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Overview: Camphor is a substance that comes from the camphor tree (Camphora officinarum). It can be toxic when taken by mouth, but products that contain diluted camphor are generally safe to inhale or apply to the skin. Ointments, creams, and patches that contain camphor are often used to help relieve mild pain, burning, or itching. Inhaling camphor from ointments or vaporizers can help relieve a cough. Common side effects may include mild tingling or irritation. Before using camphor, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is camphor used for?

Products that contain camphor are commonly applied to the skin to relieve mild pain, burning, or itching. Camphor is also used to help relieve cough, often by applying it to the chest or by adding it to a vaporizer.

Although camphor may also be used for other reasons, its benefits for other uses are not well defined.

The uses of camphor will vary depending on the specific product used. Camphor may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed camphor essential oils for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy here.

How does camphor work (mechanism of action)?

Camphor is a white substance that comes from the bark of the camphor tree (Camphora officinarum; Cinnamomum camphora). This substance, which can also be made in a lab, is dissolved in alcohol or oil and added to patches, ointments, creams, or essential oils. Camphor is known for its strong and distinct smell. However, it is often combined with other ingredients, such as menthol and eucalyptus oil, which also have strong and distinct smells.

When ointments or patches that contain a small amount of camphor (0.1% to 3%) are applied to the skin, they can provide short-term relief from mild pain, burning, or itching. This relief usually comes from the cooling sensation caused by camphor, which helps distract from discomfort.

When camphor is inhaled, it can help suppress your cough reflex for a short time. Camphor can be inhaled in various forms, including an ointment rubbed onto the throat and chest or liquid camphor added to a vaporizer. Many of these products also contain other ingredients that can help relax your lungs and throat when inhaled.

How is camphor supplied (dosage forms)?

Camphor is available over the counter in various strengths and dosage forms, including patches, creams, ointments, liquids, and as an essential oil.

How should I store camphor?

Storage requirements may vary by product. Most camphor products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. Check the product label for specific instructions on how to store your product.

Camphor liquids that contain alcohol (such as camphor liquids for use in vaporizers) are flammable and should be kept away from sparks, direct heat, or flames. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of camphor?

The most common side effects of camphor are mild tingling or irritation. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of camphor that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of camphor?

While less common, the most serious side effects of camphor are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Camphor may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using camphor and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Pure camphor can cause skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, and burns. The small amounts of camphor in most creams, patches, and ointments are unlikely to cause any skin reactions. However, some people may have a skin reaction caused by an allergy to camphor (contact dermatitis) or other ingredients in the product. If you have a skin reaction, stop using products that contain camphor and contact your health care provider.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use camphor?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use camphor.

  • Camphor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific camphor products they stock.

What should I know about camphor before using it?

Camphor should not be taken by mouth. It can be poisonous when swallowed. If you accidentally take camphor by mouth, get medical treatment or call a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222 right away. 

Pure camphor can cause serious irritation or damage when inhaled or applied to the skin. But products that contain lower amounts of camphor are generally safe for use. Creams, patches, or ointments that contain no more than 11% camphor can be applied to the skin. Liquids or essential oils that contain camphor should be diluted in water or oil before use, usually down to a concentration of 0.5% to 5%. 

Keep camphor out of the reach of children. Children under 2 years of age may be at increased risk for serious side effects from camphor. Before using camphor for your child, talk to your health care provider about the possible risks.

Do not heat any camphor-containing products in the microwave or add them to hot water. When camphor is heated, it may splatter and cause burns.

Camphor is available in multiple forms. Read and follow the instructions that came with the product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider. 

Camphor creams, patches, and ointments should be applied to the skin away from your face and mouth. Do not take these products by mouth or place them in your nostrils. If you are applying camphor ointment to the skin to help relieve a cough, apply a thick layer to the chest and throat and gently rub it in. You may cover the ointment with a warm, dry cloth. Do not apply the ointment more than three times daily unless directed by your health care provider.

If you are adding camphor liquid to a steam vaporizer, follow the instructions on the product label closely. It is also important to follow the instructions that come with your vaporizer. Each vaporizer is different and may have unique instructions for use. When using a vaporizer, keep a safe distance and don’t get too close to the steam. Read and follow the product instructions carefully. Do not inhale camphor steam more than three times daily unless directed by your health care provider.

Camphor should only be used for short-term symptom relief. If your symptoms get worse or last more than seven days, stop using camphor and speak to a health care provider.

Most topical products that contain camphor are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. However, unregulated products may be available for purchase online. Some of these products contain large amounts of camphor and have caused serious side effects, such as seizures or burns. Avoid any products that are sold online that do not have a Drug Facts Label.

The FDA has not tested camphor essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using camphor?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if camphor is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergic Conditions or Sensitive Skin. Camphor can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin or those who have a history of allergic reactions (atopy). Before using camphor, talk to your health care provider if you have any of these conditions.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how camphor could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if camphor passes into breast milk. But camphor may be harmful to infants. Do not use camphor on skin that infants may come into contact with, and wash your hands before touching an infant’s skin. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does camphor interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between camphor and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect camphor.

Does camphor interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with camphor. Always check with your health care provider.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much camphor?

If you or someone else has used too much camphor, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of camphor?

Camphor is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.