Camphor

Camphor oil is not dissolved camphor. Crude oil from Cinnamomum camphora is fractionated, and the camphor itself crystallises out. The light fraction that remains, traded as white camphor, is led by 1,8-cineole and monoterpenes, and the constituents of this oil correspond to that fraction.

01 · Origin

Cinnamomum camphora is a large evergreen of the laurel family, Lauraceae, native to China, Japan and Taiwan. The species forms several chemotypes, among them the linalool-rich ho wood and the cineole-rich type grown in Madagascar as ravintsara. This oil is distilled in China from the wood.

02 · Chemistry

1,8-cineole leads. Limonene, alpha-pinene and para-cymene follow. The darker brown and yellow fractions of crude camphor oil, which are rich in safrole, have no place in aromatherapy practice.

03 · In Practice

Sharp, clean and penetrating, camphoraceous with a cool, woody note. Kept to diffusion, wardrobe and drawer sachets, and occasional massage blends at low dilution. Not suited to blends for infants or young children. Blends with rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, cedarwood, basil and cajeput.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.