Spirit of camphor can be applied as a lotion and used as a counter-irritant.
Spirit of camphor is otherwise known as gum camphor, laurel camphor or simply camphor. Spirit of camphor is available as camphora and synthetic tablets. Spirit of camphor is made up of white translucent crystals that have a penetrating aromatic odor and a shelf life of up to five years. Spirit of camphor has a number of uses, including uses as a rubefacient, as a counter-irritant and as a surface anesthetic in dermatology when used in the form of a lotion.
Dentistry
Spirit of camphor is useful to dentists when their patients require a procedure, such as on a root canal. When the root canal becomes infected, the antibacterial used by the dentist may contain camphor. It is mixed with parachlorophenol, with camphor making up 65 percent of the substance and parachlorophenol making up 35 percent of the substance. It may also be used in dentistry to treat periapical infections.
Skin Indications
Spirit of camphor may be used as a rubefacient, which is applied to the skin for the purpose of relieving pain. It may relieve muscular pain when mixed with an alcohol solution and applied to the skin. Spirit of camphor may be applied to the skin and used as an analgesic or a counter-irritant when used in liniments. It works as a counter-irritant in neuralgia and fibrosis. It may also work as a counter-irritant for similar conditions. Camphor may be used in dermatology in the form of a lotion to work as a skin anesthetic and an anti-pruritic.
Other Uses
It is also used as an additive to plasticize ethers and cellulose esters. Camphor can be used in the manufacturing of cymene and plastics, particularly celluloid plastics. It is found in lacquers, varnishes, explosives and pyrotechnics. Spirit of camphor is also used as a moth repellent and as a preservative when used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Spirit of camphor has been used as a carminative, a nose ointment for colds, an expectorant for abdominal discomfort and as a stimulant for the circulatory and respiratory system, though internal usage may be dangerous.
Dangers
Internal use of camphor is highly discouraged due to the possibility poisoning. It can also be harmful to young children if it is used as a nose ointment for infants. Spirit of camphor may be dangerous as a vapor and flammable if it comes in contact with a high amount of heat. Intake of camphor can be toxic and it can lead to a post-convulsive coma or even death.
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