Side Effects Of Camphor
1. Lip Dryness
Camphor may cause the lips to over dry. It is otherwise used to treat various skin inflammations, but it can lead to acute lip dryness as well. The lip skin starts peeling and flaking. It needs medical guidance to treat lip dryness caused as an allergic reaction to camphor (1). Drug Interactions May interact with medications that may harm the liver. When To See A Doctor If you experience excessive vomiting, dizziness, respiratory issues, or seizures.
2. Rashes
Camphor leads to skin redness and rashes when overused. Red rashes develop all over the skin. Those rashes can be painful and itchy at times. It can be exceptionally tough to deal with the itching and pain caused due to such rashes at home (1).
3. Eczema
Eczema is another skin condition that can be a result of camphor side effects (2). Eczema is marked by excessive skin drying, swelling of the eye region and other soft facial tissues, pain, irritation, and flaking (1), (3). This is a severe skin condition that cannot be treated at home. It needs immediate medical attention for instantaneous and long-term relief. The one thing that you need to know is that camphor is not edible. It is strictly meant for external application. Thus, it is highly dangerous to apply camphor on broken and peeled skin. It is extremely toxic if ingested by any direct or indirect means.
4. Toxicity
Camphor is highly toxic for humans. Its small amounts too can lead to death in children and toxicity in adults (4). Camphor hepatotoxicity is a serious side-effect of camphor ingestion. It leads to liver damage and sudden death (5), (6).
5. Seizures
Camphor can cause acute chemical imbalance in the brain. This leads to seizures (4). This is a very serious side effect of camphor ingestion (1), (4), (5). This is the reason that you should be careful of using camphor in any form if you have epilepsyi Seizures or periods of abnormal behavior caused due to disturbed or abnormal nerve cell activity in the brain on facing triggers. .
6. Respiratory Problems
Camphor can also cause respiratory upset. This is an acute medical condition for children and infants suffering from respiratory disorders. Avoid the use of camphor completely on children who suffer from bronchitis or asthma. Camphor is highly dangerous for such children, as it causes chest congestion and sudden respiratory arrest (5).
7. Pregnant And Lactating Mothers
Camphor is highly dangerous for lactating mothers and pregnant ladies. It gets absorbed by the placentai A temporary organ composed of blood vessels that connects the fetus to the uterus during pregnancy and helps in the nourishment and protection of the fetus. and can cause neurological and physical damage to the fetus (7). It can easily get absorbed through skin cracks and reach for milk in lactating mothers. It leads to camphor hepatotoxicity in children and infants as already mentioned (5).
8. Parkinson’s Disease
Camphor is believed to be dangerous for people suffering from Parkinson’si A progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system causing uncontrollable movements like tremors due to low dopamine levels. disease. It may interfere with the medicine used in Parkinson’s and increase the toxicity level. It may turn out to be very poisonous in such cases. Though there are not enough studies to prove this claim, it is best to be careful as camphor toxicity may cause seizures, confusion, coma, tremors, headache, and neurological issues (8). Rare cases of camphor poisoning can cause convulsions, ataxia, severe nausea, and vomiting (4). Some people with a sensitive sense of smell might feel dizziness and nausea after inhaling fumes.
9. Scalp Issues
The application of camphor in the form of camphor oil is considered an amazing therapeutic therapy. However, it holds a prevalent danger too. Applying camphor on itchy, broken, and peeling scalp/skin is extremely risky. It can easily get absorbed through cracks on the scalp. This is one of the most dangerous camphor oil side effects that leads to further itching of scalp and skin, and camphor poisoning (9).
10. Chest Problems
Camphor can lead to discomfort or burning in the chest (10). It induces a feeling of tightness and fullness in and around the chest region. It may also lead to swelling of the affected area. Due to innumerable camphor benefits, it has conventionally been called a healing herb. But people have stayed ignorant of the severe side effects of camphor. It has as many side-effects as its uses. These negative effects can be dramatically reduced if you use it in the right quantity. But what is the right dosage? Let’s understand it in detail in the section below.
What’s The Right Dosage Of Camphor?
Here is a general overview of how to use camphor responsibly so that you can reap all its benefits and none of the side effects.
Topical Use: Anecdotal evidence suggests you may use a 3-11% ointment 1-3 times daily. However, it is always wise to consult a doctor for the right dose for your requirements. Nonetheless, children below 2 should avoid using it. Inhalation: When using camphor for steam inhalation or vapor rubs, make sure you get a formula that is pharmacological with clear dosage instructions mentioned. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Oral Use: Camphor is unsafe when ingested. So, its oral use should be avoided at all costs.
Do you still feel camphor is a safe herb for human use? Still have a few questions about the Camphor side effects? Share with us in the comments section! Is burning camphor good for health? Yes. Its healing properties and menthol-like smell helps alleviate stress and are good for health. How much camphor is toxic to humans? Camphor is a fatal toxic compound. Dosage of around 3-5 mL of 20% camphor oil or > 30 mg/Kg is toxic for humans (4). Does camphor purify the air? Yes. Camphor can kill germs and is an excellent way to purify the air. Is smelling camphor addictive? Yes. Smelling camphor is addictive and may lead to withdrawal symptoms (11). Concerned about camphor toxicity in children? Watch this informative video to learn about the dangers, symptoms, and prevention of camphor poisoning. Keep your little ones safe and informed!
