The genus Cinnamomum

Camphor Tree 235
To prevent bed-sores, it is advisable to make a strong solution of camphor in arrack
or brandy, and with this night and morning to bathe, for a few minutes, the parts
which, from continued pressure, are likely to become affected
(Watt, 1885).
The Lancet (31 May 1884) gives an account of a simple process of curing coryza by
the inhalation of camphor vapour through a paper tube, the whole face and head being
covered so as to secure the full action (Watt, 1885).
Camphor is esteemed as an analeptic in various cardiac depressions and has been used
in the past in the treatment of myocarditis. It has a calming influence in hysteria and
nervousness and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (dosage 2–5 grains) (Anon, 1950).
Camphor is extensively employed in external applications as a counter-irritant in the
treatment of muscular strains, rheumatic conditions and inflammations. In conjunction
with menthol or phenol it relieves itching of the skin, however, its application with
phenol may cause ulceration in the case of sensitive people.
Toxic doses taken internally result in convulsion usually accompanied with vertigo
and mental confusion, which may lead to delerium and sometimes to coma and
death due to respiratory failure (Anon, 1950). It is reported that camphor fumes
during the distilling process cause a continuous flow of tears from the eyes of
workers. Camphor poisoning has occurred in children and, with large doses, in
adults. The effects include a feeling of warmth, nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion,
excitement or occasionally depression, restlessness, delirium, hallucinations,
unconsciousness, convulsions and death by respiratory failure (Watt and Breyer
Brandwijk, 1962).
The Pharmacographia of India (Anon, 1966) has listed the following camphor
preparations:
Ammoniated camphor liniment:
Camphor – 125 g
Eucalyptus oil – 5 ml
Ammonia solution (strong) – 250 ml
Alcohol (90%) to make up – 1000 ml
Dissolve the camphor and Eucalyptus oil in 600 ml of alcohol (90%) and to this add
the ammonia solution and shake. Finally make up with alcohol to 1 l. Store in a glass
stoppered bottle.
Camphor liniment:
Camphor liniment contains 20.0% w/w of camphor.
Camphor 20 g. Arachis oil 800 g
Dissolve the camphor in oil in a closed vessel.
Camphor water
Camphor – 1 g
Alcohol (90%) – 2 ml
Pure water – 1000 ml
Dissolve the camphor in alcohol (90%) and then add the solution to water and shake
well until camphor is dissolved.