Name : Camphor
Method : Steam distillation and then processed into 3 fractions - white, brown and yellow. White camphor is the only one used in aromatherapy - the others are highly toxic.
Note Classification : Middle
Scent : Sharp, camphoraceous, nose-clearing, menthol
Colour :
White : colourless or pale-yellow ( lowest b.p. )
Brown : brownish
Yellow : yellowish or blue-green ( highest b.p. )
Species : Cinnamomum camphora. Family Lauraceae
Not to be confused with Borneo camphor ( borneol ) which is of a different botanical origin
Extracted From : Wood, root stumps, branches
Region : China, Japan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, California, India, Egypt, Madagascar, Southern Europe
By-products : Crude camphor is a white crystalline substance found in the wood of mature trees ( 50 years old )
Historical : Traditionally used to fight off infectious diseases - people used to wear lumps of camphor around the neck.
Of Interest :White camphor is mostly used in the production of celluloid and as a solvent in the paint and lacquer industry. Brown camphor is also used as a raw material for the production of safrol and cineol.
Aromatherapy Properties : Inhalant, nervous tension, bruises, burns, spots, ulcers, wounds, muscular aches, colds, fever, flu. Good insect repellent, esp. moths.
Blends Well With : frankincense
Chemical Analysis :
White : cineol, pinene, terpineol, menthol, thymol
Brown : safrol 80%, terpineol...
Yellow : safrol, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene alcohols
safrol is highly toxic
Safety Data : White camphor is relatively non-toxic but do not use in large doses. Brown camphor and yellow camphor are toxic and carcinogenic. Not to be used with homeopathic treatment.