What is Camphor Oil?

Camphor Oil is the steam-distilled essential oil of Cinnamomum camphora, in the Lauraceae family,. It is drawn from the wood and bark of the plant. It comes from the camphor tree, also called the camphor laurel.

About the oil

Camphor oil is distilled from the wood and bark of Cinnamomum camphora, the camphor tree, a large evergreen in the laurel family. Distillation yields several fractions; white camphor is the fraction most commonly sold. The oil's primary constituent is camphor, a crystalline bicyclic ketone with an unmistakable sharp, medicinal scent that has been recognized for centuries.

Camphor has a long documented history in traditional preparations across Asia and in older Western pharmacy. It is a hazardous-material product and is handled accordingly.

Aroma and character

The aroma of camphor oil is sharp, intensely camphoraceous, and penetrating.

Camphor Oil: form and size

We carry Camphor Oil bottled as a single, unblended essential oil in a 1 fl oz bottle.

Safety and handling: hazardous material

Camphor oil is neurotoxic and has been linked to seizures, with multiple documented deaths from accidental ingestion, particularly in children. It must never be taken internally, never used on or around children, never applied to the face, nose, or broken skin, and never used during pregnancy or by anyone with a seizure disorder. Any external adult use should be heavily diluted and brief. Keep tightly sealed and locked out of reach of children and pets.

Camphor Oil at a glance

Botanical name

Cinnamomum camphora

Family

Lauraceae

Plant part

wood and bark

Extraction

Steam-distilled

Handling

Hazardous material; external adult use only

Aroma

sharp, camphoraceous

Size

1 fl oz bottle