Clean and bright, white Camphor oil is such a powerful healing agent, only a tiny amount is needed for best effect. Just as an FYI, the brown, blue, and yellow fraction produced in extraction are toxic to humans. Only white Camphor oil is used for medicinal purposes and is perfectly placed in topical and aromatic preparations.
Understanding this miracle of nature and respecting its potency leaves one awe-struck at what an apothecary nature is for our ailments. Let's get to know more about the amazing Camphor tree and its properties.
Ancient Roots of Camphor
Endemic to the southern parts of China and Japan, the majestic Camphor tree is also native to Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam. It has been introduced to other countries all over the world and in some instances fits in without ill effect and in others, is considered an alien invasive species.
Camphor trees are fast-growing, which is just as well, seeing that a tree needs to have ‘provided shade’, as it were, for at least 50 years before its oils can be harvested from the bark. Hence the cheeky ‘50 shades’ header! Some magnificent Camphor tree varieties in the east are from 1,500 - 2000 years old! More recently, ways of extracting it’s healing properties from the leaves is preferred and can start earlier in the life-span of the tree and from which its recovery and regeneration rate is faster.
Originally extracted from the wood of the Cinnamomum camphora tree as far back as the 14th century, camphor was used for embalming and disinfecting purposes. It’s disinfectant properties still make it a key ingredient in fumigations and sprays against plagues, pestilences, and viral infections. Look out COVID -19!
In their homelands, the Camphor tree has long been used for making wooden furniture, ships, and temples. With its pungent aroma and insect repellent properties, make it desirable indeed.
Click on habitat naturalist, Geoff Parks’ three-minute video to get the feel of the Camphor tree a.k.a. Cinnamomum camphora, which found its way to Florida in the USA.
‘Fifty Shades’ of Camphor in Healing Today
Anti-Inflammatory - The camphor in Supersalve all-care herbal balm is one of its seven potent ingredients responsible for providing both topical and deep tissue inflammation, skin irritation, and rashes.
Muscle and joint pain are wonderfully relieved by the cooling effect of camphor.
Anti-fungal - Camphor is known to inhibit fungal growth, especially nail fungus because of it antiseptic and anti-fungal properties
Anti-bacterial - As one of its ‘fifty shades’ of use, camphor’s anti-bacterial properties find it used in a whole range of skin treatment products as well as in the cosmetic industry.
Pain Relief - Deep joint and spinal pain is relieved by massaging Supersalve all-care herbal balm into the site. Arthritic pain and gout specifically, have been immensely soothed thanks to the camphor in this ‘miracle’ product.
Soothes Burns - In an almost miraculous way, not only does the camphor in Supersalve all-care herbal balm soothe, clean, and repair damaged skin, it works to reduce scarring too.
Acne Treatment - Without a doubt, acne is relieved by the camphor and other potent herbs found in Supersalve all-care herbal balm. It keeps affected areas calm, reducing inflammation and wards off bacterial infection.
Eczema treatment - Safe from children to the elderly, camphor is found in many topical creams and ointments for their ability to provide relief.
Cracked Heel Remedy - The camphor plus other ingredients in Supersalve all-care herbal balm, applied regularly to clean feet, softens cracked heels.
Muscle spasms - The deep penetration achieved when massaging Supersalve all-care herbal balm allows the camphor to ease cramping and stiffness.
The bottom line is that Supersalve all-care herbal balm consists of a perfect balance of ten phenomenal ingredients that multiply the healing benefits. The camphor, in the ointment and creams, soothes the ‘stressed Eric’s’ among us, inducing calm and sleepiness while easing body pains of all sorts.
Take up the challenge and try SUPERSALVE all-care herbal balm – the mother of all topical herbal creams and ointment-balms.
NB: All SUPERSALVE products are completely free from petrochemicals, parabens and phthalates, and are safe for the whole family, from babies to the elderly and everything in between!