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CAMPHOR. You will find camphor in all Novanica products. Here are some reasons why we use the oil from this plant.

Camphor oil is made by distilling the leaves, roots or stems of the Cinnamomum camphora tree. Camphor oil can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine. The camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) tree is a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Sumatra, Indonesia and Borneo). Camphor oil has many uses. It is used for its scent, for medicinal purposes, as an ingredient in cooking (mainly in India), as an embalming fluid and in religious ceremonies. Camphor is believed to be toxic to insects and is thus sometimes used as a repellent (used to make mothballs). In ancient and medieval Europe, camphor was used as an ingredient in sweets. Camphor is also used as an antimicrobial substance. In embalming, camphor oil was one of the ingredients used by ancient Egyptians for mummification. Solid camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating and is therefore stored in tool chests to protect tools against rust

Medicinal Uses : Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin, producing either a coolness or warmth sensation and acts as slight local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance. Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin (topical application) or inhaled. It’s used topically to increase local blood flow and as a “counterirritant,” which reduces pain and swelling by causing irritation. Some people use camphor topically to treat respiratory tract diseases and to treat heart disease symptoms. Camphor is also used topically as an eardrop, and for treating minor burns. Some people inhale camphor to reduce the urge to cough. Some people use camphor topically to relieve pain and reduce itching. It has also been used to treat fungal infections of the toenail, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, and osteoarthritis. It’s unsafe to take camphor by mouth.