Cinnamomum camphora – purified plant powder

Native to East Asia, the camphor tree is an evergreen whose wood is distilled to extract camphor essential oil. The powder obtained by crystallization is then reduced for easy use in cosmetics, natural incense, or homemade formulas.

Description

White, fine, volatile crystalline powder. Very intense, fresh, minty, and balsamic odor. Immediate cooling sensation on contact.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Camphor, natural camphor, vegetable camphor
• Latin name: Cinnamomum camphora
• Family: Lauraceae
• Part used: Wood (oil distilled then crystallized)
• Form: Crystallized powder
• Origin: China, Japan, Taiwan
• English name: Natural camphor powder
• Name in German: Kampferpulver
• Name in Spanish: Alcanfor natural en polvo
• Name in Italian: Canfora in polvere
• Name in Arabic: كافور طبيعي (Kāfūr Ṭabīʿī)

Main virtues

Natural camphor is traditionally used for its purifying, refreshing, and aromatic properties. It is used in ointments, balms, deodorizing powders, and incense blends. In cosmetics, it is often used in spot treatments or natural hygiene products.

Main constituents

Natural camphor (C10H16O), terpenes, traces of alpha-pinene, limonene, safrol according to extraction.

Use and dosage

• Cosmetic: dilute in an oily carrier or balm (dosage 1 to 2%).
• Ambiance: burn on charcoal to purify the air.
• External use: as a poultice or prepared ointment (never pure).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not ingest. For external use only.
• Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Store away from heat, flames and direct light sources.

History and origin

Camphor is mentioned in many Eastern medicinal treatises, particularly in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It was used for its cleansing and toning effects. In the West, it was incorporated into popular balms and liniments as early as the Middle Ages, particularly for its aromatic and refreshing properties.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: airtight, opaque container, away from heat.
• Packaging: sealed jar, foil bag, tinted glass bottle.
• Appearance: White crystalline powder.
• Odor: camphoraceous, fresh and penetrating.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Asian corpus of traditional pharmacopoeia
• Ancient Aromatherapy Manuals
• European herbalism texts

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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