Camphor is distinctive and powerful - cleanse the sinus and nasal passage
The Origins Of Camphor Essential Oil
Extracted from the Cinnamomum camphora of the Lauraceae family, Camphor is an excellent oil an aromatherapy, clearing the nasal passage. The camphor tree grows up to 35 meters (over 100ft!) in height, with many of the oil producing trees in excess of 50 years old.
Extraction
Steam distillation of the chipped wood and branches
INCI
Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) Bark Oil
Aromatherapy Uses
Camphor was traditionally worn around the neck to ward off evil spirits, infectious diseases and to strengthen the heart. Used sparingly it is used in massage for softening aching and tight muscles and relieving a stiff neck.
Add a few drops of Camphor Essential Oil to a cotton ball or piece of tissue and place in the hem of a curtain, blinds or window opening to repel insects, flies and moths.
Skin Uses
Tightens and cleanses the skin.
Hair Uses
Good for freshening hair in scent
Therapeutic Properties
Camphor essential oil has traditionally been associated with relieving minor sprains and soothing stiff necks.
Basil Blends well with
Angelica, Bergamot, Birch, Cardamom, Clove, Geranium, Immortelle, Lavender, Myrtle, Niouli, Nutmeg, Rose, Rosewood, Thyme
Precautions
A powerful oil, very stimulating. Overdosing could cause convulsions and vomiting. Should be avoided in pregnancy and by people suffering from epilepsy and asthma.
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.