Ingredient Spotlight: Camphor
What is Camphor Oil and What is it Used for?
The Camphor Tree is of the same family as the Bay Tree, Lauraceae of the plant kingdom. It is a slow-growing tree that can grow over 100’ tall, with broad, evergreen leaves. Although the tree originated in Mesopotamia, it can now be found in the Americas and Australia, too. Camphor has a history that dates back to ancient human medical and cultural practices. It’s even mentioned in religious texts and was used in ancient Persia for embalming. Because the Camphor wood also has many of the same powerful qualities as the essential oil itself--including being very distasteful to insects--it was a prized wood for building ships, chests, and storage compartments for important documents.
In the case of Camphor oil, ancient wisdom has, in fact, been confirmed by modern science. The strong “menthol” scent of the Camphor plant’s oils actually belies a complex mix of naturally-occurring organic components. Some of these components have been studied individually for properties including fighting bacteria, viruses, fungus, and even cancer. They are:
- A/B-pine
- Cineole
- Camphene
- Cinnamaldehyde
- Eugenol
- Geraniol
- Kaemferol
- Linalool
- Limonene
- Methyl cinnamate
- Piperitone
- Phellandrene
- Sabinene
Along with known anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds, Camphor also has a soothing, “cool” note and is the reason Camphor has been used since ancient times as a salve for sore muscles and joints. In its pure essential oil form Camphor is quite strong and any topical use should be preceded by a patch test, and should only be used externally.
Camphor Essential Oil for Skin and Hair
Take advantage of Camphor’s soothing, cooling properties by mixing ¼ tsp camphor with 2 oz therapeutic carrier oil like Shea butter or Coconut oil. As a hair treatment, use this Camphor mix as a scalp treatment to fight irritated skin and the fungus that can lead to dandruff. Traditionally, Camphor is also used as a soothing post-bug-bite balm. Finally, mixing Camphor with a massage oil will help sore muscles relax and temporarily release built up tightness and tension.
Why Camphor Oil for Your Private Label?
Because it’s a well-known ingredient, it’s very likely that customers interested in essential oils or products that incorporate these healing botanical oils are already searching for Camphor! Because of its long use in traditional folk remedies across many cultures, Camphor oil is widely available. However, this has also meant that there is a lot of cheap, adulterated product on the market. By utilizing Rainshadow Labs for your Private Label needs you effectively avoid any cheap, adulterated product and set your brand apart thanks to our responsible sourcing policy and the guaranteed quality and purity of our ingredients. Curious to learn more about our private label process? Read more! Otherwise, shop our White Camphor essential oil now.