Camphor oil has a variety of uses. It has anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source and is often an ingredient in vapor rubs, liniments, and balms. Many people use it to relieve irritation, itching, and pain. As an ingredient in different products, it can also help ease inflammatory conditions and chest congestion. In addition, camphor oil is popular in cooking, predominantly in India.
One studyTrusted Source in mice found that Cinnamomum camphora leaves alleviated pathologic systems of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, and helped in treatment.
Camphor oil is a common ingredient in pain relief medications, including topical analgesics. It may help treat muscle aches and pains, while stimulating circulation, by interacting with receptors on the sensory nerves.
Essential oils may help treatTrusted Source headaches, including migraine headaches. Those that contribute to a calming atmosphere may also promote sleep.
Camphor oil is popular in aromatherapy, as it helps relieve respiratory congestion. It also has antitussive properties that can help ease coughs in children and adults.
A study from 2015 investigated whether camphor oil and coconut oil could help in caring for superficial burns. The researchers analyzed data from 2,000 people over 14 years.
A 2018 study in mice tested whether white camphor oil had antitumor activity. The results indicated that the essential oil could stimulate immune cell-dependent regression of skin tumors in the animal model.