a bicyclic structure, classified as a cyclic ketone.​
Camphor is chiral, existing in two enantiomeric forms: (+)-camphor and (−)-camphor.​
Camphor is naturally found in the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) and other related trees.

ETYMOLOGY OF CAMPHOR:
The word camphor derived in the 14th century from Old French: camphre, itself from Medieval Latin: camfora, from Arabic: كافور, romanized: kāfūr, perhaps through Sanskrit: कर्पूर, romanized: karpūra, from Tamil: கற்பூரம், romanized: karpooram apparently from Austronesian Malay: kapur 'lime' (chalk).

In Old Malay, camphor was called kapur barus, meaning "the chalk of Barus", referring to Barus, an ancient port near modern Sibolga on the western coast of Sumatra.
This port traded in camphor extracted from the Borneo camphor trees (Dryobalanops aromatica) that were abundant in the region.

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE CAMPHOR?
Rubbing a camphor ointment on the throat and chest may help with cough.
Camphor is an FDA-approved ingredient in over-the-counter treatments such as vapor rubs.
Camphor is also FDA-approved skin treatment for pain from bug bites, cold sores, and mild burns.

Camphor may help with itching.
There's some evidence that a cream containing camphor as well as two other ingredients may help with osteoarthritis symptoms.
There's no standard dose for camphor.
Follow the directions on Camphor or ask your health care provider for advice.

CAN YOU GET CAMPHOR NATURALLY FROM FOODS?
Camphor is not in foods.

PRODUCTION OF CAMPHOR:
Natural camphor
Camphor has been produced as a forest product for centuries, condensed from the vapor given off by the roasting of wood chips cut from Camphora officinarum, and later by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapors.

By the early 19th century most camphor tree reserves had been depleted with the remaining large stands in Japan and Taiwan, with Taiwanese production greatly exceeding Japanese. 
Camphor was one of the primary resources extracted by Taiwan's colonial powers as well as one of the most lucrative. 

First the Chinese and then the Japanese established monopolies on Taiwanese camphor. 
In 1868, a British naval force sailed into Anping harbor and the local British representative demanded the end of the Chinese camphor monopoly. 

After the local imperial representative refused, the British bombarded the town and took the harbor. 
The "camphor regulations" negotiated between the two sides subsequently saw a brief end to the camphor monopoly.

WHAT IS CAMPHOR USED FOR?
Camphor has a wide variety of topical uses due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Camphor can be used to treat skin conditions, improve respiratory function, and relieve pain. 
Continue reading to learn more about the different uses for camphor and its supporting scientific evidence.

*Camphor for skin
Lotions and creams containing camphor can be used to relieve skin irritation and itchiness and may help to improve the overall appearance of skin. 
Camphor has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it useful in healing infections. 
Use a camphor cream on the area you’d like to treat at least once per day.

*Relieves pain
Applying camphor to the skin helps to relieve pain and inflammation. 
A small 2015 study found that a spray containing natural ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and essential oils of clove and eucalyptus was effective in relieving mild to moderate pain. 

The spray was applied to the joints, shoulders, and lower back for a period of 14 days. 
You may feel a tingling, warming, or cooling sensation when you use camphor products. 
Apply a camphor spray or ointment to the affected area several times per day.

*Heals burns
Camphor balms and creams can be used to heal burn wounds. 
To use, apply an ointment to the affected area once a day.

*Treats arthritis
Camphor products such as Icy Hot and Biofreeze may be effective in relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling due to arthritis. 
The hot or cold sensations that arise after application of these creams may distract you from the pain.

Camphor has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in animal models that are useful in treating arthritis. 
To use, apply the camphor cream to any affected areas several times per day.

*Treats toenail fungus
The antifungal properties of camphor make it beneficial in treating toenail fungus. 
In the study, 15 of 18 people showed positive results after using the ointment for 48 weeks. 

*Relieves congestion and coughing
Camphor oil works as a decongestant and cough suppressant. 
According to a 2010 study, vapor rub was most effective in relieving night cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty in children with upper respiratory tract infections.

*Antispasmodic
Camphor products may also be used as a muscle rub. It may help to relieve muscle cramps, spasms, and stiffness. 
A 2004 study found that camphor has antispasmodic and relaxant properties. 

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of CAMPHOR:
Chemical formula: C10H16O
Molar mass: 152.237 g·mol−1
Appearance: White, translucent crystals
Odor: Fragrant and penetrating
Density: 0.992 g·cm−3
Melting point: 175–177 °C (347–351 °F; 448–450 K)
Boiling point: 209 °C (408 °F; 482 K)
Solubility in water: 1.2 g·dm−3
Solubility in acetone: ~2500 g·dm−3
Solubility in acetic acid: ~2000 g·dm−3

Solubility in diethyl ether: ~2000 g·dm−3
Solubility in chloroform: ~1000 g·dm−3
Solubility in ethanol: ~1000 g·dm−3
log P: 2.089
Vapor pressure: 4 mmHg (at 70 °C)
Chiral rotation ([α]D): +44.1°
Magnetic susceptibility (χ): −103×10−6 cm3/mol
CAS Number: 76-22-2
Molecular Weight: 152.23
Beilstein: 1907611

EC Number: 200-945-0
MDL number: MFCD00074738
Molecular Weight: 152.23 g/mol
XLogP3-AA: 2.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 1
Rotatable Bond Count: 0
Exact Mass: 152.120115130 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass: 152.120115130 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area: 17.1Ų

Heavy Atom Count: 11
Formal Charge: 0
Complexit: 217
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 2
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Appearance: White, waxy, crystalline solid.​
Odor: Strong, aromatic, and penetrating.
​Melting Point: 175-177°C.​
Boiling Point: 204°C.​
Density: Approximately 0.992 g/cm³.​
Vapor Pressure: 4 mm Hg at 70°C.
Solubility:
Water: Sparingly soluble (about 0.12 g/100 mL at 25°C).​
Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, chloroform, and acetic acid.​
Flash Point: 64°C (147.2°F).​
Refractive Index: 1.5462 (estimate).​

FIRST AID MEASURES of CAMPHOR:
-Description of first-aid measures:
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Immediately call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of CAMPHOR:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up with liquid-absorbent material.
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of CAMPHOR:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Use extinguishing measures that are appropriate to local circumstances and the surrounding environment.
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Suppress (knock down) gases/vapors/mists with a water spray jet. 
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of CAMPHOR:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection
Tightly fitting safety goggles
*Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Splash contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of CAMPHOR:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CAMPHOR:
-Reactivity:
No data available
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Conditions to avoid:
no information available