Description

Evergreen tree growing to 100 ft (30 m). Produces red leaves that turn dark green as they mature, small fragrant yellowish flowers, and oval red berries.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to China and Japan, this tree is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions for its wood, from which camphor oil is derived.

Parts Used

Stems, root, wood, leaves, twigs, volatile oil.

Constituents

The plant contains a volatile oil comprising camphor, safrole, eugenol, and terpineol. It also contains lignans. Camphor is irritant and antiseptic; safrole is thought to be carcinogenic. A white crystalline substance derived from the stems, root, and other parts of the tree, also called camphor, has powerful antiseptic, stimulant, and antispasmodic properties.

History & Folklore

In the 13th century, Marco Polo noted that camphor oil was highly valued by the Chinese as a medicine, scent, and embalming fluid.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Camphor is most commonly applied externally as a counter-irritant and analgesic liniment to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pains, neuralgia, and back pain. It may be applied to skin problems, such as cold sores and chilblains, and used as a chest rub for bronchitis and other chest infections. Though the oil has been taken for various complaints, internal use is not advised.

Related Species

See also cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.).

Cautions

Do not take internally. Camphor oil is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.