Camphor is used for many purposes such as cough. There are also some side effects detected for camphor use. Using camphor moderately and having knowledge about the severe consequences of it will make you to utilize the maximum benefits of it.
Dry Lips You can observe flaking and peeling of the lips due to camphor, although it is used extensively for skin inflammations.
Rashes If camphor is used extensively, it can lead to skin redness and rashes. Sometimes, the rashes are itchy and painful such that they become difficult to be managed easily at home.
Toxicity Camphor causes toxicity and can lead to the death of an individual. Hepatotoxicity of camphor ingestion is a severe side effect that can result in either the liver damage or sudden death.
Eczema is the side effect of camphor, which is a skin problem. Excessive drying of skin, swelling in the facial tissues and of the eye region, flaking of skin, irritation and pain are some of the signs of eczema. As camphor is not edible and can be applied only topically, it should not be applied on the broken or peeled skin.
Respiratory Problems Camphor can lead to breathing problems. It is safe to avoid using camphor by the children suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Camphor might be highly dangerous and can cause sudden respiratory arrest and congestion of chest.
Parkinson’s Disease Camphor is not good for the people suffering from Parkinson’s disease as it interacts with the medicine used for treating this condition. Hence, the result is increase in toxicity.
Pregnant and Lactating Women Camphor is dangerous for pregnant and lactating women. The fetus can get damaged neurologically and physically by the camphor that is absorbed by the placenta. Camphor can enter into milk of lactating mothers through the skin cracks. It can cause hepatotoxicity in children.
Chest Problems Camphor induces fullness and tight feeling in the chest leading to discomfort. It can create swelling in that area and is fatal when used in large doses.
Scalp Problems Camphor oil is a therapeutic advantage although it is risky to apply camphor on the peeling, itchy and broken scalp. Camphor gets absorbed into the scalp through the cracks. Itching of scalp is a dangerous adverse effect of camphor oil.
So is very dangerous, what should I use then? There are available way or make alternative herbal liniment for muscle pain?
Herbal liniments have traditionally been used as a natural means for relieving muscle and joint aches, sprains and bruises. These topical preparations are typically made using warming, stimulating herbs such as cayenne and ginger. Vinegar, oil, rubbing alcohol or a grain alcohol like gin or vodka are usually used as a base.
An alcohol-based liniment enhances the cooling qualities of a liniment, quickly evaporating and leaving the herbal properties to penetrate into the skin. Not only will an oil-based liniment stay on the skin much longer, it will also warm the area.
- 1/2 oz. cayenne pepper
- 1 oz. goldenseal, powdered
- 1 oz. echinacea root, powdered
- 2 oz. myrrh, powdered
- 2 pints rubbing alcohol
- Unbleached cheesecloth or muslin
- Labels and marker
- 1 oz. Jojoba or other Carrier Oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 5 drops peppermint Essential Oil
- 3 drops cinnamon Essential Oil
- 3 drops ginger Essential Oil
Make an Alcohol-Based Herbal Liniment
Mix all the herbs together in a jar. Pour in the rubbing alcohol. Seal the jar and place it in a warm, dark area such as a cabinet. Alternatively, place it in a paper bag.
Leave the liniment to stand for 7 to 10 days, shaking well at least once each day. Strain out the ground herbs with the cheesecloth. Squeeze the herb material to get out as much of the liquid as possible. Pour the preparation into an airtight container. Label your jar with the warning: “For External Use Only.”
When you apply your liniment, you can enhance the warming effect by covering the application area with a warmed towel.
Make an oil-based Herbal Liniment
Mix all the ingredients together in a jar. Cover and let stand for 3 days.
- Shake well at least once each day.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
For increased potency, leave the herbal preparation “set” for up to 8 weeks.
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