MEDICINAL PLANTS

The camphor tree is an ancient tree in the family of the Lauraceae. The oldest specimens of this beautiful tree can grow to over 40 m. High and up to 3 m. Perimeter. The bark is smooth, grayish brown in color, the leaves are arranged alternately and are persistent, thick, entire and slightly marked venation, flowers are small, hermaphrodite, greenish yellow and meet peaks in panicles. The fruit is a berry that contains an oily seed. This tree grows a lot in Japan, China and Taiwan.

FLOWERING

The camphor tree blooms between April and June, varying widely depending on the area where you are. Harvesting for medicinal purposes concerned with the central log, as it passes through the area where camphor, as we now see.

APPLICATIONS

The camphor-also called "camphor of Japan tends to collect in the central wood as the tree ages. It is estimated that by the forty years the tree can yield 3% camphor. This camphor-and by certain chemical processes, this yields the essence of camphor, which is actually used medicinally since the camphor has been displaced by synthetic camphor, made from turpentine. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin, lung and gastrointestinal mucosa and the subcutaneous tissue. It is a substance with strong action rubefaciente and used as a counterirritant through external, because it causes cutaneous vasodilation and provides warmth. Is usually included in the formulation of rubefacients liniments and ointments applied to the skin to relieve pain in adjacent muscles and joints. It also applies in rhinologist prepared as nasal decongestant. Another virtue is that camphor is a substance stimulating the bulbar centers, particularly the respiratory center, although not used clinically as such. Camphor poisoning may result if used accidentally, you can detect whether there has been poisoning the residual odor of camphor that appears in the breath. Furthermore, because the central nervous system stimulation with high doses of analeptic substance, causes a severe headache, confusion, delirium and, in some cases, hallucinations.

ADMINISTRATION

Camphor is included in many formulations and commercial preparations, mainly for their power rubefaciente. It also appears in nasal preparations for their decongestant effect and soothing formulas used in the percutaneous treatment of diseases of the upper airway. But in any case should be left advised by specialist staff, ie doctors and pharmacists.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Lauraceae
HABITAT: Taiwan, Japan and China
FLOWERING: None
PART USED: Central log

USES

Moderate rubefacient, Moderate inflammatory, Vasodilator Leve.