Post by Gaz on Sept 12, 2017 9:36:29 GMT 10
CAMPHOR & MENTHOL Essential Oils
CAMPHOR
Other Names:
Alcanfor, Arbre à Camphre, Camphor Tree, Camphora, Camphora Officinarum, Camphre, Camphre de Laurier, Camphre Gomme, Camphrier, Cemphire, Cinnamomum Camphora, dl-Camphor, dl-Camphre, Gum Camphor, Kapur, Karpoora, Karpuram, Laurel Camphor.
Camphor used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Today, camphor is chemically manufactured from turpentine oil. It is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.
Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin (topical application) or inhaled. Be sure to read the label to find out how the product should be administered.
People use camphor topically to relieve pain and reduce itching. It has also been used to treat fungal infections of the toenail, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, and osteoarthritis.
Camphor is used topically to increase local blood flow and as a “counterirritant,” which reduces pain and swelling by causing irritation. It is important not to apply camphor to broken skin, because it can enter the body quickly and reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning.
Some people use camphor topically to treat respiratory tract diseases and to treat heart disease symptoms. Camphor is also used topically as an eardrop, and for treating minor burns.
Some people inhale camphor to reduce the urge to cough.
Although it is an UNSAFE practice, some people take camphor by mouth to help them cough up phlegm, for treating respiratory tract infections, and for intestinal gas (flatulence). Experts warn against doing this because, when ingested, camphor can cause serious side effects, even death.
Camphor is a well-established folk remedy, and is commonly used. Camphorated oil (20% camphor in cottonseed oil) was removed from the U.S. market in the 1980s because of safety concerns. It continues to be available without a prescription in Canada.
How does it work?
Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails.
Cough.Camphor is FDA-approved as a chest rub in concentrations less than 11%.
• Pain. Camphor is FDA-approved for use on the skin as a painkiller in concentrations of 3% to 11%. It is in many rub-on products for cold sores, insect stings and bites, minor burns, and hemorrhoids.
• Skin itching or irritation. Camphor is FDA-approved for use on the skin to help itching or irritation in concentrations of 3% to 11%.
Osteoarthritis. A rub-on cream containing camphor, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate seems to reduce the severity of symptoms of osteoarthritis by about half. Researchers believe it is probably the camphor, not the other ingredients, that relieves the symptoms.
• Toenail fungus (onychomycosis). Preliminary research suggests that camphor, in combination with lemon eucalyptus oil and menthol, applied to the toenail area, might be useful for treating toe nail fungus. Applying chest rub products containing camphor such as Vicks VapoRub to affected toenails daily until the infected nail grows out appears to clear fungal nail infections in some people.
• Low blood pressure after standing up. Early resrach suggests that taking a specific product containing camphor and hawthorn (Korodin-Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen) by mouth helps prevent big drops in blood pressure upon standing. However, it is not clear if taking camphor alone provides the same benefits, and this product is not available in the US.
• Warts.
• Hemorrhoids., and other conditions.
CAMPHOR Side Effects & Safety
Camphor is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when applied to the skin in a cream or lotion in low concentrations. Camphor can cause some minor side effects such as skin redness and irritation. Do not use undiluted camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Camphor is also LIKELY SAFE for most adults when inhaled as vapor in small amounts as a part of aromatherapy. Don't use more than 1 tablespoon camphor solution per quart of water.
Do not heat camphor-containing products (Vicks VapoRub, BenGay, Heet, many others) in the microwave. The product can explode and cause severe burns.
Camphor is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in higher concentrations for a short time.
Camphor-containing products are LIKELY UNSAFE when applied to broken or injured skin. Camphor is easily absorbed through broken skin and can reach toxic levels in the body.
Camphor is UNSAFE when taken by mouth by adults. Ingesting camphor can cause severe side effects, including death. The first symptoms of camphor toxicity occur quickly (within 5 to 90 minutes), and can include burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking camphor by mouth is UNSAFE during pregnancy or breast-feeding. The safety of applying camphor to the skin during pregnancy or breast-feeding is unknown. Do not risk your health or your baby’s. Avoid using camphor during pregnancy.
Children: Camphor is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in children when applied to the skin. Children tend to be more sensitive to the side effects. Camphor is definitely UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Seizures and death can occur if these products are eaten. Keep camphor-containing products away from children.
Liver disease: Taking camphor by mouth or applying it to the skin have been linked to potential liver damage. In theory, using camphor might make liver disease worse.
CAMPHOR Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
• For pruritis and pain: A 3% to 11% ointment is typically used three to four times daily.
• For cough: A thick layer of 4.7% to 5.3% camphor ointment is applied to the throat and chest. The area may be covered with a warm, dry cloth or left uncovered.
• For osteoarthritis: A topical cream containing camphor (32 mg/g), glucosamine sulfate (30 mg/g), and chondroitin sulfate (50 mg/g) as needed on sore joints for up to 8 weeks.
INHALATION:
• One tablespoon of solution per quart of water is placed directly into a hot steam vaporizer, bowl, or washbasin. Sometimes 1.5 teaspoons of solution are added to a pint of water and boiled. The medicated vapors are breathed. This inhalation may be repeated up to three times a day.
Menthol
Description
Menthol is an organic compound that is extracted from peppermint and other mints. It is synthetically made and it has a waxy, crystal like appearance in its natural state. It remains solid in room temperature and melts slightly above room temperature.
There are many uses for menthol and the most common one is its use as a local anesthetic and to relieve minor throat irritation and provide relief in upper respiratory infections.
The special biological property of menthol to trigger a cold feeling on the surface of the skin as well as a cool sensation when inhaled or eaten is one of menthol’s unique capabilities.
History and Origin
Menthol is a well known organic compound and has been used in many industries all around the world. The peppermint essential oil, where menthol is extracted, is where menthol derives its special pungent but refreshing aroma and flavor. It has many health benefits making it widely used everywhere.
Ancient Uses
Menthol was nonexistent during ancient times but the plant where menthol is derived, peppermint, has been used by many ancient cultures in treating symptoms of colds, cough and upper respiratory illnesses. Chewing leaves unlocks the refreshing aroma of peppermint making it an effective treatment for bad breath and sore throat. It was also used as a poultice for wounds, boils, burns and cuts.
Modern Uses
During modern times the benefits of menthol has been used in many therapies. Menthol is known to relieve sore throat and cough. Menthol drops and some cough medicines have menthol ingredients that can effectively stop dry cough and irritating cough. There are also menthol drops and lozenges that can easily relieve sore throat and dry itchy throat.
As a topical analgesic, menthol is very effective in relieving both itchiness and muscle pain, aches and muscle cramps. Menthol is a main ingredient in creams and emollients used for these purposes. Balms made of menthol are also great in relieving tension headaches, as a rub to treat nausea and vomiting and to counter vertigo.
As a decongestant, menthol is a main ingredient of cough preparations to relive nasal congestion. It is also a common ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes to treat bad breath; menthol also has astringent and antibacterial properties that inhibit bacterial growth in the oral cavity.
Menthol is also an effective topical analgesic and is a main ingredient in preparations to relieve muscle cramps, lessen pain from sprains and skin irritation and headaches as well. Painful sunburn can also be treated with salves made of menthol.
Side Effects
Menthol has a very low toxicity level when accidentally ingested. It is important though not to use mentholated creams and balms on very young children or infants since it may cause fainting. There are no reported side effects of menthol and it is considered safe by many governing bodies. Menthol can be used even when pregnant and breastfeeding. If you want to use preparations that contain menthol for your illness or ailment, consult your doctor first before using any such medication. Never self medicate especially with herbal remedies before first talking with a herbalist or naturopathic doctor.
Camphor/Menthol (On the skin)
Camphor (KAM-for), Menthol (MEN-thol)
Published: September 1, 2017.
Treats minor aches and pains in muscles and joints due to arthritis, backache, strains, or sprains.
Brand Name(s)
Arctic Relief, Arthricare, Camphotrex, DermaSarra, Freeze It, Freeze It Feet, Freeze It Xtreme, Men-Phor, Mentholatum, Migranow, Sarna, Soltice Quick-Rub, Sombra, Sombra Natural Pain Relieving, Sore No More
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to menthol or camphor.
How to Use This Medicine
Cream, Stick, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Ointment
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not use this medicine with a heating pad or device unless your doctor tells you to.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
• Keep all medicine away from children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.
Warnings While Using This Medicine
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have sensitive skin.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
• Skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
• Return of your symptoms a few days after they have cleared up.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.